Vigyaan Series: Conducting Science Fairs to get young people excited about STEM
Science fairs have long been a platform for students to explore the wonders of scientific inquiry, ignite their curiosity, and showcase their creative and analytical skills. However, for underprivileged students, such opportunities can be scarce. In a world where access to quality education is unevenly distributed, the importance of bridging this gap cannot be overstated. In this blog, we delve into the remarkable story of how a group of dedicated students organised Vigyaan Series Science fairs specifically designed to empower underprivileged communities, nurturing a passion for science and inspiring young minds.
ChangeMaker Tribe:
- Esha Dalal – Grade 10, Ahmedabad International School
- Pahal Bhatti – Grade 10, DPS – Monarch International School, Doha , Qatar
- Shardul Palkar – Grade 10, Indus International School, Pune
- Niya Bansal – Grade 11, Aaryans International School, Noida
- Aaditya Desai – Grade 11, Podar International School, Mumbai
- Mokshada Choudhary – Grade 11, Hutchings High School, Pune
- Mihir Deshpande – Grade 12, Sri Chaitanya Techno School, Wagholi, Pune
In a community where resources are limited and educational opportunities are few, a group of enthusiastic students decided to take matters into their own hands. It all started when they attended the TribesforGOOD Summer Program and found their Tribe. Recognising the transformative power of science education, they embarked on a mission to provide underprivileged students with an experience they would never forget – a science fair tailored to their needs.
Aaditya shares his motivation to take on this project saying, “In today’s world, it is really common to see a child living in a rural part of India who has massive dreams, ambitions and goals, but seem unattainable due to the lack of resources they get. Most of the dreams are deemed unfulfillable and unrealistic, often with their education lacking the needs to fill them. This is why I want to do my part and help these children experience a better form of learning and help them reach their goals.“
This is what Pahal had to say, “I have always been fascinated by how science can inspire innovation and transform lives. However, I couldn’t ignore the fact that many students from underprivileged communities had limited exposure to scientific concepts. That’s why organising Vigyaan Series became a personal mission for me.”
Creating an Engaging Experience
The heart of any science fair lies in the projects that students present. The organising team devised a range of hands-on, interactive experiments that could be easily understood and enjoyed by students of all ages. From chemical reactions to simple machines, the projects were designed to spark curiosity and foster a love for science. The students carefully explained each experiment, encouraging participants to ask questions, make predictions, and draw conclusions.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap
Recognising that some students may not have had access to the same educational resources as their peers, the team provided informative materials, resource lists, and recommended readings to bridge the knowledge gap. They ensured that each student left the fair with a renewed sense of wonder, armed with the tools and inspiration to continue their scientific exploration.
It is through initiatives like these that we pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive society, where every child, regardless of their background, has the chance to explore their full potential. The story of these science fairs is a reminder that even small.
Over 1750 Young ChangeMakers have made a positive impact in their community and have worked on crucial topics impacting 5000+ young students and adults from economically weaker sections. They have gathered new skills, networked with industry experts and other ChangeWarriors, and found solutions to real-world problems, all in a few weeks!
To start your changemaking journey apply to Global Challenges & Social Justice Summer Program today.
