தே.கு.அ.மாநாடு 2010

தே.கு.அ.மாநாடு 2010
NCSC 2010 - Tamil Nadu

புதன், 11 ஜூலை, 2012

About Children’s Science Congress (CSC)



Part-I
1.0.      About Children’s Science Congress (CSC)

1.1.        CSC – the beginning
The seeds of the programme of children’s science congress (CSC), in the way of an exercise to carry out small research activities at micro-level were planted in Madhya Pradesh by an NGO called Gwalior Science Center. It was later adopted by National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India for carrying out national level activities through NCSTC-Network (a network of Non-Government and Government organizations working in the field of science popularization) as national organiser. It was a time when many of the country’s crusaders of science communication were experienced with massive science communication exercise of Bharat Jana Bigyan Jatha and Bharat Jana Gyan Bigyan Jatha. It was felt that the large scale activities for developing scientific awareness among the masses are to be continued as regular activity, so, this programme was launched nationwide in 1993, under the nomenclature of National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC), with an expectation that it would generate scientific temperament among the teachers and students, and spread among various stakeholders of the society. The programme of NCSC has been fruitfully conducted for the last 19 years.
1.2.        CSC – an overview
Children’s Science Congress is targeted to spread the concept of the method of science among the children through their project activities adopting the principle of ‘Learning through doing’. The mandate of participation is that, the children will carry out a project on a particular topic in relation to theme and sub-theme decided for the year. The study is to be carried out in the neighbourhood of the children where they live in. For this, the students form a group with their like-minded friends/classmates and the study is carried out under the supervision of a guide. It is noteworthy that, CSC programme is not only for the school going children but is also open for the children outside the formal boundary of schools, in the age group of 10 to 17 years (where 10 to 14 years is considered as junior group and 14 to 17 years as senior group). Further, it is not mandatory that a guide must be a school teacher; any person with fair knowledge of dealing with children and method of science is considered eligible to guide the children.
The exercises of project activities, as a thumb rule, encourage the children to explore, think, serve and wonder. It is capable to imbibe the following temperament/quality/skill of the children:
·         Observation,
·         Making measurement,
·         Making comparison and contrasts,
·         Classification,
·         Estimation,
·         Prediction,
·         Interpretation,
·         Critical thinking,
·         Creative thinking,
·         Drawing conclusion and
·         Cooperative skill
Therefore it is ideally expected that any group of children will undertake a project work with a perspective of continuous effort of questioning and experimentation (as in fig-1).

Here, observation incorporates anything the children observe in their daily life in the locality, in relation to the theme defined for the year. The observation should to be followed by relevant questioning such as “What? Where? When? Why? How? Whom?”. In the search for finding out the answer to the question(s), one is required to review different literature concerning the issues in the study. Review of such literature basically and ideally helps in framing the steps towards the study and experimentation. In the process, one may also discuss with experts of the relevant fields to get information and advice. Initiatives for such activities must be encouraged by the guide associated with the project. These steps will help to frame assumption/hypothesis. Hypothesis is an assumption of some causes and its impact on the basis of observation, information collected from different literature and emerged from discussion with experts. After these phases, actual study through survey or experimentation or survey followed by experimentation would start. In the case of survey-based work, identification of respondent, their unit of observation, sample coverage, design of survey in relation to designing of interview schedule or questionnaire is supposed to be the most critical steps. Such decisions may vary with the issues of study. On the other hand, in case of experimentation, setting the objective of experimentation, defining different parameters, identification of ideal instruments, framing of procedures/steps and control along with repetitive observation of the experiments are critical decisions, which will determine the path towards the result. Again in relation to issues of study, such experiment may be either laboratory experiments or field experiments.
It is expected that in course of time, the children’s project will bring in lots of new information about problems and prospects of their locality along with innovative ideas to address these issues. Moreover, in the course of project work, the children may develop different new approaches of study along with the development of different instruments for their experiments. Such tools/instruments may be developed with the material in their access / available to them nearby. Another expectation was that the outcome of different studies will be communicated among the local populace, which in turn, helps in generating scientific temperament among the general mass.
In a nutshell, the CSC projects are simple, innovative, concerned with local issues related with day to day life, carried out in very nominal cost, where the focus is more on logical interpretation and analysis of issues, and finding out pragmatic solutions of generic nature to the possible extent, and not merely confined to the study topic and corresponding model making.
1.3.        Objectives
The primary objectives of the Children’s Science Congress is to make a forum available to children of the age-group of 10-17 years, both from formal school system as well as from out of school, to exhibit their creativity and innovativeness and more particularly their ability to solve a societal problem experienced locally using the method of-science.
By implication, the CSC prompts children to think of some significant societal problem, ponder over its causes and subsequently try and solve the same using the scientific process. This involves close and keen observation, raising pertinent questions, building models, predicting solutions on the basis of a model, trying out various possible alternatives and arriving at an optimum solution using experimentation, field work, research and innovative ideas. The Children’s Science Congress encourages a sense of discovery. It emboldens the participants to question many aspects of our progress and development and express their findings in vernacular.

