NAVI MUMBAI SCIENCE FOUNDATION: Annual Report 2013...

NAVI MUMBAI SCIENCE FOUNDATION: Annual Report 2013-14


NAVI MUMBAI SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Annual Report 2013-14

Introduction

During the past one year, Navi Mumbai Science Foundation continued to organize

a spectrum of scientific activities keeping in mind the interests of school going

children. The idea has been to expose the student community to a wide field of

subjects and enhance their interest in basic sciences as a whole. Response from

students, to say the least, is showing a rising trend. To plan and organise these

activities, the core group held its meetings regularly almost on a weekly basis

toiled hard to give shape to their ideas. NMSF takes pride in mentioning here that

a new activity, hitherto untinkable, has been added to its already enviable

performance card. It is organisation of guidance sessions for Regional

Mathematics Olympiad which finally leads to the world's most prestigious

“International Mathematics Olympiad”.In the first year itself, the response was so

high that organisers were compelled to conduct a screening test to select the best

from amongst the lot.


Summary of Activities :

1. National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) related activities:

1.1 National Children Science Congress 2013 Brainstorming Meet

Jidnyasa Trust Thane and Navi

Mumbai Science Foundation

organised a one-day “Brainstorming

Meet” for District Level Evaluators

of NCSC Projects from Maharashtra,

on Saturday, June 22, 2013. It was

held in association with Homi

Bhabha Centre for Science

Education (TIFR) at their premises

at Mankhurd, Mumbai. The purpose

of the meeting was to seek views on

narrowing down variations in

assessments of Projects as per the

present guidelines of NCSC. It was

attended by 60 persons.

A follow up meeting was also held at

HBCSE on Sat. July 20, 2013, to

evaluate the new (rubric) model for

assessment of the projects. The

merits of the new model were very

obvious. Recommendations of the

meeting have been forwarded to the

national level committee for consideration and implementation, if possible. 26

evaluators had taken part in the meeting.

1.2 Marathi Translation of National Children Science Congress 2013 Activity

Guide

Marathi translation of NCSC Activity Guide for 2012 and 2013 (Focal Theme:

“Energy: Explore, Harness and Conserve) was carried out for the state coordinator

of NCSC (Jidnyasa Trust Thane) by Dr. P. R. Sangurdekar, Secretary, NMSF.


1.3 National Children Science Congress Guidance Workshops

NCSC-2013 Guidance Workshops (GWS) were arranged at:

a) GWS for Teachers of Navi

Mumbai: A Half-day WS was

conducted on 10.07.13, at

Sainath High School,Vashi; WS

2ttended by: 20 teachers and 15

students (Resource Person: Shri

Hemant Lagvankar)

b) ii) GWS for Teachers of

Mumbai (North): Mr S P

Agarwal conducted a 2 hour

inaugural session for teachers

from Mumbai (North) on 4th

July 2013. The topic was

“Introduction of theme and sub-

themes with some suggested projects for NCSC-2013”. The workshop was held at

“Sandesh Vidyalaya and Jr. College”, Tagore Nagar, Vikhroli (East). About 60 teachers

from various schools participated. The lecture was well received and generated lively

discussion; Invitation extended by Shri B. B. Jadhav, NCSC Coordinator for Mumbai

(North).

c) Guidance session for a group of 5 students + 1 teacher of MGM (Eng. Med.) School,

arranged on 18. 07.2013 ( By Dr A M Bhagwat).

d) Guidance session for a group of 5 teachers at New Horizon Scholars School, Airoli, on

22 07 2013 (By Dr P R Sangurdekar).

e) GWS at Euro School, Airoli, on 23 07 2013; Resource Persons: Dr A M Bhagwat and

Shri S P Agarwal. Attendance:

110 students and 4 teachers

f) GWS at Podar International

School (CIE), Nerul, on 26 07

2013; Resource Persons: Dr A

M Bhagwat and Shri S P

Agarwal. Attendance: 120

students and 4 teachers.

g) GWS at Thane, on 28 07 2013;

Resource Person: Dr P R

Sangurdekar. Attendance:

students and 4 teachers.

h) GWS at Podar International School (ICSE), Nerul, on 08 08 2013; Resource Person: Dr

A M Bhagwat. Attendance: 45 students and 5 teachers.

i) An interactive session, with 5 science teachers of NMMC Madhyamik Shala,

Shirawane, (Principal: Shri Bhoir), on participation in science project activities, on

15.08.2013.


j) GWS for TGT (science) Teachers as a part of an extensive workshop organised by

Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan of Mumbai Region on 03.09.2013, at HBCSE premises;

Resource Person: Dr A M Bhagwat. Attendance: 31 Teachers.

