A Study of Science Fair In The Schools of Kerala State

                  Science is a great gift to mankind. A science fair is generally a competition where contestants present their science products, results in the form of a report, display...

         My project entitled as “A study of Science Fair in the Schools of Kerala State “is a detailed study about science fair conducted on every year. The purpose of my project was to study the procedure , evaluation tools followed in science fair and find out its scope, merits & demerits and taken appropriate remedial measures .For that purpose I visited many schools under Pala, Kanjirappally, and Kottayam educational district and collect details from Teachers, Students and their parents. The results shows that science fair provide great opportunities to students and also have some clearable demerits.

        If  I were going to do this project again in my future or expand on this project I would analyse Kerala state school sasthrolsavam (science fair,maths fair, social science fair,work experience fair) as a whole .

CONTENTS

 

v Introduction

v The Concept of Science Fair and the role of teacher on Science Education

v Kerala State School Sasthrolsavam

v Science Fair Judgement

Ø General Points on Evaluation

1. Charts

2. Collections/Models

3. Simple Experiments

4. Still Model

5. Working Model

6. Improvised Experiments

7. Research Type Project

8. Science Magazine

9. Drama (HS)

v Southern India Science Fair

Ø Instructions to participants of Southern India Science Fair (SISF) – 2013

v Jawaharlal Nehru National Science, Mathematics And Environment Exhibition For Children

Ø Objectives of the Exhibition

v Benefits of Participating in Science Fair

·       Benefits to Students

·       Benefits to Teachers

·       Benefits to School:

v Criticism

v Suggestions

v Reference

 INTRODUCTION

         Science (from Latin scientia, meaning "knowledge") is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.

          In modern use, "science" more often refers to a way of pursuing knowledge, not only the knowledge itself. It is "often treated as synonymous with 'natural and physical science', and thus limited to those branches of study that relate to the phenomena of the material universe and their laws. Science fair has great importance in the scientific world. Appropriate environment is needed where necessary tools will play a vital role

THE CONCEPT OF SCIENCE FAIR & THE ROLE OF TEACHER ON SCIENCE EDUCATION

        The concept of science fair has been come down to us from European education pattern and their growth of culture. They firstly thought “science fair must be based on creativity by cultivating knowledge     and intelligence on learners”. Indeed science fair needs to be introduced in different educational institutions by considering its pedagogical phenomena based on practical knowledge and skills.

            In the United States, science fairs first became popular in the early 1950s, known as the National Science Fair. Interest in the sciences was at a new high after the world witnessed the use of the first two atomic weapons and the dawn of television. As the decade progressed, science stories in the news, such as Jonas Salk’s vaccine for polio and the launch of Sputnik, brought science fiction to reality and attracted increasing numbers of students to fairs.

              The teacher should set problems on real life situation in the classroom that leads to science fair works. The problems must be based on practically oriented which set forth the topics covering science and its technological aspects of nature.

           An ideal teacher needs to play a vital role in active advisor among the students. He needs to be careful about the criteria on Control, Guide, Consult and Facilitate. He should have meaningful learning experience with which he can produce constructive and mathematical presentation for creating awareness for teaching in a significant manner. A teacher's behaviour will be in such, which must attract the students for effective and efficient delivery of the relevant topics. . He should ask open-ended questions. Open ended questions help get the students involved. Assuming to know a particular thing, one may get interested if he is intended to know those particular items.

                      In our state, every year science fair is held in different educational institute annually to create motivation of research work and enthusiasm. 

SCHOOL SASTHROLSAVAM

          The Kerala State School Sasthrolsavam is the largest Science Fair for students in Asia region. Sasthrolsavam is a combination of four variants such as Science Fair, Maths fair, Social science fair, and Work Experience fair. The objective of such a huge event is to nurture the talents of students which would eventually benefit the whole society at large.

                The Sasthrolsavam is organized by the State Education Department and includes students from Lower Primary to Secondary, Higher Secondary and Vocational Higher Secondary sections. The Mega event itself is unique model for the world apart from being the venue for numerous experiments and findings. The first phase of the event is organized in schools by the respective subject wise clubs such as Science Club, Maths Club etc. The winners of the school level competition compete at the sub district and district level contests and the best talents eventually qualify into the State level Sasthrolsavam.

