Tag: STEM education

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CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Felicitates Goa’s Young Robotics & STEM Champions

Tanisha Cardozo

In a proud moment for Goa’s education and innovation ecosystem, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, felicitated the State’s outstanding young achievers who have brought laurels through exceptional performances in Robotics and STEM competitions at national and international platforms. The ceremony recognised students who have excelled at prestigious events such as the World STEM & Robotics Olympiad (WSRO), VEX Robotics Championships, and the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), underscoring Goa’s growing prominence in technology-driven education.

The event brought together students, mentors, school leaders, and parents who have collectively contributed to this remarkable success. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sawant congratulated the young innovators and their mentors, stating that their achievements exemplify innovation, discipline, teamwork, and the spirit of scientific inquiry. He reiterated the Government of Goa’s strong commitment to promoting STEM education, innovation, and future-ready skills in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020. He emphasised that such accomplishments reflect the State’s determination to ensure that Goan youth are prepared to compete and succeed on global platforms.

The Chief Minister lauded the role of Qurious Mind Infotainment Pvt. Ltd., a Goa-based robotics education organisation, for its sustained efforts in nurturing young talent and building a robust ecosystem for hands-on STEM learning across the State. He also acknowledged the invaluable contribution of the Department of Education, Government of Goa, school managements, teachers, mentors, and parents who have collectively enabled students to reach new heights in competitive arenas.

Among those honoured were Ronav Chodankar and Ariana Chodankar of Sharada Mandir School, mentored by Dr. Deepa Chodankar, who received the Judges’ Choice Award – Young Scientist (All STEM – Open Category) at the WSRO National Championship. Shlok R. Juvatkar of Mahila & Nutan English High School, guided by Mahadev Mishal, secured 1st Place in the Junior Robo Race category. Students representing Goa at the VEX Robotics Regional and National Championships, including Mast Vedang Anay Kamat, Miss Surabhi Shubhesh Manerikar, Miss Rajvi Vishwanath Marathe, and Mast Shourya Ganpat Prabhu Kapdi, were also recognised for their exemplary participation.

At the FIRST Tech Challenge, students such as Soham Mahesh Redkar, Dhruv Sameer Salgaonkar, Sparsh Swapnesh Verlekar, and Sairaj Amonkar from Saraswat Vidyalaya, Mapusa, along with Anam Raza of Podar International School, Panelim, Avaneesh Devendra Phadte of Mushtifund High School, Cujira, and Sai Pranav Gandhi of Sharada Mandir School, Miramar, were honoured for leadership and excellence within the international competition framework.

Goa’s representation at the WSRO International Championship marked a particularly proud milestone. Students from New English High School, Digas Panchwadi—Miss Paravi Prakash Gaonkar, Miss Shravya Rajendra Naik, Miss Akshavi Ashok Gaonkar, and Miss Aarushi Arun Sawant—mentored by Atul Shirodkar, earned international participation recognition in the Industry 4.0 category, reflecting the highest level of competition and global exposure.

Additional accolades included Mast Dilraj Dilip Kavthankar of Pradnya High School securing 6th Prize in the Line Follower category under the mentorship of Prasad Gadekar; Mast Ian Nunes of St. Bartholomew’s High School, Chorao, mentored by Vincent Toscano, winning 5th Prize in Young Scientist (Algorithms); Mast Vedang Kamat of Saraswat Vidyalaya, Mapusa, mentored by Anay Kamat, earning 4th Prize in Industry 4.0; and the team of Manish Mahadev Gawandi, Nirbhay Manoj Talkar, and Mayank Sandeep Kavathankar from Pradnya High School achieving 3rd Prize in the Line Follower category, guided by Prasad Gadekar.

The ceremony concluded with an engaging interaction between the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the students, followed by official photographs, marking a proud and inspiring chapter in Goa’s journey towards becoming an emerging hub for robotics, innovation, and technology education. The achievements celebrated at this event stand as a testament to what focused mentorship, institutional support, and youthful determination can accomplish, placing Goa firmly on the national and global STEM map.

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Goa Inter-School Science Fair 2026 Concludes with Call to Nurture Young Knowledge Creators

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The two-day Goa Inter-School Science Fair 2026 – “Taare Zameen Par” concluded on Saturday evening at Samrat Garden, Margao, reinforcing the message that India’s future depends on empowering students to become creators of knowledge rather than mere consumers of technology.