1.4 Participation in National Children Science Congress 2013 From Navi Mumbai Area

This year 165 teams in all (comprising of about 800 students) took part in the

initial round, i.e. Taluka level round. They were screened by a team of 5 judges

over 4 days and 45 projects were selected for District Level presentation. This

event was hosted by Euro School, Airoli, on Sat. Oct. 12, 2013. A panel of 8

judges evaluated the presentations and selected 18 teams for Regional level

screening.

At the Regional Level Screening, 6 of these teams were recommended for State

Level Presentation. The Regional and the State Level Presentations took place at

Jategaon, Shikrapur, Pune, during Nov. 30, and Dec. 1, 2013. It may be noted

that all these 6 teams also qualified for National Level Presentations, which took

place at Bhopal during Dec. 27 to Dec. 31, 2013. These teams are as under:

Teams from Navi Mumbai qualifying for National level Presentations (A matter of great pride for NMSF) :

1. Name: Rishabh Srivastava (GL), School: DAV International School, Kharghar;

Topic: Atmo power

2. Name: Manisha Potbhare (GL), School: R.F.Naik Vidhyalaya, Bansode; Topic:

Natural Refrigerator

3. Name: Chaityanya Wavhal (GL), School: R.F.Naik Vidhyalaya, Bansode; Topic:

Energy

4. Name: Amartiya Maheshwari (GL), School: Podar Intl School( CIE), Seawood;

Topic: Battery efficienc6

5. Name: Sudhir Jagdale (GL), School: Shikshan Prasarak Vidhyalaya, Nerul; Topic:

Energy waste

6. Name: Sarthak Sanyal (GL), School: Euro School, Airoli;Topic: Study of efficiency

of retaining heat by different insulators

1.5 Judging at National Children Science Congress 2013

Judging at National Children Science Congress 2013 at Regional and State level and in other Districts: Area and Results:

a) Dr. P. R. Sangurdekar was

invited to be part of team of

Judges at Shikrapur (Dist.

Pune) on Nov. 30, and Dec. 1,

2013.

b) NCSC 2013 Project

presentation of students from Z

P schools ( Ashram Shalas) at

Bhatasa Sagar, Shahapur, on

31st Oct 2013. Dr. P. R.

Sangurdekar was invited to be


part of a team of 7 judges for

project evaluations.

c) NCSC 2013 presentations for

South Mumbai Dictrict at

Anjuman Islam High School;

"Dr. P. R. Sangurdekar was

invited to be part of a team of 9

judges for project evaluations

evaluations.

d) NCSC 2013 Thane District

Level Presentations at Save High

School, Boisar Tarapur; Dr. P.

R. Sangurdekar was invited to be

part of a team of 8 judges for project evaluations.

2. Homi Bhabha Young Scientist Award [HBYSA] Examination 2013-14:

2.1 Interactive Guidance Sessions

Interactive Guidance Sessions by Scientists and Research Scholars. (Additional 5

lectures in mathematics were subsequently included.) Forty Students took part in

these sessions

The sessions were arranged on the following Sundays:

May 2013: 12, 19, 26

June 2013: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

July 2013: 7, 14, 21, 28

Aug. 2013: 4, 11, 18, 25

Sept 2013: 1

1.

Names of resource persons: Biology:

1. Dr. Lalit Sharma

2. Mr. Rajkumar

3. Ms.V. Bansode

Chemistry: 1. Dr. A. K. Rajarajan

2. Dr. S. D. Maind

3. Dr. M. B. Mallia

Physics: 1. Shri. S. P. Agarwal

2. Dr .S. V. Thakare

3. Shri. K. C. Jagadeesan

Mathematics: 1. Dr. A. N. Joseph


2.2 HBYSA Practicals Workshop

HBYSA Practicals Workshop was organised on Dec. 8, 2013, at Amrita

Vidyalayam, Sanpada, in which 35 students took part and performed all the 24

experiments.

