KOCHI: The Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) has for long been guiding inquisitive school students through its portals of science and technology during summer vacations. This year has been no different. It has conducted a couple of camps and will conduct more this summer for students drawn from different parts of the state.
To inculcate a scientific temper in young minds, the university’s Centre for Science in Society (C-SiS) is offering summer vacation classes. C-SiS lab is equipped with sophisticated models like satellite launcher GSLV MK III and other space-related miniature models which enable students to understand space and its myriad possibilities and man’s conquest over it through different phases.
A group of expert teachers leads the programme which is based on the ‘learn while play and play while learn’ theme. The science park in the university teaches students the complex scientific principles in a simple way using working models.
‘Circus of energy’ which explains different forms of energy, ‘Vertex model’ which scientifically shows the natural phenomenon of hurricane, wind turbine which produces electricity from wind and solar power plant demonstration are available in the science park. Statues of famous scientists from all over the world with a brief description are also kept. “We were excited to see and learn from all these,” said M. Athira, a student from Alappuzha.
“Students were thrilled when given a chance to do experiments in laboratories in different disciplines of science. The biology lab gives opportunity to determine one’s own blood group and analyze minute plant cells besides enabling them to do other experiments. Complex mathematical principles which are a nightmare to students are taught in an interesting manner in the mathematical lab. Complicated scientific principles are linked to day-to-day happenings and a scientific orientation to students is created helping them to understand the science portion in a better way,” said Dr M. Bhasi, assistant director, C-SiS.
C-SiS is also organising a one-day science orientation programme ‘Sameeksha-19’ for the students in the age group of 13 to 16 with the sponsorship of Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE). The programme will be conducted during May 20-24 and students can opt for participation on any day.
The Department of English and Foreign Languages is another branch of Cusat conducting a vacation programme in Communicative English & Personality Development for students from 8th to 12th standards. It gives them an opportunity to sharpen the language skills and develop personality. There is also a unique vacation programme of 60-hour duration in German language at the department.
The university library offers a new experience to schoolchildren through ‘summer school programme.’ The participants are given opportunity to visit various departments, including Kunjali Marakkar School of Marine Engineering, as a part of summer school. The two weeks’ programme was inaugurated by KMRL Managing Director A.P.M. Mohammd Haneesh on May 6.
