In connection with the world science day for peace and development, I had a wonderful opportunity to interact with young minds of two different public run schools in Kerala. Firstly I was invited to be part of an online presentation organized by the students of standard 10G of Arthunkal St. Francis Assisi Higher Secondary School. Following this presentation, I also had an opportunity to interact with these students and their faculty in charge 'Aloysius sir' (as the students would call him with love and respect) on an e-meeting platform. During the 2 hour long exhilarating conversation, I enjoyed talking about science and the methodology of learning science to the dynamic and enthusiastic young minds of Arthunkal St. Francis Assisi Higher Secondary School. I introduced the blog "Ram asks Radha didi" to the students during the meeting and invited science questions from them. I am hopeful that these students will grow into curious and responsible citizens, by adhering to the methodology of science, not just in science classrooms and laboratories, but also in everyday life.
Image: Screenshot captured during the online discussion held on 07-11-2020, with the students of Arthunkal St. Francis Assisi Higher Secondary School in association with the celebration of World Science Day-2020.
Next, I got an excellent opportunity to interact with a bunch of students from SCUGVHSS Pattanakkadu, Kerala on the day of world science day, on 10th of November 2020. During the 1.5 hour long conversation with the students, I was continuously bombarded with variety of questions ranging from the beginning of universe to the questions about creating an artificial sun! I was amazed by the amount of curiosity and vigour with which they directed questions of various complexity and depth towards me. Before the discussions, students were asked to fill an online form designed to probe their level of curiosity and enthusiasm. The survey was attempted by 144 students. Out of them 47.1% of students considers science as their favorite subject and loves learning it. 51.4% students liked science as a secondary choice. The remaining very small fraction of students considered science as a nightmare. 'Ram asks Radha didi' is committed to making learning science a pleasurable and fun filled experience for every child, especially to those small fraction of students who consider science dreadful. The survey also assessed the curiosity levels of the students. 17.1% of the students were found to be extremely curious and 70.7% of the total students placed themselves in the category of moderately curious individuals. The remaining students did not find a need or an organic urge to ask questions outside of the textbooks. I was amazed by the response of the students for two reasons. Firstly, by the honesty and courage of the students in openly voicing their opinions about hating a subject which was the central topic of discussion on that special day! This shows how grounded their thoughts are. I was impressed with the level of confidence these students showcased. Secondly, by the high number of curious and enthusiastic kids I found in a general public run school in Kerala! Beena teacher, a science teacher from SCUGVHSS Pattanakkadu moderated the meeting. I am thankful to the support, acceptance and love all the teachers of the school extended towards my noble attempt to interact with the students on this special day!
Image: Screenshot captured during the online discussion held on 10-11-2020, with the students of Pattanakkadu S. C. U. Government Vocational Higher Secondary School in association with the celebrations of World Science Day-2020.
Undoubtedly, every meeting with kids teaches us something new. Every child is born curious. During the crazy process of 'upbringing up', the child looses her ability to raise questions and seek answers. Undoubtedly, it is the responsibility of everyone around the child to let them ask as many questions as they could. In someway, we should let go off the effect of 'upbringing' and let the kid just group up herself! I believe that it is more important to let them ask questions than to answer them all one by one. More often, merely validating their questions by being an enthusiastic listener is sufficient to let them realize the depth and profoundness of their questions. At the heart of naming this blog "Ram asks Radha didi" lies the same concept of letting the child ask the question.
In line with this years theme of the world science day 2020, 'science for and with society' we also discussed the role science has in fighting COVID-19 pandemic and the role every science student has to play in identifying and correcting unscientific practices related to COVID-19 crisis. As a responsible citizen of this wonderful country I understand that one of the fundamental duties the constitution of India has bestowed on me is to 'develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of enquiry and reform (Constitution of India, Article 51A(h))'. I am hopeful that the students of these two schools I have interacted in association with the world science day, will absorb the importance of performing this duty towards this nation and the society and in large towards this whole world and emerge into responsible, enthusiastic and courageous adults in the future.
njanumundayirunnu teacher
-vaishnav