3. Regional Mathematical Olympiad 2013

3.1 Regional Mathematical Olympiad 2013 Guidance Sessions at Vashi

Guidance Sessions for Regional Mathematical Olympiad were organized for the

first time in Navi Mumbai. A screening test was conducted at Fr. Agnel

Multipurpose School, Vashi, in July 2013, for selection of students. Because of

large response, two separate classes, for students of Std. VII and VIII and Std. IX

– XII, started from Sat. Aug. 10, 2013, and continued till end of Nov. 2013.

4. Fun with Science Program

Fun with Science Programs 1 and 2 were conducted as part of “Summer Camp” at

Gujarat Bhavan, Vashi on May 2. 2013. They were arranged separately for Std. 6th

and above with 45 students and 7 volunteers, and for Std. 5th

and above with 60

students and 4 volunteers.

Fun with Science Programs 3 and 4 were conducted at Prudence International

School located on Panvel-Goa Highway on May 18, 2013 and May 25, 2013 with

24 students each of age group between 8 and 12 years. These programs were a

part of a 4-day summer camp organized by “Pugmarks Holidays”.


5. Special Event: World Nuclear Energy Day-2013 celebration.

In view of the societal anxiety related to Nuclear energy, Navi Mumbai Science

Foundation thought it appropriate to highlight the truth that the very first

demonstration of a nuclear reactor was carried out in a university sports ground

with little attention to radiation hazards associated with it. Recognizing the value

of this fete accomplished by Enrico Fermi on December 2, 1942, for the

promotion of social acceptance of nuclear energy, NMSF decided to introduce

December 2 as World Nuclear Energy Day. Given the crucial importance of youth

as regards the future of any industry linked to Nuclear Energy, a lecture titled


‘De-mystification of Nuclear Energy’ (by Prof. Tulsi Mukherjee, Former Director,

Ghemistry Group, BARC) was organized for students of Karmaveer Bhaurao

Patil college in Navi Mumbai, India, accompanied by a special discussion on

“Safety in nuclear operations and in uses of radiation”. The session was chaired

by Padmashri Dr. Sharad Kale, Head, NA&BTD, BARC.

These deliberations also highlighted that radiation is received naturally,in small

amounts, from almost every thing that surrounds us, including milk, banana,

bricks, sky and earth. It is harmful only when received in large doses. And that

technological advances and elaborate regulatory guidelines have made “safe

operation of nuclear power reactors” a reality. Further, nuclear energy not only

assures sustainable energy supply, but also its associated nuclear radiations offer

solutions to problem of food security and healthcare.

The spontaneous manner, in which queries were raised by students regarding

various aspects of nuclear energy, including management of radioactive waste,

endorsed topical nature and utility of this concept event for promotion of societal

acceptance of nuclear energy.

6. Science Utsav 2014.

The two-day “Science Utsav 2014” activity was organised by Navi Mumbai

Science Foundation (NMSF) at Gujarat Bhavan, Sector 15, Vashi, in association

with Shree Gujarati Samaj, Navi Mumbai, and Mumbai Chapter of Maharashtra

Academy of Sciences, on Feb. 1 and 2, 2014. The event was a phenomenal

success.


6.1: Teachers’ Conference (Day 1)

Day one was devoted to “Teachers’ Conference”, where science teachers shared

their experiences in teaching/communicating science through various means.

Participants in the conference represented “NMMC schools”, “aided and unaided

schools of Navi Mumbi”, “students from Teacher training school” and

“Educationists from Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE-

TIFR)”. They all carried out discussions on a focussed topic "Demonstration of


Science Experiments in High Schools". The essay topics suggested for teacher

participation were:

a) Inexpensive science kits for demonstration

b) New experiments for inclusion in the class

c) Practical classroom management techniques

d) Measurement tools as a part of classroom accessories

e) Day to day objects as tools of demonstrating science

6.2: Inaugural Address and Speeches by Distinguished Guests (Day 1)


The inaugural address was delivered by Dr. S. Kailas, Former Director of Physics

Group, BARC, who, amongst other things, also informed the teachers about the

various avenues that are available to the younger generation in the field of

science. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Chitra Natarajan, Dean,

HBCSE (TIFR). She, in her address, explained various effective methods of

demonstration of science experiments to young and learning minds and described

the avoidable pitfalls as well.