              Our state Science Fair includes four major contest categories such as Still Model, Working Model, Research type project, Improvised experiment. Through these competitions, the science aptitude of the students along with his / her innovativeness, creativity, completeness, ability to communicate their idea etc. are evaluated.

            The first and second place winners of the State Sasthrolsavam would be eligible for participating in the Southern India Science Fair which would be jointly organized by Vishwerayya Industrial & Technological Museum, Bangalore and Education Departments of various South Indian states. The Winners of the Sasthrolsavam would also get an opportunity to participate in the Jawaharlal Nehru National Science Exhibition, the premier Science show of the country.

SCIENCE FAIR JUDGEMENT-General Points on Evaluation:

• There should be enough time to evaluate each item.Suitable evaluation indicators are to be used to evaluate each item.
• The Judges should encourage and congratulate the participants whenever possible in order to improve the confidence, scientific attitude and abilities of the students.
• The same item (in different sections-LP,UP, HS & HSS) may be given to the Judges so that they can concentrate in that item.
• In a team of Judges try to include teachers handling different subjects and different sections-LP, UP, HS & HSS.

1. Charts-Evaluation Indicators:

1.  Based on a particular theme show its history, progress and development stages in a sequential way using maximum 5 charts.

2.  Presentation of the subject by the student.

3.  Scientificattitude.Practicability/innovations/contemporary relevance.

4.  Beauty/attractiveness/creativity/skill.

2. Collections/Models

• Related to the Theme.
• Do not mix Collections & Models & not count the number of items in the exhibit.
• The participant should explain the relevance and criteria of the display.

Evaluation Indicators

1.  Creativity & Originality – 10

2.  Scientific Thought – 20

3.  Skill – 20

4.  Utility – 10

5.  Variety – 15

6.  presentation – 25

Total – 100

3. Simple Experiments

1.  Should be related to the theme. (May be related to the curriculum)

2.  Maximum 2 participants, the experiment can be done by 1 or by both of them.

3.  Maximum 2 experiments and related to the same theme.

4.  Maximum 10 mts for the experiment.

5.  The Judges should not interrupt questions only after the experiment.

6.  Charts may be used and not compulsory.

7.  Success of the experiment.

4. STILL MODEL

• Apart from the attraction of the still model, the presentation by the participant also should be considered.
• Without neglecting any participant the Judges should elicit the knowledge of the participant in preparing the still model.
• Charts may be used, maximum 5.
• Maximum 2 participants.
• Thermocol can be used in preparing the still model.
• Size of the still model should be within the prescribed limit.

5. WORKING MODEL

Ø Related to the theme & Should work properly.

Ø Should not give over importance to the appearance of the model.

Ø Should be innovative.

Ø Consider the explanation- utility & special significance - by the participants.

Ø Time 10 mts for showing the working.

Ø Charts may be used, maximum 5.

6. IMPROVISED EXPERIMENTS

• Experiments may be based on the principle or concept they had studied.
• Should be using low cost materials.
• Maximum 2 participants- the experiment can be demonstrated by 1 or by both of them.
• Experiments may be 1 or more but should be related to the theme selected.
• Maximum 10 mts for the experiment.
• The Judges should not interrupt questions only after the experiments.
• Charts may be used, not compulsory.
• Consider the success of the experiments.

7. RESEARCH TYPE PROJECT

   Models may be used if very urgent for presenting the project.

   Time for judgement – 15 to 20 mts.

   Project Report is also important, all steps are to be followed, necessary additional records may be used for the presentation of the project (time 5 to 8 mts for presentation).

   Project Report is to be submitted at the time of registration so that the Judges may get enough time to go through it.

   Report may be by handwritten or DTP.

   Charts may be used, maximum 5.

8. SCIENCE MAGAZINE

• Magazine is to be handwritten (not DTP).
• Participation of students in preparing the Magazine.
• Properly binded, but spiral binding is not allowed.
• No identification marks to distinguish the school – school name, Sub district name, District name not allowed.
• Maximum 50 pages including the cover pages.
• Cartoons, pictures can be used, but do not paste pictures in the Magazine.

Evaluation Indicators

Content, arrangement, participation of the students are to be considered.

9. DRAMA (HS)

§  Maximum time for the arrangement – 15 mts(but slight adjustments for the arrangement may be allowed).

§  LCD Projectors can be used if very necessary for the Drama.

