Western India Science Fair during Jan 22-25

Mumbai, Jan 22 (UNI) The four-day-long 20th Western India Science Fair, wherein 64 student projects and 18 teaching aids are on display, was inaugurated today by National Institute of Oceanography Director Dr Satish R Shetye at Nehru Science Centre here.

Speaking to reporters, Dr Shetye said, ''Research is based on investigating, discovering and interpreting human knowledge on different aspects of the world around us. Scientific research relies on the application of scientific methods and harnessing curiosity and researching attitudes in young minds.'' ''The student projects are excellent examples of inquiry-based learning which employ hands on approach to teaching science where students learn through research and experimentation and not just through lectures and books,'' he added.

Over 180 participants from all over western India, comprising six states and two Union Territories, are participating in the fair, which has been organised with support from Educational Department of Government of Chattisgarh, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Department of Science and Technology Gujarat (GUJCOST), Rajasthan and Union Territories of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

''The fair aims to generate interest among the participants towards various aspects of science and mainly to build up a platform for the interested students and teachers for interaction among themselves on various scientific projects or queries,'' a spokesperson said.

About 16,000 people including students are expected to attend the fair who will be exposed to various activities during their four-day stay on the campus. The programmes for the participants include sky observation programme, visit to Nehru Science Centre galleries, 3D show, Special Science show on matter at low temperature, science quest and eye check up camp.

The projects will be judged for creativity, practical usage and technical skill, skill of expression, information display, workmanship and team work wherever possible. The prizes and certificates will be distributed on January 25 by Aplab Chairman and Managing Director Dr Prabhakar Deodhar.

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