Explore topics in mathematics using origami, conduct chemistry experiments at stalls or simply enjoy the cultural programmes. The fourth edition of the Chennai Science Festival 2011, being organised by Science City from January 29 to February 2, promises to have an interesting mix of events targeted both at children and their parents.
Addressing media persons here on Thursday, P. Iyamperumal, Vice-Chairman, Science City, said that the festival is aims to promote scientific temper as well as serve as a forum to inform students about careers opportunities in science.
Nearly 120 stalls, including those put by academic and research organisations, would be part of the festival, whose focus would be chemistry as 2011 is the International Year of Chemistry, he said. Special buses would be operated to pick up students from Chennai Schools and well-known scientists would enlighten students about a range of topics. Last year, the Chennai Science Festival attracted nearly 35,000 students and this time the number is expected to increase.
On the need to attract children to take up careers in pure science and importance of such programmes, S.P. Thyagarajan, Pro-Chancellor (Research) of Sri Ramachandra University, said that currently the number of students pursuing science is less and youngsters need to be encouraged. According to an estimate of the Government of India, in 2004-06, India produced one research scientist for every 7,100 people. In China, it is one research scientist for every 1,080 people; in South Korea, one in 240 and in Sweden, it is one in 163. “We need at least 13 lakh students per year taking up science at the graduate level, 3 lakh students at the post-graduate level and 30,000 at the PhD,” he said.
S. Muthukumaran, Chairman, Executive Committee, Science City, said a marathon as a prelude to the Chennai Science Festival would be conducted on January 28.
