Twenty three of us, who secured more than 95 per cent in Std X from our school, attended the INSPIRE Internship Science Camp organised by the Coimbatore Institute of Engineering and Technology. It was a five-day camp and an eye-opening experience.
The objective of the programme is to motivate young minds to become scientists. The name of the programme is derived from ‘Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research’ — INSPIRE. There were various lectures on different disciplines and fields. It was a great pleasure to meet dignitaries from all over.
We were exposed to subjects such as relativity, liquid crystals, cosmology, Bio-technology, Mathematics, Bio-physics, Radio Astrophysics, and Environmental Science among other things. All topics were quite interesting. We enjoyed all the lectures. I have developed an interest in Bio-technology after attending a lecture by the director of School of Bio-technology and Genetic Engineering.
We went to CODISSIA Science Park and G.D. Museum, where we saw several inventions and models. It felt like a different world. I feel all students must visit it. Then there was a separate session for observing the night sky through telescopes. We saw Saturn and also craters on the moon.
We stayed in a hostel during the camp. It was a unique life there and we enjoyed a lot. The organisers, who arranged the accommodation and food, made us feel at home. These five days were a turning point. Our hidden talents and scientific curiosity were brought out. We have definitely been “inspired” to become scientists.
I thank our school principal and vice-principal, who gave us the opportunity to participate in this memorable and fascinating camp.
The writer is in class X B, SBOA MHSS, Coimbatore