1.4.        Relevance of CSC in the light of contemporary educational initiatives
The basic approach of CSC on the principle of learning through doing on the issues of children’s immediate environment significantly caries the sprit and mandate of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) of UNESCO, National Curriculum Framework (NCF,2005) and Right to Education(RTE,2009).
The modalities and approaches of CSC cater to the five pillars of learning of Education for Sustainable Development vividly, viz. learning to know, learning to do, learning to live together, and learning to be, learning to transform one self and society (Declaration of ESD in the 57th meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in December 2002, which proclaimed the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, 2005- 2014, refer – www.desd.org and www.unesco.org)
The mandate of CSC which encourage Children’s to observe, explore, experiments and wonder through a project activities and its associated ways of participation and evaluation rightly take care of the guiding principles of the NCF,2005. Therefore, example of Children’s Science Congress is rightly cited in the NCF documents under executive summery section, page ix (http://www.teindia.nic.in/Files/NCF-2005.pdf) .
Similarly CSC activities also helps in materializing the approach of learning as framed in the Right of Children of Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2005 (particularly in relation to article 6.1, section C (ii, iii, iv and v)).
More over the CSC activities, since 1993, has catered to many of the approaches and priorities of science education visualized in the National Programme of Sarba Siksha Abhijan (SSA) (refer SSA framework, htp//ssakarnataka.gov.in/pdfs/aboutus/ ssa_framework%20.pdf) and Rastriya Madhamik Siskha Abhijan (RMSA) ( refer - http://www.educationforallinindia.com/rastriya-madhymic-shiksha-mission-RMSM.pdf).
1.5.        Eligibility of participants
·         It is open for children in the age of 10 to 14 years (lower age group) and from 14+ to 17 years (upper age group) as on December 31 of the calendar year.
·         A group of children not exceeding five, can do the project –study under a teacher guide.
·         A child scientist, who had already presented as a Group Leader at the National Level in one age-group, can act as a co-worker in the subsequent year, in the same age group (lower / upper).
·         Parents, whose child would participate in the Children’s Science Congress in the ensuing year, should not hold any portfolio in the organizing committee of the CSC conducted at any level.

1.6.        Modalities of participation
Following are major steps involved for participation in the CSC

1.7.        Nature of CSC Project
The CSC projects are:
·         Innovative, simple and practical;
·         Representing teamwork;
·         Based on exploration of everyday life-situations;
·         Involving Experimentation and/or field based data collection;
·         Having definite outputs, arrived through scientific methodology;
·         Related directly to community work in the local geographical area;
·         Having follow-up plans.
1.8.        Criteria of Good Projects
As per past experience it has been found that projects which were rated very good had the following elements while implementing and documenting the project:
·         Proper understanding and definition of the problem undertaken.
·         Quality and quantity of work, including team work, learning process, subject understanding and efforts to validate the data collected.
·         Relevance of the proposal to the community/school problem and impact of project on schoolmates, neighbourhood community.
·         Originality, innovation and creativity shown to understand the problem and find solution i.e. in methodology and experiment design.



