MAS Finale Press Release

Mad About Science

The Mullaperiyar Dam may be a topic of controversy between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, but for students of Class 4, of The Shri Ram School, Aravali, it is an open and shut case. “The weaker the dam, the greater the chance of its walls collapsing,” says 11 year old Neal Srivastava confidently. “Its waters would then rush uncontrollably downstream, destroying everything in its path.”

Neal is quite matter-of-fact as he says so. His confidence comes from ‘Mad About Science’, a month long celebration of science in everyday life by The Shri Ram School, Aravali.  Neal’s mother, Vandana Srivastava, along with other parents, had built a dam in his classroom and shown the children how dams work.

This unique initiative had parents performing science experiments alongside children in the classroom. “It’s an effort to take the learning process beyond the confines of the school by actively involving parents in their children’s education,” says Manika Sharma, Principal Junior School of The Shri Ram School, Aravali. The month long programme culminates in a science fair at the school’s campus on 18^th December.

“My son Neil Basu idolized Spiderman and constantly demanded t-shirts and comic books,” says Niranjana Basu. “But after we conducted a module about bio-mimicry in his classroom, he is creating his own super heroes! Neil’s favourite is now the Geckoman.”

 “A gecko can walk upside down on the ceiling, can you beat that?” cries Neil. Bio-mimicry is when humans observe unique attributes of plants and animals and apply them for their own uses. Neil has since learnt that the bottom of a gecko’s foot is covered with millions of tiny foot hairs on each toe. A similar piece, 20 cms long, can hold a fully grown person! “Imagine a suit with sticky hands and knee pads,” says Neil.

“During this month, both my son Ansh and I have realized that we need not go to the African jungle to get inspired,” says Charu Sahay, whose son studies in class 4. “Inspiration is all around us”.  “My father used to hate chemicals and chemistry. So I was surprised when I found him performing experiments with chemicals in my classroom.  He now helps me with my science lessons at home,” says Parichay Agarwal, a class 7 student.

 “‘Mad About Science’ is The Shri Ram School’s endeavour to bring teacher and parents together. It has strengthened their bonds and taken the learning experience beyond the classroom into students’ homes,” says Mark Parkinson, the Director of the school.

“We now have complete respect for the teachers who control a classroom full of inquisitive, intelligent minds, while we struggle with just two kids at home,” says Pooja Raj Saxena. "As parents of The Shri Ram School, we are indeed privileged that we can be part of our child's classroom. This not only helps parents enrich the child's school learning experience but also build a special bond with teachers and other parents" says Prabhat Aggarwal, Secretary, PSA.

The grand finale on the 18^th of December will have a carnival atmosphere, keeping with the theme that “Science can be fun.” Stalls are being put up for each class, displaying their best experiments with students and parents in attendance.  The Science Fair is open from 10am to 4:40pm.

Mr Arun Bharat Ram, current Chairman of CII Environment Council, and the Indian Co-Chairman of the Indo German Consultative Group will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest and inaugurate the event at 10 am.

The Fair also brings forth many attractions such as:

Techtronics Education (India) Limited, a pioneer in promotion of 'learning by doing’ concept, established as a leading importer and distributor of Robotics development platforms and hands on learning aids.

United Way of Delhi, an NGO whose mission is to improve lives in a measurable, scalable and sustainable way by mobilizing the caring power of Delhi. One of their initiatives is a mobile van which is being effectively used to spread the wonder of science to those outside the reach of conventional means and many more.

In addition, Craft Corners reinforcing the science concepts will provide a range of art and craft activities to keep the little ones enthralled.

 “Minute Maid is about working with nature. Science helps us to better understand nature and how we can give back to nature and flourish. We are happy to be associated with ‘Mad About Science’ which helps young minds to understand and give back to nature through science. “, says Deepak Jolly, Vice President, Public Affairs and Communication, Coca Cola India who is supporting Mad About Science.

Media Contacts:

Neelima Singh

9811244555

Vimala Rajkumari

9650012959