Bhopal: A three-day international conference on ‘Emerging Trends and Innovations in School Sciences,’ concluded with panel discussion and paper presentations at Regional Institute of education, Bhopal on Friday. The morning session began with panel discussion on ‘Inclusiveness in Science Education: Issues and Concerns’.The panelists were – Anant Kukreti, Ohio, USA, Aman Yadav, Colombia, USA, Arvind C Ranade, India, Chandrasena, Srilanka, Mostafa Azad, Bangladesh and Rekha Koul, Perth, Australia.
Here, the inclusive classroom where learners, based on genders, socio background and special children were taught. They informed how teachers can incorporate the diversity of the entire group into classroom. Also, what could be strategies to address the need of the learners. They also said that peer learning, confidence building and linguistic minorities are essential things for it.
The session was chaired by professor Sudhakar Agarkar, India and Piyush Swami, Ohio, USA and moderated by Rashmi Sharma. It was followed by technical sessions on ‘School Science for Sustainable Development,’ and ‘Professional development of Science teachers and teachers educators,’
Renu Yadav from Central University , Haryana presented her paper on ‘Exploration of Menstrual Practices among Adolescent Girls in India’. The study revealed that girls are not comfortable in discussing menstruation and the related topics with their teachers. It also found that sanitation facilities are poor in schools and menstrual hygiene is not discussed in the school in detail.
Another interesting paper was presented by Tushar Kanti Nath on ‘Science Innovation through National Children’s Science Congress in Fatepur High (H.S.) School, Haringhata, West Bengal. The important innovation made by the students of this school through NCSC are electricity generation from Parthenium and water hyacinth,’ ‘Arsenic quantification by guava leaf,’ ‘Effect of simulated acid rain on rice growth’ etc. Certificates were distributed to participants in the evening sessions.