1.9.        Points to remember
The project work of CSC must be carried out in a systematic way so that it can rightly reflect the method of science in the works. The issue of the study may demand experimental or survey works or both. In case of experimental works design and principle of the experiments are very important factor which may help to get a better result in a rational way. In such case parameters of observation and verification through the experiment and its logical selection must be reflected vividly along with sets of control and approaches of data validation. Similarly, in case of survey based project universe of the study, criteria of sample selection, sample coverage, design of questionnaire or interview schedule are very important along with approaches of data compilation, validation, analysis and interpretation. Prototype model or functional models are only encouraged to use in project presentation if issues and methods of study really demands for it.
Log-Book- Proper work diary has to be maintained while carrying out the project work. The day-to-day activity has to be neatly noted in the form of a log-book, and should be submitted with the project report at the time of submission. All the details, such as Project title, name of the group leader etc should be written clearly on the cover.
1.10.     Structure of the project report
The structure project report of CSC is as follow
                                 i.     Cover page – must incorporate
·    Title of the project
·    Name and address of Group leader and co-workers
·    Name and address of guide
                                ii.     Form – A ( Registration form)
                               iii.     Abstract – in 250 words for lower age group and 300 words upper age group  (one copy in English)
                               iv.     Contents- list of chapter with detail heading and sub-heading, list of table, chart, maps, etc. along with references against page numbers
                                v.     Introduction- description on background of the study
                               vi.     Aims and objectives of the study
                              vii.     Hypothesis
                             viii.     Need statement
                               ix.     Work plan
                                x.     Methodology
                               xi.     Observations
                              xii.     Data analysis and interpretation
                             xiii.     Results
                             xiv.     Conclusions
                              xv.     Solution to the problem
                             xvi.     Future plan
                            xvii.     Acknowledgement
                           xviii.     References
Plagiarism would lead to disqualification
 
The word limit for the written report for the lower age group is 2500 and that for the upper age group is 3500. The written report can be substantiated by including limited number of photographs, sketches, illustrations and / or drawings, etc.


1.11.     Oral presentation:
Oral presentation at the technical sessions of the congress is a very important component of the entire process. Effective communication during briefing the issues of study, its objectives, and methodology adopted for the study, important observation and findings, vital aspects on the way and approach to solve the problem or address problems is a very critical part of the exercise. Because only 8 minutes time is allotted for the purpose. Therefore, one has to plan pragmatically for the purpose. Children can use 4 different posters (which is mandatory). Poster must be prepared on 55 cm x 70 cm (21.6" x 27.5") drawing sheets (i.e. chart papers). If needed power point presentation may be used.
Your posters should contain information on (1) The project title, (2) Names of the group members, (3) Objectives, (4) Map of the area, (5) Methodology, (6) Results, (7) Conclusion, (8) Solution to the problem. Depending upon the nature of the project the poster may or may not have a map and/or results.
1.12.     Different level of Congress
Children’s Science Congress is organised in three levels where the child scientists and their project works are screened under common evaluation criteria. The evaluation of the project is done for its innovativeness, simplicity and practicality. On the basis of the merit of the project is selected for the next level. The three levels are as follows:
·         Block /district level
·         State level
·         National level.
The District/Block level Congress is the first level in which projects compete with one another and are screened for presentation at the State level Congress, the second level. Projects as per State-wise quota indicated at Annexure- are selected from the State level for the Grand Finale – the National Children’s Science Congress. Seven to eight lakh child scientists participate at various levels from the States and the Union Territories.