§  Maximum number of participants – 8 (no helpers allowed for background work)

SOUTHERN INDIA SCIENCE FAIR - Instructions to participants of Southern India Science Fair (SISF) – 2013

            The Southern India Science Fair (SISF) – 2013 is jointly organised by Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum (VITM), Bangalore and Department of State Educational Research & Training (DSERT), Govt. of Karnataka, Bangalore. The Education Departments of the five Southern States coordinate with VITM for this mega event.

1.The participation to SISF is under three categories viz. Individual (ONE STUDENT only escorted by a teacher), Group (TWO STUDENTS in a team escorted by a teacher) and Teacher (One TEACHER only presenting an exhibit).

2. A letter from the head of the institution, correctly indicating the name(s) of Students, Teachers and Exhibits selected by the state authorities, should be submitted at the time of registration at SISF .The Escorting Teacher should be from the same Institution as that of the participating Student. Any disagreement in this regard will result in disqualification.

3. In the registration form under the column “SUBJECT” decide which is the most appropriate subject for your model to be classified under and indicate in the box marked against the subject accordingly. You ONLY can decide this. You have to mark in ONE box only for the SUBJECT.

4. All entries in the entry form should be filled in CAPITAL letters or typewritten. The data provided, like the spelling of the name of the participant or Institution or exhibit name, will be used for preparation of the certificates. Changes are not possible at a later date. Please give the PIN code and Phone Number in your address for better communication. If needed, the District may be separately indicated.

5. Only official participants (Students and escort Teachers) will be given Badges, Food coupons, Certificates of Participation and Merit etc. As the organisers have made provisions for hospitality only for the participants of the Fair, avoid bringing extra persons with you to SISF. They may not be able to provide Boarding / Lodging facilities even on Payment basis.

6. Since the main objective of this Fair is to bring out the creative / innovative ideas of students & teachers and motivate everyone, the participants of the Fair should be present at the venue during the entire exhibition period and explain their exhibits to the visitors. Unauthorised absence will lead to their disqualification. The escort teacher should also ensure proper behaviour of their team / student, failing which this may lead to the disqualification of the Participant(s).

7. Each exhibit will be allocated about 4’ x 2’ space only. The display of exhibits for different categories may be at different location of the Fair. In case your model requires larger space, you may indicate such request well in advance, though it is not binding on organisers. The organisers will try to allocate extra space, only if possible.

8. The place at which the Science Fair will be held should NOT be disfigured in any way. No nail should be used

for securing Exhibits / Charts or Banners. Any violation will lead to instant disqualification of the participants from the Fair.

9. Only the model as per the list of participants selected by your Education Department of the State Government will be permitted to participate in the SISF. Students of Class VIII, IX & X only can compete in this Fair. No other model will be permitted for judgement at SISF. Exhibits presented by other students / organisations in the non-competitive category will not be treated as official participants.

10. The organisers will provide only buckets and related materials at the place of stay. You are also advised to bring sufficient bedding materials, mosquito repellent and other consumables.

11. In case you require a dark room arrangement or any other model that needs to be displayed outside in the open or if your exhibit involves fire / require water facility / your model requires a corner / require any special arrangement at the venue, the same may be indicated in a separate sheet and sent along with the entry form. As far as possible we will try to provide the facilities however it is NOT binding on the organisers to provide additional requirements.

12. The Teachers escorting / presenting the models will be responsible for the safety of the exhibits, students and public while performing the experiments / presenting the exhibits. They will be responsible for the decent behaviour of the participating students.

13. As the panel of judges are expected to visit about 250 models in a span of about 20 hours, the time permitted for explanation of a model is about 5 minutes. You can give them a copy of the report or any other details which they will go through as and when they need the details. The decision of Judges in all matters related to classification and judgement is final and binding on all concerned.

14. A one-page A4 size single side write up about your exhibit may be sent along with the registration form or submitted at the time of registration.

JAWAHARLAL NEHRU NATIONAL SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS AND ENVIRONMENT EXHIBITION FOR CHILDREN

           With a view to encourage, popularize and inculcate scientific temper among the children of the country, NCERT organizes national level science exhibition every year where children showcase their talents in science and mathematics and their applications in different areas related with our everyday life.

             The first Science Exhibition was jointly organized under the banner of the National Science Exhibition for Children in 1971, by the NCERT and the University Grants Commission (UGC) at Delhi. The subsequent National Science Exhibitions for Children have been organized by NCERT alone.