Organised by the Board of Innovative Education (BIE), Goa, in collaboration with A.J. Academy for Research and Development, the fair was held on January 9 and 10 and witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 200 students representing 10 schools. A total of 54 research-based projects were presented across Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and Environmental Sciences, in both individual and group categories. The event attracted more than 500 student visitors, along with researchers, academicians, parents, science activists and members of the public, transforming the venue into a vibrant hub of scientific exchange.

The concluding ceremony was graced by Dr Sunil Kumar Singh, Director (Headquarters), CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, Dr Singh emphasised that while India imports a large amount of technology, the country has immense potential to generate its own solutions. He urged students to move beyond the narrow pursuit of monetary success and focus instead on knowledge creation. Praising the quality of projects on display, he said the research showcased at the fair offered strong hope for the future of Indian science.

Earlier, Muhammad Abdullah Javed, Director of A.J. Academy for Research and Development, highlighted how the science fair had instilled confidence in students, enabling them to present ideas clearly and respond thoughtfully to questions. He stressed the importance of collaboration between parents, institutions and students in nurturing innovation and guiding young talent towards meaningful futures.

The welcome address was delivered by Mrs Meenaz Bhanu, Secretary of the Board of Innovative Education. Dr Waliur Rahman was felicitated for receiving the prestigious Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar Award, India’s highest science honour, conferred by the President of India for outstanding contributions to scientific research. In his presidential address, Asif Hussain, Chairman of the Board of Innovative Education, reminded the audience that scientific inventions must be used for societal development and problem-solving rather than destruction.

Projects were evaluated by an expert panel of judges from diverse scientific backgrounds. Several awards were presented across categories and age groups, recognising originality, research depth and practical relevance. From local composting methods and natural water purifiers to studies on microplastics, soil erosion, renewable energy and environmental sustainability, the projects reflected strong scientific inquiry and social awareness.

The fair concluded with the distribution of mementos to participating schools, felicitation of judges and guests, presentation of awards, and the National Anthem. The Goa Inter-School Science Fair 2026 stood out for its emphasis on independent research, collaboration and innovation, laying a strong foundation for future scientists, researchers and problem-solvers in the state.

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Goa’s First Research-Based Inter-School Science Fair 2026 Begins with Teachers’ Orientation Program by BIE and AJ Academy

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Board of Innovative Education (BIE), in association with AJ Academy for Research and Development, has taken a significant step toward transforming science education in Goa with the launch of a Teachers’ Orientation Program for the state’s first research-based Inter-School Science Fair 2026. Designed for students from Classes IV to X, the initiative marks a major shift from conventional model-making to genuine scientific inquiry that encourages curiosity, analytical thinking and evidence-based exploration. During the orientation, teachers were introduced to the core objective of integrating academic concepts with real research practices from an early age. The training emphasized the importance of helping students think like scientists—asking meaningful questions, developing hypotheses, identifying variables, conducting experiments, analysing data and presenting clear, research-backed conclusions.

One of the distinguishing features of this year’s Science Fair is its emphasis on Goa-centric research themes. Topics such as coastal erosion, mangrove ecosystem health, water quality challenges, waste management, the environmental impact of tourism and mining, and issues related to biodiversity were presented as key focus areas. By working on these locally relevant themes, students will be able to apply scientific thinking to issues that directly affect their surroundings, allowing them to propose solutions rooted in research and a deeper understanding of their environment. This approach aims to make science education relatable and empowering, encouraging students to view scientific inquiry as a tool for improving their communities.

Addressing teachers at the orientation, the Secretary of the Board of Innovative Education underscored the transformative vision behind the Science Fair. He emphasized the need to “bring out the C. V. Raman, Einstein and Newton hidden in our young minds,” highlighting the immense potential within Goa’s student community. Teachers were acknowledged as the driving force behind this transformation, and the session provided them with practical guidelines, mentoring frameworks and support strategies to help students undertake impactful research projects.

The upcoming Goa Inter-School Science Fair 2026 is expected to showcase meaningful, evidence-driven projects that reflect real-time challenges faced by the state. Through this research-oriented approach, the initiative aims to ignite scientific curiosity, strengthen analytical skills and inspire young minds to explore science as a powerful tool for understanding and solving the challenges of their communities.

