Mumbai: Amid cheers from students and parents, Mahiri Thakkar, with an iguana on his head, tried to steady himself and strike a perfect pose. The reptile, on the other hand, was unperturbed by the noise, but finding the space too tight to position itself. Finally, a radiant smile appeared on Mahiri’s face as the camera flashed.
There was a palpable excitement in the air as a day-long science exhibition ‘BEAMS’ got off to a flying start at The Somaiya School, Vidyavihar, on Saturday. Students were at their best in fielding questions from visitors and explaining exhibits on space, textiles, genetics, evils of technology and aeronautics.
The crowd-puller was the moving model of a space shuttle along with various models showing day and night constellations.
‘Interaction with animals’ was an interesting feature, where students could learn about their life cycle. “It was fun and exciting,” said Mahiri, a Class III student. “I have read about animals in books and watched them on television, but watching them up close is something else. I still remember the day when I first held a bird in my Senior KG year,” he said.
Anshi Angad Patel, a Class II student, was lucky to have her favourite animal on her palms. “I like the softness of the rabbit. I was not scared when it moved or jumped.”
But her classmates Tianna and Vaishnavi could just manage to touch a rabbit, iguana or a rat. “There is no point in feeling disappointed as we just couldn’t get a chance to hold them. We will attempt to do so next time,” they said.
Principal Parveen Shaikh said, it is important for students to develop a bond, and interact with nature to experience science hands-on. “This will not only encourage a scientific bent of mind but will also create an appreciation for it.”
“After watching animals and interacting with them, I feel that I must play a role in environment protection,” said Krish Vakharia from Class IV.
The principal gave the credit for the exhibition to students. “They have been preparing for the festival for over a month. We sent out a circular by April-end and they came up with their ideas in June.”