               From 1972 to 1978, the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund collaborated with the NCERT in its efforts to popularise Science Exhibitions by jointly sponsoring the National and State Level Science Exhibitions. In 1988 with the birth centenary celebration of Jawaharlal Nehru, the National Science Exhibition was renamed as the 'Jawaharlal Nehru National Science Exhibition for Children’. This year being celebrated as Year of Mathematics and to give more emphasis on environment-related issues, this exhibition is now renamed as Jawaharlal Nehru National Science, Mathematics and Environment Exhibition (JNNSMEE) for Children.

                In order to ensure the widest possible participation and involvement of students and teachers in the programme, NCERT organises exhibition in two phases. In the first phase, exhibitions are held in each and every state and union territory from the district, to the state level. This first phase is known as State Level Science, Mathematics and Environment Exhibition (SLSMEE) for Children. All participating states, union territories and other educational organisations like CBSE (for its affiliated independent public schools), Kendra Vidyalaya Sangathan, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, DAE Central Schools and Demonstration Multipurpose Schools of NCERT forward their selected entries to NCERT for consideration for participation in the National Exhibition – the second phase of NCERT's organizing Science, Mathematics and Environment Exhibitions. The national Exhibition – now called JNNSMEE – is organized every year by the NCERT in a state/UT, on rotation basis. The exhibits for display in this national exhibition are selected at NCERT on the basis of a notified criterion.

OBJECTIVES OF THE EXHIBITION

• to provide a forum for children to pursue their natural curiosity and inventiveness to quench their thirst for creativity;
• to make children feel that science is all around us and we can gain knowledge as well as solve many problems also by relating the learning process to the physical and social environment;
• to lay emphasis on the development of science and technology as a major instrument for achieving goals of self-reliance and socio-economic and socio-ecological development;
• to highlight the role of science and technology for producing good quality and environmental friendly materials for the use of society;
• to encourage children to visualise future of the nation and help them become sensitive and responsible citizens;
• to analyse how science has developed and is affected by many diverse individuals, cultures, societies and environment;
• to develop critical thinking about global issues to maintain healthy and sustainable societies in today's environment;
• to apply mathematics and information technology to visualise and solve problems pertaining to everyday life etc.;
• to appreciate the role of science in meeting the challenges of life such as climate change, opening new avenues in the area of agriculture, fertiliser, food processing, biotechnology, green energy, disaster management, information and communication technology, astronomy, transport, games and sports etc.; and
• to create awareness about environmental issues and concerns and inspiring children to devise innovative ideas towards their mitigation.

The organisation of these exhibitions envisages that children and teachers would try to analyse all aspects of human endeavor with a view to identify where and how the new researches and developments in science and technology can bring and sustain progress of society leading to improvement for the challenges of life. The organisation of science, mathematics and environment exhibitions also provide opportunities to all participating students, teachers and visitors to get acquainted with different kind of equipment, devices and techniques. This exercise enables the students and teachers to generate scientific ideas for addressing various problems of the society and environment.

               Right from its inception, each exhibition has focused on a specific theme. An account of themes of different exhibitions since 1979 is given in Table – 1. In order to facilitate the preparation of exhibits and models for display and the organisation of state level exhibitions, a set of sub-themes is also provided. NCERT has also been providing printed Guidelines for the Preparation of Exhibits and Models, and for Organising Exhibitions to all states/UTs and other educational organisations. The importance of each sub-theme in the context of the main theme and a number of suggestive ideas for development of exhibits are also given in these Guidelines. These Guidelines are also uploaded on the NCERT website www.ncert.nic.in. In order to encourage the efforts of NCERT in the popularisation of science, a catalytic grant is also provided to each and every State and Union Territories.

During the exhibition, the participating students and teachers not only display their scientific talents through their models and exhibits, but also get an opportunity to listen to some of the eminent scientists and scholars of the region in which the exhibition is organised. Additionally, they would be able to interact with one another and share their views and, in the process, also share the diverse cultures of our country.

