Tag: science education

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Taare Zameen Par: Goa’s First Inter-School Science Fair 2026 Sparks Young Scientific Minds

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

To foster the integration of academics with research, Goa is set to host its first Inter-School Science Fair titled Taare Zameen Par 2026. Organised by the Board of Innovative Education Goa (BIE) in collaboration with A.J Academy for Research and Development, the two-day event will take place on Friday and Saturday, January 9 and 10, 2026, at Samrat Garden, Margao.

Designed for students from Class IV to X, the Science Fair is a research-driven initiative that encourages young learners to seek answers through the scientific method. The fair features multiple categories, including Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and Environmental Sciences, offering students a platform to engage in meaningful and original scientific exploration beyond routine classroom learning.

Addressing the media at a press conference held on January 7 at CSPH, Miramar, Muhammad Abdullah Javed, Director of A.J Academy for Research and Development, emphasised the long-term vision of the initiative. He said that inspiring young minds today could one day lead India to global recognition in science, possibly even a Nobel Prize. A key highlight of the fair, he noted, is the strong emphasis on parent–school partnerships, encouraging collaborative efforts to nurture future scientists. Unlike conventional science exhibitions, this fair prioritises originality and independent research, with students working on unique problems using their own procedures and techniques.

Approximately 220 students from schools across Goa will present 97 innovative projects, showcased in both individual and group categories. A distinguished panel of judges will evaluate the projects, with outstanding entries being honoured with titles such as Budding Scientist, Emerging Scientist and Young Scientist. All participating schools, students and guiding teachers will receive certificates of participation.

The Science Fair will be inaugurated by Prof. F. M. Nadaf, Principal of the Government of Goa’s Autonomous College of Multidisciplinary Studies and Research, Margao. The concluding programme will be graced by Dr. Sunil Kumar Singh, Director Headquarters, CSIR-NIO Goa, as the Chief Guest.

The exhibition will remain open to students, parents, educators, science enthusiasts and the general public on both days from 10:30 am to 6 pm. The event will conclude with an awards ceremony on January 10, scheduled from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, celebrating the innovation, curiosity and dedication of Goa’s next generation of scientists.

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St. Xavier’s College Chemistry Students Visit NCPOR for Hands-on Scientific Learning

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Chemistry at St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, organized a field visit for its TYBSc students to the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Vasco-da-Gama, Goa, on 16th October 2025. The visit offered students a first-hand experience of India’s leading research institution dedicated to polar and ocean studies.

Students were warmly welcomed by NCPOR scientists, who introduced them to the institution’s primary mandates, including the Indian Antarctic and Arctic Programs and Southern Ocean studies. The interaction sessions provided students valuable insights into how India contributes to global research on climate change, oceanography, and polar ecosystems.

During the guided tour, students explored several advanced laboratories such as the SEM-EDS Lab, Polar Biology Lab, Geology Lab, and Cryobiology Lab, where they learned about the cutting-edge instruments used in environmental and oceanic research. Faculty members accompanying the students highlighted the educational importance of linking theoretical chemistry concepts with real-world applications in polar science.

Fascinated by the experience, many students expressed interest in pursuing summer and winter research projects at NCPOR. The visit not only deepened their understanding of applied chemistry but also inspired them to consider careers in research and environmental science.

The field trip was coordinated by Mr. Mahesh Nair, faculty member of the Department of Chemistry, under the mentorship of Ms. Kathleen Pinto, Head of Department. The initiative reflects St. Xavier’s College’s ongoing commitment to experiential learning and academic exposure beyond the classroom.