1.13.     Screening
(i)     The selection ratio at District/State Level and at State/National Level should be as follows:
State: District = 1: 15
(Out of 15 projects presented at District 1 will be screened for State Level.)
(ii)    State/National = As per State quota indicated at Annexure -
(iii)   The selection ratio of Lower age group (10 to 14 years of age) to Upper age group (14+ to 17 years) should be 40:60.
1.14.     Tentative Activity Schedule
·         Selection of subjects and activity for registration of teams : June-July
·         Working on the project: Minimum two months
·         District level Congress: By September -October
·         State level Congress: By November
·         National level Congress: 27-31 December
·         ‘Kishore Vigyani Sanmmelan’ ( at Indian Science Congress ) from 3-7 January
1.15.     Approaches of Evaluation
The innovative ideas and scientific methodology are the basis of a good project but one has to prove his communication skills also to make others listen and understand his findings. For doing this, a total cooperation in the group is a must. Accept positive criticism within the group or even from outside and improve the work plan. This will bring award and recognition.
1.15.1.  Evaluation Criteria
i)      Originality of idea and concept: A unique or novel project idea which attempts to answer a specific question - (a hypothesis driven by curiosity to understand any concept related to focal theme). The idea should not be an exact replication of the model projects as in this Activity Guide. A proper explanation of origin of the idea may be demanded by the evaluator.
ii)     Relevance of the project to the theme: This section focuses on how the project is relevant to the focal theme/sub-theme.
iii)    Scientific understanding of the issue: Refers to the extent of knowledge the child scientist has in relation to the project idea.
iv)    Data collection: Systematic collection of information using relevant tools/interviews/questionnaire. Sample size should be sufficient to support the issues under study.
v)     Analysis: This includes tabulation, categorization/classification, and simple statistics as applicable to the study.
vi)    Experimentation/Scientific study/validation: Conducting of experiments/field study and validation applying simple methods of science. Experiment need not be every sophisticated or lab based, they could be simple, self developed and inexpensive too.
vii)   Interpretation and Problem solving attempt: To what extent the team has addressed the proposed hypothesis and the issue of the locality through the project.
viii)  Team work: It refers to work division, cooperation and sharing among and beyond the team members (the child scientists).
ix)    Background correction (Only for District level): In this case the background of the children is verified like geographical location of their school, village, town etc. in relation to infrastructure, information and other input related facilities available with them. The logic is that children from difficult geographical situation must get some weightage in comparison to the children from advantageous geographical location. Non-school going children should also get some weightage in this criterion.
x)     Report and Presentation: Written Report and Oral Presentation are evaluated separately. Reports are evaluated for its systematic presentation, tabulation of data in support of the project idea and the clarity with which the study is documented and explained. A Log Book (actually a Daily Diary) is mandatory and should be authenticated over the signature of the guide teacher daily. The cover page of the Log Book should carry the names of the child scientists, the district and the Sate, in English. Marks awarded for the presentation covers question and answer with evaluators, presentation of charts/posters, illustrations and other visuals.
xi)    Follow up Action Plan (Only for State and National levels): The child scientists should try to find out scientific solution to the bothering problem. Has the team conveyed the message to the community? How it was communicated? Will effort continue to involve more people till the problem is solved? Was any action plan suggested? Credit shall be given for similar efforts.
xii)   Improvement from the previous level (Only for State and National levels): This is to encourage the child scientists towards their continuous involvement with the project for its improvement. Improvements on the work from District to state level and then from State level to the national level will be given marks separately. The evaluators shall specify the areas of improvement on a separate sheet of paper.
xiii)  Additional page(s): These must be there in the Project Report with detail description of works of improvement done after the previous level (particularly on the basis of the evaluators’ suggestion in the previous level).



1.15.2.  Evaluators
i)      Evaluators may please note that the participating children are budding scientists from the age group of 10 to 17 years with limited access to knowledge centres and therefore require encouragement. Having understood their capabilities and capacities, the evaluators should provide them with constructive inputs and positive feed-back.
ii)     Evaluators should appreciate and value the efforts, innovativeness and confidence of the participating child scientists and ensure that their honest assessment work as a guiding light for future endeavours of the child scientists and each one goes back motivated, intellectually rich and more confident.
iii)    Evaluators should evaluate the projects on the basis of subject matter and scientific content and are not influenced by the gadgetry used or oratory skills of the participants. They should avoid unwarranted comments and also avoid comparing the works of the child scientists with those carried out by senior members or scientists.
iv)    Evaluators should avoid being any source of distraction to the child scientists while presentation is going on and do not take the interactions with the participants as a test what the participating child does not know, rather, they make efforts to know what the child scientist know about the subject area.