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN SCIENCE FAIR

         This fair would also witness live competitions and display contests. The active participation of students ranging from Lower Primary to Higher Secondary / Vocation Higher Secondary sections makes the event a platform for science knowledge sharing beyond ages. Another key feature of the Sasthrolsavam is ‘Vocational Expo’, the display of products created by vocational higher secondary students through Production Training centre which is part of their curriculum. A Career Fest is also conducted as part of the mega event, which would focus on career guidance activities and higher education counselling for higher secondary and vocational higher secondary students

                      The science fair is the culmination of hard work and persistent investigation. It affords a young scientist the opportunity to share their interests with parents, relatives, neighbors, and teachers as well as the chance to be interviewed by the judges who are scientists, engineers, and others with scientific interests. The benefits of participating in "Science Fairs" are numerous; some are enumerated below

1. Benefits to Students:

·       Students start their participation in science fair at the elementary school and this continues up to twelfth grade, therefore they develop interest in science when they are still young.

·       Kids show a lot of interest in doing their science works, as they are completely involved in the experiment, many times their works are done at home; therefore family members are also directly involved in these experiments. Like students, they also become curious about the outcome of the   Science fair. This is very important, because the entire family start seeing science as a subject of choice.

·       Their ability to think and do observation improves; they develop new talents and skills. They are curious about their surroundings and nature.

·       Students learn how to do independent research studies.

·       Learn and practice critical thinking, inquiry and investigative skills

·       Foster imagination and creative thought

·       Develop organizational skills

·       Work independently as well as in a group

·       Enhance communications skills

·       Meet others interested in science study

·       Earn recognition for academic excellence

·       Win awards and special awards or earn an expense paid trip

·       A science fair  is an activity that integrates almost every skill or art children have been taught

·       Participating in science fair  helps develop a feeling of confidence and competence among students, and fosters a spirit of scientific inquiry

·       A science fair  is an experience that can be challenging and self-validating

·       Many science fairs offer cash prizes, which can be a significant incentive for some people

·       They also learn how to effectively present their work in scientific sessions, develop skills of being interviewed.

·       It helps them in choosing professional science career.

·       They tend to have strong college applications as well as job application.

·        Science fair itself brings them generous scholarships, awards, plaques, medals, and certificates.

·       Award winning science fair are selected to participate at the national and international level, which further helps them to have more monetary awards and recognition. This brings them national and international fame.

·        Gains national and international traveling experience.

·        Students become very organized and learn best way to manage their time for extra activities...

 2. Benefits to Teachers: 

·       The teachers acquire a great deal of knowledge about specific science topics that are usually far outside the realm of the usual curriculum.

·       Teachers also have the opportunity to integrate many different aspects of the school curriculum as the students work on the projects use math, science technology, computer science, English (other languages), and library skills.

·       Both the students and teachers learn about and use the newest discoveries and latest techniques.

·       Teachers may also benefit from traveling to student competitions and conferences.

·       Contacts with famous professors, researchers.

·       As a mentor to prize-winning projects the teachers and students both get media attention and popularity.

3. Benefits to School:

·       Students' accomplishments are schools' accomplishments.

·       The students, teachers, and administrators involved in the science fair program are proud and happy to say that their prize-winning science fair experiments started in their schools. This publicity will make the school known to the community.

CRITICISM

              Some people point to the process of elimination as a factor which may discourage students from taking further interest in the sciences. [1] They claim that traditional science fairs, as well as programs like the Westinghouse Science Honours Institute, place too much focus on competition, a charge which science fair supporter’s answer by pointing to the real life competitive nature of awarding scientific grants and even the Nobel Prize.

                  A related source of criticism is the tendency for an inordinate amount of parental contribution to the projects, especially of winning projects. In the desire to see their children win the competition, many parents direct the children to choose projects far above a secondary student's capacity for understanding. Therefore, the parent or a connection of the parent with scientific or technical expertise will direct the development and execution of the project. Not only does this minimize the educational value of the project for the student, but also provides an unfair advantage to students whose parents have the technical connections and financial resources to invest in these projects.

           Often, prizes in science fairs do not go to the best science, but to technology that is currently fashionable (green technology or health-related projects, for example).          

CONCLUSION

 Science fairs allow students in grade schools and high schools to compete in science and/or technology activities Arranging science fair is a significant step of different educational institutions through which an intensified effort is led to flourish and enrich the knowledge and skills on application of science for the students. It is hoped in future that the steps to arrange science fair is a predominating criteria to strengthen the cultivation of knowledge in applying the definitive sense of technical know- how of science. A science fair is quite different from other fairs existing in our country.