Feature

Necessity of Science Fair

Iftekharul Islam Dastagir

SCIENCE Fair is of recent origin in Bangladesh but has become a buzzword that hits our ears now and then. With due course of time, the domain of science is widening at a lighting pace. So the importance of science fair is also on the increase in our country as to face the survival of the fittest, we have to cope with the modern scientific world and master science with all pros and cons.

Science fairs are now frequently held in Dhaka City, especially most of the well-known and bone fide institutions of the city organizes science fair once a year. To count, at least ten to fifteen science fairs take place in a year. Each science fair generally comprises of events such as project display, Olympiads (Math, Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Chemistry, Biology and Sudoku), science based quiz competition, science based extempore speech and some unusual events as well. Now we are walking a way with 'Vision 2021' to inaugurate a Digital Bangladesh to the impending competitive world, no doubt, these fairs are contributing a lot to the eternal goal. From science fair, our nation and society are being benefited. But submerging these benefits, science fair is rather contributing utmost to create scientifically enlightened individuals.

I used to lead other students at school (Dhanmondi Govt. Boys' High School). Being a good student, I thought I had enough knowledge about science. My view about my scientific knowledge totally changed after becoming the president of Remians Science Club (RSC) in college (Dhaka Residential Model College). Eventually I realised that some of the ordinary club members possess more knowledge about science and technology than I do. Moreover, I just can't imagine how little I knew! To make myself more deserving and responsible as a president, I tried and am still trying my best to be an informative one of science and to utilize science in my day-to-day practical life. When I was an ordinary student, I only knew playing games in computer and downloading wallpapers and games from Internet. Computer and Internet were only the sources of fun to me. But now, I'm quite expert in computer operating for manifold purposes and using internet to meet up my requisite information of the latest events in the world of science and technology.

Likhon Chandra Bala, despite his brilliancy, was an ordinary student until the day he attended a science festival. 'Science Festival-2010' organised by Scintilla Science Club of ST. Joseph Higher Secondary School, was the first science fair where he participated. He didn't participate there willingly; I compelled him to participate there. He appeared in Math and Chemistry Olympiad and secured first place in Chemistry Olympiad. Coming out from examination hall, Likhon exclaimed, “Oh, Dastagir! Thank you very much. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the exams. Of course, taking part in such kind of exams is a great experience to have.” Such a kind complement made a good impression on me. After this event, his curiosity about information and technology was doubled and now he instinctively participates in any kind of extracurricular activities regarding science.

From 28 to 29 March Dhaka Residential Model College arranged 'Inter School and College Science Festival-2010'. Besides performing a president's duty, I performed as the editor of the science festival souvenir, Aurora-3. While shorting out science related scripts, submitted by the students to be published on the souvenir, one script stunned me. It was a science fiction named '1=2 Ges AZtci (1=2 and Afterwards)' written by Md. Musfiqur Rahman, a student of class ten with no predicated experience of writing. The language of fiction was dramatic enough to fascinate anyone. The fiction was presented with ample topic related information, which made it such praiseworthy. Later, it was highly appreciated and extolled by other members and teachers of souvenir editorial committee. The fiction captivated me so much that I have no hesitation saying if the boy carries on a habit of writing regularly, he can be one of the leading fiction writers in next generation.

Mostahid Hossain Khandker, a classmate of mine, appeared in the Math Olympiad on the very festival and secured first place who was also compelled to participate by his friends. He himself didn't know that he was eligible for such honour. Now when he meets me, he says, “Dastagir is there any science fair close at hand? If so, please don't forget to let me know, I'm taking adequate preparation.”

There are thousands of examples to give of how science fair is helping students to develop their scientific mind. Mrs. Rani Nasrin, moderator of Remians Science Club, opines, “By all means, science fair is a milestone in discovering students true possibilities hidden within themselves.

(The writer is the president of Remians Club)