1.15.3.  Model consolidated Evaluation Sheet
For District level
Sl. No.
Criteria
Max. marks
Written Report
Oral Presentation
Total
1.
Originality of idea and concept
10



2.
Relevance of the project to the theme
10



3.
Understanding of the issue
15



4.
Data collection & analysis
15



5.
Experimentation/validation
10



6.
Interpretation and Problem solving attempt
10



7.
Team work
10



8.
Background correction
10



9.
Oral presentation/ written report (as applicable)
10




Total:
100





For State Level
Sl. No.
Criteria
Max. marks
Written Report
Oral Presentation
Total
1.
Originality of idea and concept
5



2.
Relevance of the project to the theme
5



3.
Understanding of the issue
15



4.
Data collection & analysis
15



5.
Experimentation/validation
10



6.
Interpretation and Problem solving attempt
15



7.
Team work
5



8.
Follow up action plan
10



9.
Oral presentation/ written report (as applicable)
10



10.
Improvement over the previous level suggested
10




Total:
100



                             

1.16.     Organisers
NCSC is organised nationally by the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science and Technology Government of India, with active support from NCSTC-Network as a national co-ordinating Agency. NCSTC-Network is a registered Society, comprising of 76  organisations (Annexure-), Government and Non-Government, spread over all the states and Union Territories of India, who are working for science popularization. To organise CSC at the State Level, each State/Union Territory has a coordinating body viz. State Co-ordinating Agency, which is a member of the NCSTC-Network (see list at Annexure- ). 
1.16.1.  Role of District Coordinating Agency, District Coordinators and District Academic Coordinators
i)      To agree in writing, on being selected, to act as a District Coordinating Agency and abide by rules and regulations prescribed in this Activity Guide Book and also by the State Coordinating Agency;
ii)     To constitute a District Organizing Committee (DOC)  and a District Academic Committee (DAC) , minimum  7 (seven) members can be selected from  teachers, activists, ex-child scientists, government officials, officials of the local bodies etc. and send the lists to the State Coordinator by the date specified. The District Coordinators shall act as the Member-Secretary of both the Committees;
iii)    To register groups of children (2 to 5 in one group) in Form A and provide them with necessary reference materials, kits and guidance. Number of groups registered to be intimated to the State Coordinator by the date specified;
iv)    While registering the District Co-ordinator should be assured that, the age of the child scientist falls within the age as on 31st December of the calendar year. If need be a copy of the age-certificate may be retained by the District Co-ordinator, to avoid any confusion at later stages. Even while participating at the National Congress, the State Co-ordinator may also keep a copy of the certificate.
v)     To select schools from rural and urban area in an equal ratio;
vi)    To organise District level Teachers’ Orientation Workshops with the help of the State Coordinators;
vii)   To interact with local scientist and arrange for their periodic interaction with the registered group of children, if required;
viii)   Try to involve at least 50 schools and 250 numbers of project in the district including those from informal education system
ix)     Organize District level Congress, Orientation of Evaluators in consultation with the State Coordinators;
x)     To submit Feed-back Reports on all activities, containing names of schools and number of projects at district level and follow up action taken on projects likely to become part of community action, photocopies of all Registration/Attendance Sheets for all Workshops/Meetings, Evaluation Sheets in original, samples of certificates issued, mementos presented to child scientists, photo-documentation etc. related to CSC at the District level to the State Coordinator in the manner and by the date specified;
xi)    To maintain a Bank Account and maintain Accounts at the District level and submit an audited Receipts & Payment Account to the State Coordinators by the date and in the manner specified;
xii)   To maintain infrastructural facilities, including electronic communication facility such as internet connectivity, fax etc.
xiii)  To arrange review and mentoring of the projects selected for presentation at the State Level NCSC.

