What is
Science? A wise man once said, ‘Always Question, Always wonder!’, and you will invent
something profitable. The Goa Science Fiesta is an annual event organised by
Goa Science Centre and Planetarium and sponsored by Department of Science,
Technology and Environment, Government of Goa for the benefits of promoting
science in everyday life while building a keen interest among young minds.
Science Fiesta was initiated by Nishwanath Joshi years back. The event lasted
for three consecutive days; as the event ended on the National Science Day i.e
on February 28. Around 650 schools, colleges and educational institutions
across Goa were invited this year.
Science Fiesta was inaugurated on February 26, 2019 by the Chief
Guest Nila Mohanan (IAS) Secretary of Education Department Government of Goa,
Guest of Honour Sudesh Sharma Chief Engineer Nuclear Power Corporation of India
Ltd, and Venkata Durga Prasad Project Coordinator. This year the event launched
its new website www.sciencecentre.goa.gov.in and a new show for the Planetarium
called ‘Sunstruck’.
The theme chosen for this year was ‘Science for people and
people for science’. Speaking to the Project Coordinator of Goa Science Centre,
Venkata Durga Prasad states, “The event is open to all and not restricted to
only science based students. Science should be applicable to society as it is
needed every day and everywhere.” “There are various science analysis in
different subjects, hence even if a person is least interested in science he
can educate the future generation. We as a world have grown vigorously over the
18 years from 2000 to 2018, which indeed is a very short time for technology to
be developed. In celebration of all that, the Science Fiesta aims to educate
youngsters with simple scientific factors,” he added.
A number of activities and competitions were held as well to
encourage children. The competitions and activities were ‘Innovative with Paper
Craft Contest’, a fancy dress competition themed ‘I am a Scientist’, space quiz
themed ‘Friends of Astronomy’, nuclear science quiz, coconut shell craft
contest, scientific toy making competition, polar quiz by National Center for
Polar and Ocean Research and others.
Inez Fernandes and Prerana Salalkar from Chubby Cheeks Spring
Valley High School, Porvorim describe their interest in science while
participating in the paper craft contest making a pen stand and quilling
earrings. “I am not a big fan of science but I do like the little things about
it, for example discovering something new”, said Inez. While Prerana feels that
the best part about learning science in school is the practical and
experimental part. “They should have more practicals for us, than only classes,
because I feel practicing we learn better.” expresses Prerana.
On the other hand
class 7 students Arya Bhagwat, Sejal Biradar and Saharsh Parodkar studying at
Vidya Vikas Academy, Margao participating in the paper competition were excited
and they themselves initiated to take part in the competition. Arya expressed,
“I am participating in the competition for the first time and it is fun to
visit GSC, Miramar although I have visited this place couple of times.” While
for Sejal it is her second year taking part in this competition, she stated, “I
always look forward to such event, such competitions and programme should take
place twice or even more times in a year. Every year the competitions are
different and out of the box which excites us as students.”
The event also
consist of workshops like the Water Rocket Workshop by GSCP, Liquid Nitrogen
show by GSPC, Dry Ice show, a cultural program, lectures on ‘Our Oceanic Life
Partners’, ‘Science and Technology of Nuclear Power’, ‘The coolest Life in
Antarctica’ and more.
St Francis Xavier
High School, Sioilm teacher Jennifer Noronha who came along with her students
to attend the programme said, “We have budding scientist session in our school
curricular in which our students take part in, from there we picked 20 students
from classes 8 and 9 who were very interested and eager to know many things
about this event. We need science in our day to day life and this platform
definitely gives a boost to all the students.”
The
event concluded on the National Science Day on February 28, 2019, with the
valedictory and prize distribution.
