Conducted On
23rd May 2023
Participants
Girl students of 9th standard from rual areas (selected by IIT-B) and their women teachers
Count
160 students (160 girls) and
25 teacher (25 female)
Medium
Hindi & English
About the session
As part of the WiSE program, Mrs. Mugdha Belwalkar, an accomplished microbiologist and science educator, delivered an inspiring and interactive session aimed at demystifying science and encouraging curiosity among rural students and their teachers. Her session was a blend of personal anecdotes, practical demonstrations, and motivational insights that resonated deeply with the participants.
Session Highlights
- Personal Journey and Motivation:
- Mugdha shared her inspiring story of growing up in a Marathi medium school, discovering her love for biology, and pursuing her passion despite challenges.
- She explained her decision to pursue microbiology over MBBS, emphasizing how mentorship and determination shaped her path.
- Interactive Demonstrations:
- Chromatography Experiment: Demonstrated how colors separate into their components using chalk and water, introducing the concept of capillary action.
- pH Indicators with Rose Petals: Showed how to identify acidic and basic substances using natural indicators like rose petal solutions, making science relatable and accessible.
- Practical Insights into Microbiology:
- Explained the role of microorganisms in everyday life and how they can be studied using simple tools.
- Introduced participants to the concept of nutrient agar plates to observe bacterial growth, providing a hands-on understanding of microbiological processes.
- Importance of Science Beyond Textbooks:
- Highlighted how science is more than theoretical knowledge and encouraged students to explore labs, experiments, and real-world applications.
- Emphasized the importance of questioning and curiosity in becoming a scientist.
- Guidance for Aspiring Scientists:
- Discussed the various career paths in STEM, including microbiology, molecular biology, bioanalytical science, and pharmaceutical research.
- Recommended resources like NPTEL and workshops to explore scientific interests early.
- Engaging Teachers:
- Equipped teachers with ideas and strategies to inspire their students to engage in practical science learning.
- Highlighted the role of educators in bridging the gap between theoretical and experiential learning.
Impact of the Session
- For Students:
The interactive nature of the session sparked curiosity and built confidence among the 160 participating girls. - For Teachers:
Teachers left equipped with new ideas to make science engaging and accessible in their classrooms. - Overall:
The session reinforced the mission of the WiSE program to empower rural girls to pursue STEM careers by demonstrating the accessibility and excitement of science.
Key Takeaways
- Science is everywhere, and curiosity is the first step toward discovery.
- Hands-on experiences are critical to truly understanding scientific concepts.
- There are diverse career paths in science beyond traditional roles like medicine.
- Early mentorship and practical exposure can significantly shape a student’s future.
Through her session, Mugdha brought to life the transformative power of science education, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.
