Science Fair Unlocks Curiosity: Opens Doors to the Wonders of Science
Objective
In celebration of National Science Day which falls on February 28th every year, HMF organises a two-day residential Science Fair for children in grade 5 to grade 9 of schools affiliated with the Rural Science Centre. This event is organized on behalf of the Centre, with a vision that every student embraces the spirit of scientific inquiry. The fair provides a platform for learning and exploration in the realm of science.
How it operates
HMF collaborates with the Pune-based NGOs FCL and Vigyan Vahini, which support the several activities of the Rural Science Centre.
Activities conducted
Science experiment presentations by students. E.g. the demonstrating a model of the launch of Chandrayaan III
Sky gazing
Bird-watching excursions
Lectures from distinguished speakers on wonders of science, inventions, and education.
E.g. understanding snake behaviour, demonstrations on farming methods (including grafting), informative presentations/ experience sharing on places of geographical importance (such as Antarctica, the Everest), and detecting adulterated foods. etc, for eradicating myths and superstitions.
Competitions such as quiz, essay writing, elocution
The Coordinator of the Rural Science Centre, Mr. Prasanna Kandale informs: “In the 2024 Science Fair held on the premises of HMF at Andur, the fair was inaugurated through a scene created for the demonstration of the launch of Chandrayaan III by one of the students of grade 8 of Jawahar Vidyalaya, Andur. Experts such as Dr. Arvind Natu, addressed the gathering on the wonders of science and Mr. Tushar Purohit and Mr. Maharudra Mate guided about 155 students in the sky-gazing. Mr. Bharat Cheda and Mr. Madhav Barge led the Bird excursion activity in which 130 students participated. They also informed the students of various kinds of snakes and associated misconceptions/ superstitions.”
The Science Fair concludes with a prize distribution ceremony; the prizes consist of books on science and certificate to the winners.
Teachers from the participating schools too, attend this Fair, and feedback is taken from them. Representatives from FCL and Vigyan Vahini also participate in the Fair and based on their observations, they provide suggestions and new ideas for such future events.
Reach
Nearly 900-1000 students in grades 5 to 9 from nearly 80 schools participate in the Science Fair. About 35-40 schools participate in each fair.