6.3: Lecture-Demonstrations by Experts (Day 1)

The day also witnessed four lecture-demonstrations by experts and presentation of

essays by 10 teachers on the topic of the conference. Names of experts and their

topics are as under:

1. Introduction of ICT in Education (Use of ICT in teaching-learning) by Shri. S. K.

Mukherjee

2. Electricals Made Easy by Smt. Meena Sharma

3. Simple Concepts and Scientific Skills through Activities by Smt. Meena Kharatmal,

Shri. Kumar Arunachal, Shri. Riyazuddin Shaikh and Shri. Rajkumar Diwakar

4. Conservation of Water by Smt. Neeta Hegde

5. Role of Hands-on Experiments and Demonstrations in Science Education by Shri.

Gurinder Singh


The meeting concluded with a positive note on the need for further and regular

interactions of this kind to improve the methods of teaching. The proceedings

volume of the conference was also released during the conference.

6.4: Exhibition of Demonstrative Science Experiments by Students (Day 2)


The second day, dedicated to students, was made successful by students

themselves. It was designated as “Exhibition of Demonstrative Science

Experiments”. About 30 experiments (many project based), by 90 students of

Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation's (NMMC) Schools and an equal number

from the aided and unaided private schools were on display. In this open to public

event, students enthusiastically explained their experiments to the visitors.


The exhibition was inaugurated by Shri Raju (Vikram) Shinde, local Corporator,

NMMC. The eventful day also witnessed the visit of the first citizen of Navi

Mumbai, Shri Sagar Naik, Mayor NMMC, and Shri Vaibhav Gaikwad, another

Corporator from area adjoining Gujarat Bhavan.


The experiments presented by students included a variety of subjects of Science

from Mathematics to Biology. Students were excited while describing what they

have done in their demonstrations including explanation of scientific quantities

like density and electrical resistances, etc. They also revealed their awareness that

what they learn connects to the world around us by describing modern

technologies like bio-diesel, piezoelectricity and modern agricultural methods.

6.5: Exhibition of Demonstrative Science Experiments by Reputed Organizations (Day 2)

Scientific Demonstrations were also arranged by following reputed organizations:

a) Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (TIFR), Mankhurd.

b) Conservation Education Centre, Goregaon.

c) “Origami” Thane

d) Prof. Kavathekar’s “Science through Toys”, Dombivali

e) Liquid Nitrogen Show by Nehru Science Centre, Worli


6.6 Prize Distribution for Science Utsav 2014

Dr. G. P. Kothiyal, Vice-President, National Centre for Science Communicators

(NCSC), and an Outstanding Scientist (formerly with BARC), gave away the

prizes to following teams, declared winners in the exhibition:

Prizes:

A) Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Schools:

The first prize went to School No 31, for the experiment on "Solar Water

Filter".


The second prize went to School No. 10, Nerul Gaon, for the experiment on

"Naisargik Sheetakapat".

B) Other Aided And Unaided Schools,

The First prize went to Shreerang Vidyalaya, Thane, for project/experiment "

Bio-diesel from Algae"

The Second prize went to Dnyan Vikas School, Koparkhairne, for

project/experiment "Agriculture"


During the prize distribution session, six Navi Mumbai teams of National

Children's Science Congress-2013 , which reached up to national level, were also

honoured.

A Special Guidance Workshop was also organized on Tues. 21st Jan. 2014 for

teachers and students of NMMC School to encourage their participation in

Science Utsav 2014. Workshop was conducted by Dr. A. M. Bhagwat and Shri M.

P. Bellary.

7. Seminar Talks 1. “Managing a Child Scientist” – Seminar Talks by Dr. Lalit Sharma and Shri Prakash

Mahadik, July 7, 2013, at ICLES’ High School, Vashi.

