JOIN USScience model exhibitions prove helpful in attracting students towards basic science, said Taluk Panchayat president Meenakshi.
She was speaking after inauguration of the exhibition of Inspire award-winning entries and a science model competition for students, organised by the Department of Science and Technology, State Educational Research and Training and district administration, at Rotary Hall on Tuesday.
“Some students develop an interest in science, but are unable to innovate. Such students need encouragement from their parents and teachers,” said the president, adding that the youth of today may draw immense inspiration from the life of former President of India Late Dr A P J Abdul Kalam and his contributions to the field of science.
Member of Legislative Council Gayathri Shanthegowda said that the government provides every student Rs 500 for the creation of science models and that as many as 2,000 students have received the amount. “Science model exhibitions will help students nurture their passion towards the subject and also their higher studies,” she said.
She added that the State government has emphasised on the education of children. “Students too, however, should utilise the facilities made available to them by the government. They should also be encouraged to continue in the fields that they are interested in pursuing,” she said.
Zilla Panchayat Social Justice Committee president H C Kalmarudappa said that new ideas must pave the way for discovery of something that would prove extremely useful to the people.
Assistant Commissioner Ramachandran suggested an upgrade of the laboratories in schools, to encourage students in the field of science.
District Science Centre vice-president A N Mahesh said that the Inspire award is being instituted with an aim to develop a scientific mentality in children. He stressed on the need for organisation of science model exhibitions – which attract students towards basic science but from which the students get repelled in the present times. The government has given a green signal for the establishment of a sub-regional science centre in town, he added.
Zilla Panchayat vice-president Vishala Thippesh presided over the inaugural session. Taluk Panchayat member H S Puttegowda, Zilla Panchayat deputy secretary Rajgopal, DDPI S G Nagesh, DIET principal Rajappa, Teachers’ Association leader Sundaresh, Jagadish, Basavaraju and Lakkappa were present.
Display of models
Various ideas implemented into models prepared by the students of higher primary and high schools drew the attention of the visitors to the contest venue. The Inspire award-winning entries too were displayed at the exhibition.
A total of 392 science models were displayed, under the award-winning category in the year 2013-14.
Sharath and Kusuma of Bettadamalali designed a rain indicator. Through the apparatus, they explained, it was possible to keep a watch on the amount of rainfall received, while being in an air-conditioned room too.
A student from JVAS School exhibited a model designed to generate electricity from saline water, sufficient to charge a mobile phone. Ameen from Sirivase School displayed a model of underground electric cables while Bharat from Avathi school had come up with an innovation to run a clock using the urine of animals. Raghavendra from Talihalla school designed a model consisting of a cable car, focused on environment conservation.
Students of Jambadahalla school displayed their model of electricity production from Jambadahalla reservoir. There were also models of a solar dryer, working of heart, solar system and an equipment for rearing of earthworms in bins at the exhibition.
As it rained in the evening, however, some models were drenched and the exhibition faced an interruption.
Lecturer Ullas said that 50 of the displayed models were built on novel ideas and added that a study of such science models helps in developing intellectual ability and scientific temperament.
An exhibition of 393 models of schools at Birur and Chikkamagaluru will be organised at Mountain School on August 20 and 21; 358 models of Kadur, Chikkamagaluru and Urdu clusters will be displayed at St Joseph’s School at August 23; 409 models from four clusters of Mudigere, Sringeri and Chikkamagaluru will be displayed at the Infant Jesus School at Kadrimidri on August 25 and 26; and models designed by students of 398 schools in nine clusters in Koppa and Chikkamagaluru will be organised at Infant Jesus School on August 27 and 28.