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PM SHRI Government High School, Morpirla Attends Innovation Council Workshop at Don Bosco College of Engineering

allycaralgoa

Quepem, Goa | 26th June 2025 – In a forward-thinking move to empower students with the tools of modern innovation, the students of PM SHRI Government High School, Morpirla participated in an immersive Innovation Council Workshop held at Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda. The workshop, conducted on 26th June 2025, brought together young minds and experts for a dynamic day of exploration, learning, and hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies.

Igniting Minds with Innovation

The workshop began with an inspiring keynote session by Siddhanth Panjikar, who set the tone for the day with an engaging discussion on Innovation and Creativity. Emphasizing the importance of design thinking, collaboration, and a culture of experimentation, his session motivated students to think outside the box and approach problems with fresh perspectives.

Through interactive discussions, students were encouraged to share ideas and understand how innovation plays a vital role in solving real-world challenges. They learned that innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about mindset, curiosity, and the willingness to question, explore, and experiment.

Think, Design, Prototype: A Hands-On Journey

The heart of the workshop was the Think, Design, and Prototyping session, which introduced students to the fundamentals of design thinking—from identifying problems to brainstorming, prototyping, and testing. Students were guided through structured innovation processes and real-life case studies that demonstrated the power of empathy, ideation, and creativity.

This session emphasized the role of collaboration and iterative design in creating effective solutions. Students were given a platform to brainstorm ideas, discuss challenges, and visualize how they could bring their ideas to life.

Exploring Future Technologies: 3D Printing and Laser Cutting

One of the most exciting segments of the day was the technology demonstration on 3D printing and laser cutting. Students witnessed the precision of laser cutting, observing how the technology could effortlessly carve intricate patterns and designs. They gained a deeper appreciation for how laser cutting is used in industries such as manufacturing, architecture, and product design.

The 3D printing demonstration opened a window into the fascinating world of additive manufacturing. Students learned about the step-by-step process of creating physical objects layer by layer from digital models. From prototyping to final production, the applications of 3D printing in various fields such as healthcare, engineering, and education were explored.

Adding to the excitement, students had the unique opportunity to use 3D pens, which allowed them to create physical designs in real-time using handheld tools. This engaging activity boosted their confidence and creativity, showing them that innovation can be both fun and accessible.

Inspiration for the Future

The workshop concluded with a reflection session, where students shared their takeaways and expressed enthusiasm about applying their new skills and knowledge in their school environment. The experience not only broadened their understanding of emerging technologies but also instilled a deeper interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Towards a Culture of Innovation

The Innovation Council Workshop was more than just a one-day event—it was a step forward in building a mindset of innovation among the students of PM SHRI Government High School, Morpirla. With the skills and inspiration gained, students are now better equipped to take on creative challenges and contribute meaningfully to the school’s journey toward becoming an innovation-driven learning environment.

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CARES Goa Launches Elective Curriculum 2025–2026: Powering Practical Learning for a Future-Ready Generation

allycaralgoa

Goa, June 2025 — In a significant step towards transforming classroom learning into real-world experience, Coding And Robotics Education in Schools (CARES) Scheme, under the aegis of the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Government of Goa, has launchedts Elective Curriculum for the academic year 2025–2026. This initiative continues to empower school students with future-ready skills through practical, tech-integrated education.

The latest edition of the curriculum is being implemented across 206 lead schools and is set to benefit over 17,000 students, with a focused rollout for students of Classes 6th, 7th, and 8th. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the curriculum places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, critical thinking, and applied technology.

One of the key highlights of this year’s offering is the introduction of in-house designed robotics hardware kits, coupled with the in-house developed GOVIN IDE — a user-friendly coding environment that enables students to write, test and deploy code for their projects. This integration gives students early access to industry-relevant tools in a school setting, fostering a deeper understanding of robotics and embedded systems.

The elective modules introduced in the CARES  curriculum for 2025–2026 span a diverse range of emerging and impactful domains. Students will explore cutting-edge technologies. The curriculum also includes practical exposure to Plug and Play units creative exploration through Digital Design and Fabrication, and socially conscious learning via Community Innovation Projects. Each module is thoughtfully designed to blend theory with hands-on application, enabling students to understand and innovate within real-world contexts.

With project-based assessments, teacher training support and interactive digital content, the elective curriculum aims not only to enhance technical proficiency but also to build life skills like teamwork, communication and creativity.

The 2025–2026 launch reaffirms CARES Goa’s mission to make education more engaging, relevant, and future-forward—ensuring that Goan students are not just learning about the world, but actively shaping it.