A ‘Students’ Science Village’ special programme based on the theme ‘Think Science Thank Nature – Nurturing Young Minds’ organised as part of the Science Film Festival of India – 2023 has sparked interest in Science career among students living in rural areas, stated a press release.
Students attending remote schools frequently encounter obstacles to receiving a top-notch Science education. Therefore to bridge this gap SCI-FFI hosted Students’ Science Village in which 180 students living in remotest areas participated.
The Students’ Science Village hosted lecture on “Awareness on Biodiversity” by Charan Dessai. Science activities and toys by Dr. Jayant Joshi, Hands-on and demonstration – Soil Science by Shrirang Jambhale and Science Experiments by Science Centre headed by Sampada Parab were also organised.
Moreover, throughout the festival, trips to scientific institutes such as Solid Waste Treatment Plant at Saligao and ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute in Old Goa were organised to provide practical knowledge.
“Even though science and technology are a part of everything we do, they are sometimes seen as academic pursuits or as subjects that are exclusively studied in schools. It is essential that the general population have more access to science and scientists. We have therefore designed a range of activities for students so that they can learn Science in a fun and engaging manner”, said Shubhada Shirodkar, the Co-ordinator of this session.
Many students expressed their joy at having the opportunity to learn new things in the field of Science. One of the teachers from rural schools expressed that it is more important than ever to prepare students for the future. SCI-FFI has developed into a useful forum, particularly for students and teachers from remote schools, to learn about new developments in the Science sector.