1.16.2.  Role of State Coordinating Agency, State Coordinators and State Academic Coordinators
The State Coordinating Agency shall have the overall responsibility for the implementation of NCSC at the State level. The specific responsibilities shall be –
i)       Constitute a State Organizing Committee (SOC)  and a State Academic Committee (SAC) where minimum 7 (seven) members to be selected from  teachers, activists, ex-child scientists, government officials, officials of the local bodies, Network members in the State and other non-Network organizations specifically active in a region in the State, where the State Coordinating Agency does not have a reach). Submit the list of SOC, SAC, DOC and DAC along with project proposal for districts and state. The State Coordinators shall act as the Member-Secretary of both the Committees;
ii)     To constitute Regional Coordinators, if found necessary in case of big States and to involve SCERT, DIET, IRIS and organizations working with handicapped children/elder citizens and media representatives. Distribution of geographical area for organizational purposes etc. will be the prerogative of the State Coordinators;
iii)    To locate individuals, schools specially interested in other curricular activities;
iv)    To select District Coordinating Agencies and  obtain  consent letter from the respective organization, where they have to agree to abide by the guideline of CSC and willing to follow the guideline of NCSTC,DST; NCSTC – Network and respective State Coordinating agency of the state.
v)      Organise Orientation Workshops of District Coordinators and teachers with the help of  subject experts;
vi)    To coordinate translation of the Activity Guide Book to be used by the children, in local language and make them available to the District Coordinators;
vii)   To maintain a Bank Account and maintain Accounts at the State level and submit an audited Receipts & Payment Account to the funding agencies within three months of the date of event with a Project Completion Report and a Utilization Certificate in the manner prescribed;
viii)  To submit Feed-back Reports on all activities, samples of certificates issued, mementos presented to child scientists, photo-documentation etc. related to CSC at the State level to the funding agency in the manner and by the date specified;
ix)    To remit funds to District Coordinating Agencies by account payee cheques;
x)     To form linkages with Testing and Monitoring facilities available in the State (with NGOs as well as Government), Municipal Corporations and other local bodies etc. to help children in better implementation (information collection/sample testing) of their activities( Identity Cards may be issued to children registered for activities) through District Coordinators/State Coordinator;
xi)    To arrange review and mentoring of the projects selected for presentation at the NCSC.
xii)   To ensure that Evaluation sheets, both written and oral are forwarded to the next higher level, i.e. from district to State and from State to National level, else the district / State contingent might not be registered during State/National level CSC.
xiii)  State Academic Coordinators should work in close association with the district/State Coordinators for arranging evaluation process and shall make an effort to send one member from State Academic Committee as an Observer to the district level CSC. His/her signature on the selection list is mandatory. The entire process of evaluation is to be supervised by the Observer. Decision of the State Academic Committee shall be final word on the selection.

1.16.3.  Note for State Coordinators and District Coordinators
i)      The age limits for participation must not be less than 10 years and more than 17 years on December 31 of the year.
ii)     Relatives of District Coordinators, District Academic Coordinators, State Coordinators and State Academic Coordinators will not be selected for National CSC. They may leave the post for the year if participation of the ward is desired.
iii)    Any child will not participate more than twice in national CSC as Group Leader – once from each age group.
iv)    Two selected projects (one from lower age group and one from upper age group) from each state  to ‘Kishor Vigyani Sanmelayan’ of Indian Science Congress held every year during January 3-7.
v)     Technology Entrepreneurship Promotion Program selected CSC projects meeting the following criteria may apply for support under this program –
·    The idea should be new/novel,
·    The idea should have potentiality for translating it into working model/ prototype/process,
·    The idea should be based on known scientific principle,
·    The idea should have commercial feasibility/ technical viability.
vi)    Proposals from individual innovators to convert an original idea / invention / know-how into working prototype / processes. These proposals can be made by individuals or jointly with any sponsoring organizations.
Selected projects will be provided by financial support to undertake the above developments, patent support and guidance, scientific / technical consultancy, fabrication assistance, market information and networking with related research lab/ institutes as required. For detailed information you may contact: Techno-entrepreneur Promotion Programme,
Ministry of Science & Technology, Post Bag No. 66, Hauz Khas, New Delhi -10016.


For further detail one may contact
Dr B.P. Singh
Head, NCSTC

Dr D. K. Pandey
Scientist E
and
National Programme Coordinator of NCSC

National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSC),
Department of Science and Technology
Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi – 110016,
Email ID: dkp@nic.in;
Telephone no:01126535564/26590251

Prof. S.P. Verma
Chairperson, NCSTC-Network
Mobile – 09835247590
Email- verma1946@gmail.com
Mr R.S. Raghuvanshi
General Secretary, NCSTC Network

NCSTC-Network , E-56, Pandav Nagar, New Delhi - 110091
Email – ncstcnetwork@gmail.com
ncstcnet@hotmail.com
Telephone – 011-22799236
Mobile- 09868404002

Or
State Coordinator of the Respective State (see annexure) 

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