Science Outreach at local Schools – Launched on 9 Jul 2010
This year, NCL is partnering with three schools, and will conduct five modules, at each of these schools over the year. The primary objective of our modules is to excite school students (specifically targeting those in 8-10th standard) about science and technology. Each of our modules is based on a topic from the regular school science curriculum – but we aim to arouse the curiosity of the students, rather than teach them science. Therefore, our modules mainly comprise of exciting demonstrations and videos to illustrate properties and applications, and we discuss the history behind the science.
The first module in this series is on the “Discovery of Elements.” This lecture-demonstration was first launched at the Jawahar Navodaya in Shikrapur on the 9th of July, and was presented at two schools in Pune: the Vidya Niketan, Hutatma Balveer School in Pune on the 23rd of July and the Valley View School in Kondhwa on the 31st of July. Dr. K. Guruswamy, NCL Scientist delivered these lecture-demonstrations.
This lecture demonstration includes several experiments conducted “live”, in front of the students, such as generation of hydrogen gas, and setting a hydrogen balloon on fire; spectroscopy using a flame test – with visually stunning coloured flames; making nylon polymers; properties of powerful rare earth magnets; etc. as well as spectacular videos of white phosphorous burning, safety match stick chemistry, etc.
The first talk at the Jawahar Navodaya was attended by 150 students, and their teachers, and the lecture demonstration held them spellbound for 90 minutes. The students also received an attractive illustrated periodic table, specially put together for these lectures, to remind them that each element has its own story, and that chemistry is fun.
On Friday, 23 July, Dr. Guruswamy spoke at Hutatma Balveer Shirishkumar Shala (Vidya Niketan), Police Lines, Shivajinagar. This talk was attended by 70 students, and their teachers. The last talk by Dr. Guruswamy was on 31st July at the Valley View School in Mitha Nagar, Kondhwa, and over 50 children attended this talk.
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