National Science Day
National Science Day
National Science Day is celebrated on 28 February, to commemorate the discovery of ‘Raman Effect’, which led to Sir C. V. Raman winning the Noble Prize in Physics, in 1930.
The National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) asked the Government of India to declare 28 February as National Science Day, and thus, this day has been celebrated since 1986.Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was born on 7 November, 1888. He passed B.A in 1904, obtaining a gold medal in physics; in 1907, he obtained M.A degree with the highest distinction. Later, he published a work on ‘Molecular Diffraction of Light’, which led to the discovery of a radiation effect which bears his name. This eventually earned him the Noble Prize in 1930.
The purpose behind National Science Day is to propagate the importance of science among people. It also aims to:
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Spread the application of science in daily life
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Discuss issues and implement new technologies
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Encourage the people to explore science
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Popularise science and technology as a subject
How can science be made fun?
Science is often thought as a tough subject with minimal scope for fun. Here are some ways to make science fun:1.Make learning exciting
The key to making a subject fun lies in how a teacher is able to kindle the curiosity of the students. When learning is made fun, students begin to enjoy the subject.
2.Explore how things work
Science can be made interesting by exploring how a particular concept works. For instance, concepts like force, electricity, cell structure, chemical reaction, etc. can be understood better when it is taught through experiments. Students should be encouraged to learn through experimentation.
3.Focus on senses
Children in the younger grades learn best through hands-on activities that also stimulate the senses.
4.Apply learning to everyday life
Science is fun when whatever is learnt relates to the daily-life. Teachers can make use of objects from the daily life, to explain concepts and terminologies.
Activities for National Science Day:
Here are some activities that can be conducted on National Science Day. 1.Science exhibition
Science exhibitions are a great way for students to explore the unknown dimensions of science and showcase their understanding of topics they have come across. The school can organise an exhibition and can have parents visiting the exhibition.
2.Inter class competition
Activities like creating a working model or explaining a science concept can be introduced in the form of a competition.
3.Nature walk to understand more about flora and fauna
Nature walks are a great way to connect with the flora and fauna at a particular place. Students can be taken on a walk to study the flora around them. They can categorise the plants and animals they come across.
4.‘Idea box’ for students to write down any science/technology related ideas
Students can be encouraged to share their ideas by writing it down. The school can place an idea box for students to drop in their ideas. This will not only enable the students to think but will also motivate them to inculcate a passion for science.
Science is an inevitable part of our daily life, by encouraging students to think and explore, they would be able to develop a fondness for the subject.