2. “Rain Water Harvesting” – an interactive session with students of std. VII and VIII at

St. Xavier’s H. S., Airoli, July 8, 2013, for 600 students and 10 teachers Resource

person: Dr. A. M. Bhagwat.

3. “Managing a Child Scientist” – Seminar Talk by Dr. Lalit Sharma on Oct. 12, 2013,

at Euro school, Airoli, for teachers accompanying teams of students coming for

NCSC presentations+ local parents.

4. "Practicing Emotional Intelligence in Education" by Mr. Gangadhar N. Kalyane

(BARC), on Oct. 12, 2013, at Euro school, Airoli, --for teachers accompanying teams

of students coming for NCSC presentations + some local parents.

8. Judging

8.1. Fevicol Science Project Challenge – 2013

“Fevicol Science Project Challenge – 2013” competition organised by Pidilite

Industries on an all India basis: It was a 3D model competition based on one of

the topics given.

NMSF was requested to provide scientist judges each to evaluate the model based

project writeups selected for the national level round for Jr. (Std. V – VII) and Sr.

(VIII – X) Groups. Dr. P. R. Sangurdekar, Dr. A. K. Rajarajan, Shri M. P. Bellary

and Dr. A. M. Bhagwat evaluated a total of 163 write-ups and recommended 4

teams each for the final round (evaluation was done in the first week of March,

2014).

The final round of presenting the (impromptu) innovative models is proposed to

be held on April 13 and 14, 2014, at Hotel Sofitel at Bandra-Kurla Complex. The

winning teams, from each group (along with their teacher guide), will be awarded

a one–week (all expenses paid) foreign trip, in addition to normal trophies.

Dr. A. M. Bhagwat was invited as science expert at Sadhu Vaswani Int'l School,

Sanpada, for the interviews to be conducted on 4th September 2013, for selection

teachers to teach classes VI-VIII.

Dr. A. M. Bhagwat was invited on Jan. 4, 2014, at Amrita Vidyalayam to serve as

one of the Judges for reviewing the project activities carried out by various


groups of students of Std. X under “Science Seminar”, the topics being i) Action

plan in Biology ii) Models of organic molecules in chemistry and Experiments in

Physics.

Dr. A. K. Rajarajan, was invited as a Judge at the Science Exhibition held at

High School, Wadala, on Jan. 25, 2014.

Thane and Raigad District "Inspire" Award Projects Evaluation on 24-26 Sept

2013, at Modern School, Vashi. Total number of Projects displayed = 170,

Judges: Dr. P.R. Sangurdekar was invited to be part of a team of 7 judges for

project evaluations.

Science Carnival at Shreerang Vidyalaya, Thane. Dr. P. R. Sangurdekar was

invited to be part of a team of three judges for project evaluations.

Origami and Fun with Science Workshop at Dr. Pandit School, Yevoor Thane, 34

students and 3 teachers; 4th Feb 2014.

8.2. National Science Day related

Dr. A. D. Belapurkar (Retd. Sr. Scientist, BARC) was invitec to St. Xaviers High

School, Airoli, on Feb. 28,2014 as Judge as well as Chief Guest for the Science

Exhibition

Dr. A. M. Bhagwat and Shri. M. P Bellary were invited as judges to Podar

International School (CIE) for their Exhibition of Science Experiments.

8.3. Institute of Technology Management

Internship of 4 students during Sept 23, – Oct 12, 2013. Project work, for a group

of 4 MBA (Pt.I) students was related to popularisation of Extra Curricular

Scientific Activities of NMSF in schools and amongst the local corporate

community.

Dr A. M. Bhagwat was invited on Oct. 25, 2013 at the Institute to serve as Judge

on the panel of experts set up for reviewing the project activities carried out by

various groups of students (as part of MBA Part I studies), by working as interns

with different NGOs.

9. Miscellaneous

9.1 Participation in related Scientific activities

Two members of NMSF, i.e. Dr. P. R. Sangurdekar & DR. K. P. Muthe wre

deputed to attend a National Conference on “Public Understanding and Public

Engagement with Science, Technology and Innovation”, organized by National

Centre for Science Communicators was held on 15th & 16th Feb. 2014, the venue

was Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education(TIFR), Mankhurd, Mumbai.

