The “One Day as a Scientist” outreach programme organised by the Jigyasa team at CSIR-CSIO, Chandigarh, emerged as a vibrant platform to spark scientific curiosity amongst school children. The programme was attended by 385 students and 15 faculty members. With a blend of hands-on experiments, lab tours, inspiring talks, and creative challenges, the five-day event brought science alive in engaging and meaningful ways.
The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Anil Kumar Tripathi, Director, IISER Mohali, who underlined the critical importance of nurturing a scientific temper among young minds. The first day featured a diverse set of activities, including a talk on “The Science Behind Sleep” by Dr Kawalpreet Kaur, CSIR JIGYASA virtual lab by Dr Neerja Garg, a robotics cart simulation by the IEEE student chapter, and an exciting DIY forensic challenge, wherein students learned about testing of metals and paper chromatography. Visits to the mechanical, electronics, electrical, biomedical, IoT and robotics laboratories allowed students to witness real-time research and instrumentation in action.
Day two delved into energy and personal development. Students gained insight into cutting-edge topics like Energy Storage Systems and Green Hydrogen through sessions led by Dr Pooja Devi.
A motivational talk on positive self-talk and self-improvement by Dr Dhairya Singh Arya complemented the scientific agenda. Students participated in experiments such as coin cell assembly and chemical chameleon reactions, and explored career guidance tools through the Compass portal, co-hosted by the WIE and IEEE student groups. The visit to the 3D metal printing facility, materials and electronics laboratories spiked the energy of students. The third day continued with an inspirational talk by Dr Inderpal Singh, who discussed the life of a scientist in India, followed by an interactive session on neuroscience. Students enthusiastically participated in hands-on experiments like elephant toothpaste and vanishing water, and engaged in educational crossword puzzles focused on scientific innovations.
These sessions, along with exposure to the drone lab, aircraft lightning systems, and mechatronics/automation lab at ISTC, made science both fun and intellectually stimulating. On day four, the focus shifted to optics and physics, with engaging talks by Dr Inderpreet Kaur and Dr Neha Khatri on optical science and the theory of relativity. Students visited the Optics, Instrumentation, and Electronics Labs, conducting experiments to see science in practice. A key moment was the virtual address by Hon’ble Minister Dr Jitendra Singh (S&T, Govt of India), who encouraged students to take up careers in science and innovation.
The final day showcased emerging technologies with Dr Aparna Akula’s session on Intelligent Sensing Systems, followed by another stimulating discussion with Dr Kawalpreet Kaur. Students explored forensic science through paper chromatography and participated in a mock crime-solving activity, applying their learnings creatively. Visits to the applied materials and instrumentation lab, water treatment plant, solid waste composting sites, and other advanced labs provided a well-rounded experience of the research ecosystem in the institute.
The ODAS programme at CSIO was a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, reaffirming CSIR-CSIO’s dedication to fostering a new generation of scientists and innovators.
