The month long preparation leading upto the Science fair paid off remarkably on the 8th of March.The combed hair, neat uniform and polished shoes indicated how seriously the children took this event. That the children were excited was evident by the look of nervous animation on their faces. Their excitement was contagious and the entire school was buzzing with enthusiasm.
In preparation for this grand show, some children from classes 5, 6 and 7 were selected and grouped to conduct various experiments. While the volunteers had prepared a list of experiments for each group, some of the children came up with their own ideas for experiments- like the model of the Solar System.
We, the volunteers spent quite a few days going over our old school books, brushing up on our concepts of electrons, protons, refraction of light etc. Things we had not pondered about in ages suddenly occupied all our free time- why does light have different velocities in different mediums, what is the summer & winter solstice… and so on. Finally with all the concepts clear in our heads we spent 3 weekends teaching the children the concepts relevant to their respective experiments. They responded intelligently to the concepts and spent considerable time doing homework on it. They then worked on the models and charts for the experiment. This was probably the most exciting time period for the school. Children other than the participants begged to be a part of the show & make models too. While we couldn’t allow everyone to participate (due to the sheer logistical problems), these children were encouraged to help the participants and understand the concepts with them. It was heartening to see all of them working excitedly on scientific concepts.
With the models and charts ready, the day of the Science Exhibition arrived. Each group stood alongside their chart & experiment, ready with speaking matter and nervous about the questions that would be posed to them. The teachers first went around, pausing to listen and question each of the groups on their experiment. It was a proud moment indeed to watch the children respond confidently to these probes from their ultimate authority figures. The other children from the school and the judges also strode around, admiring the work put up. When the day was finally wrapped up, the children were exhausted but proud of their own performances.
When we gave out the prizes the next week at the school, it was another day of pride and joy for the children. The look of pure glee on the faces of the winners and of excitement on all the other participants was the icing on the cake for the volunteers. All the participants received a book from the head master of the school for their efforts. These books were given to encourage them to read and continue their efforts in mastering Science and English. While we bid them all goodbye last week, we thought that there could not have been a better end to the school year than this grand event that showed the children in the best glow of their full potential.
-Swathi Nandi