They were all praise for the kind of exposure they received. “Here in seasoned

science communicators shared their impressions in the conference on how to use

different modes of science communications like Print and Electronic Media that

included News Paper, Popular magazines, Radio Dramas and staged plays, street

shows, science clubs, science cities. The conference addressed the kind of


adaptations that are required in communication strategies so as to ensure an

understanding based engagement of society at large.

Dr A. M. Bhagwat was invited as guest of honour to grace the inaugural function

of Science Exhibition (2013-2014) of 32nd A/B Ward of South Mumbai, held at

Alexandra Girls'High School, Fort, on 3rd Dec. 2013.

During his brief speech, Dr. Bhagwat asked as to how many from the audience

wish to take up science as a career? Every one on the dias felt disappointed when

only 3 hands went up from amongst a gathering of ~ 400. It is a serious matter

considering the progressive status of the area of Mumbai represented by the

students.

Dr A. M. Bhagwat was invited as Chief Guest to grace the occasion of “Prize

Distribution & Valedictory Function of multi-activity event “Science Express” of

K. M. Agrawal College, Kalyan, on Dec 14, 2013.

Dr. K. P. Muthe, was invited as Chief Guest at Saraswati Vidyalaya, Thane, on

Sun. Dec. 29, 2013, at a function to honour the school's past student Dr. Amol

Dighe, for being honoured with GOI's “Dr. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar” Award.

“Prof. Dighe has a lead role in one of the largest basic sciences projects in

India namely India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO), which is being set up in

Tamil Nadu. In his speech Prof. Dighe pointed out that advances in technology

and their integration, brought about by globalization, have created several new

types of professions and therefore students have a range of career options to

choose from. He emphasized that students need to possess passion for the subject

of their choice and develop habit of raising questions. Shri Muthe, through the

story of the thirsty crow, explained the meaning of words like postulate,

hypothesis and experiment and illustrated how combination of things already

existing leads to innovation. He stressed that the word “scientist” is not an

adjective but a ‘state of mind’ just like happiness or anger and importance of

scientific approach in achieving success and sustaining the same in every

profession.”

10. Indebtedness and Acknowledgements

Finally, Navi Mumbai Science Foundation feels priviledged & honoured while

gratefully acknowledging the whole hearted support it has receiced from various

agencies/ organisations, without whom the above referred achievements would not

have seen the light of the day. They are:

a) Shree Gujarati Samaj, especially their office-bearers & the Manager of Gujarat Samaj

b) NMMC Education Board,especially its Chairman

c) Maharashtra Academy of Sciences

d) Euro School, Airoli; its Management, Principal & Staff

e) ICLES' High School, Vashi; its Management, Principal & Staff

f) Amrita Vidyalayam,Juinagar; its Management, Principal & Staff


g) Fr.Agnel School Complex; its Management, Principal & Staff

Next, we wish to acknowledge the agencies who thought it prudent to support us

financially.They are:

a) Maharashtra Academy of Sciences

b) Indian Association for Radiation protection

c) Rotary Club of Navi Mumbai Industrial Area

d) Central Bank of India

e) Bank of Maharashtra

f) G. P. Parsik Janata Sahakari Bank Ltd.

g) TJSB Sahakari Bank Ltd.

h) Lions Club of Turbhe

Our Website: http://www.navimumbaisciencefoundation.org

Contact details of NMSF officials:

Name: Phone No. Mobile No. Email ID

Chairman : Dr. A.M. Bhagwat 27891475 9324168510 [email protected]

Secretary : Dr. P.R. Sangurdekar 25397203 9869453662 [email protected]

Treasurer: Dr. K.P. Muthe 25584810 9757033307 [email protected]

Prog. Co-Ord: Shri S.P. Agarwal 27882419 9969757676 [email protected]

Member: Dr. A.K. Rajarajan 65173584 9920645990 [email protected]

Member: Shri M.P. Bellary 39186034 9867312388 [email protected]

Member: Shri G. N. Kalyane 9833178844 9833178844 [email protected]

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