Deptt. of Science & Mathematics Promotion Wing

SCIENCE PROMOTION WING :

The Department of Science and Mathematics is one of the oldest wings of the SCERT. It has been implementing various schemes/programmes for Science and Mathematics Education since its inception. The initiation of Science and Mathematics Education in Mizoram was late due to the delayed introduction of formal education in the region. The UT government of Mizoram set up Science Promotion Wing (SPW) as a separate office under the Directorate of School Education in the year 1973 for the improvement of Science & Mathematics Education. The SPW has been implementing various schemes/programmes for Science and Mathematics Education in the state. It was initially headed by a Science Promotion Officer, later on designated as Deputy Director. Science Promotion Wing was amalgamated with SCERT in the year 1988. 

Faculty Under Science Promotion Wing as on 24.10.2024

The programme and activities of Science Promotion Wing are as follows :-

1.   Science Exhibition

 The main purpose of science exhibitions is to educate and engage students and individuals by showcasing and explaining concepts, discoveries, innovations, and experiments. With a view to encourage, popularize and inculcate scientific temper among the children, the Science Promotion wing, Directorate of SCERT has been organizing the State Level Science Exhibition every year since 1979 in collaboration with NCERT, New Delhi .  The topic of the exhibition is set by NCERT, New Delhi having 5 sub-theme. 20 participants from the 5 sub-theme represent the state at the North Eastern India Science Fair. The 1^st North East India Science Fair (NEISF) was as organized during 19th – 21st March 2024. The science fair was usually conducted at BITM Kolkata but this year the 1st North Eastern India Science Fair as conducted at Regional Science Center, Guwahati for the North Eastern State of India excluding the state of Sikkim. The top 3 exhibits of each 5 sub-theme of the state level competition are further proposed for the National Level Science Exhibition and the selected exhibits represent the state at the National Level Science Exhibition usually held at metropolitan cities.

2.   Science Drama Competition :

Science drama can engage, motivate and provide opportunities for students to discuss and reason with scientific ideas. One of the main concerns of science educators is finding teaching strategies and methodologies that can improve students “learning and experiences in science”. This programme is organize to encourage students, teachers and other science communicators to explore and experiment with the dramatic form as a means of communication. The Science Promotion Wing, SCERT had organized 1st State level Science Drama Competition 2010 at Vanapa Hall on 17th June 2010. The topic of the drama competition is set by National Council of Science Museum, Ministry of Culture, Govt of India. The winner of the State level Represent the State at the North Eastern Zone Science Drama Competition   held at Guwahati. The winner of the   North Eastern Zone Science Drama Competition then compete at the National Level Competition held at metropolitan cities.

3.   Science Seminar : 

The Students Science Seminar is an interesting and lively forum from the students of High Schools to express their view points on the Subject of topical and academic interest. This programme is organize every year at State and National Level. It provides a platform for the students to use their scientific knowledge and bring the best invention from their brains. It also allows students to work together in groups and learn from each other. They share their ideas and collectively galvanize those ideas to bring something innovative into implementation. The topic of the seminar competition is set by National Council of Science Museum, Ministry of Culture, Govt of India.

4.   Incentive Cash Award for Proficiency in Science & Mathematics:

The Science Promotion Wing of SCERT has been giving Incentive Cash Award to meritorious students on the basis of their performance in Public Examination (HSLC and HSSLC) since 1978. This incentive in the form of Cash Award has created a lot of motivation among the students of Mizoram. Many of the Awardees are pursuing higher studies in Science and Mathematics in various higher institutions in the country. It is therefore, considered fruitful and worthwhile to continue giving the Incentive Cash Awards for Proficiency in Science and Mathematics subjects.

Incentive Cash Award for Proficiency in Science & Mathematics, as incentive to meritorious students of Higher Secondary School, High School, Middle School and Primary Schools. This is awarded on the basis of HSSLC, HSLC, MSLC & PSLC and Promotion examination of Class VIII, IX and XI since 1978. As Public examination for MSLC & PSLC come to an end since 2010 the department continued the award  for HSSLC & HSLC examination only.

5.  INSPIRE Awards:

'Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research' (INSPIRE) scheme is one of the flagship programmes of Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. The INSPIRE - MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge), being executed by DST with National Innovation Foundation – India (NIF), an autonomous body of DST, aims to motivate students in the age group of 10-15 years and studying in classes 6 to 10. The objective of the scheme is to target one million original ideas/innovations rooted in science and societal applications to foster a culture of creativity and innovative thinking among school children. Under this scheme, schools can nominate 5 best original ideas/innovations of students through DST website 

This programme is one of the important achievements of Science Promotion Wing, SCERT, Mizoram. Under INSPIRE Awards MANAK, 3544 students have received the award so far.

6.     India International Science Festival 

The first International Science Festival 2023 was held during 17th – 20th January 2024. At DBT THSTI-RCB Campus, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana. The India International Science Festival (IISF) is a collaborative Endeavour between Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy in partnership with Vijnana Bharati. The aim of this festival is to engage the public with science and celebrate the joy of science and show the way show science, technology, engineering and mathematics(STEM)provide us with the solutions to improve our lives. SPW is a Nodal Agency for the section of the IISF. 

7.  Promotion of Research Attitude in Young And Aspiring Students(PRAYAAS): 

To nurture the young innovative minds, Promotion of Research Attitude in Young And Aspiring Students PRAYAAS, 2023-2024 scheme is planned by the Department of Education in Science and Mathematics (DESM), NCERT for school students. Through the scheme, "PRAYAAS" school students (Class IX – XI) and school teachers along with a faculty/expert from HEI would carry-out research work on investigation of a problem and its research-based solutions that would contribute to learning of science or saving of environment etc. A team of maximum two students and one teacher in collaboration with one faculty/expert from any HEI may apply for this project proposal. A grant of total Rs. 50,000/- (Rupee Fifty Thousand only) will be given for each selected research proposal. Out of this amount, Rs. 10,000/- will be provided to the student (Rs. 5,000 each in case of two students) and Rs. 20,000 each will be given to the School and HEI expert as catalytic grant to facilitate the students in conducting the research.

8.  SAKURA Science High School Exchange Programme: 

The SAKURA Science High School Exchange Programme is a Flagship Programme of Department of Science & Technology Govt. of India and INSPIRE AWARDs MANAK. It aims to broaden the intellectual horizons of young learners. Since its inception in 2014, this program has provided with the unique opportunity to experience Japan's cutting -edge science, technology, and culture through short-term visits to Japan. 

The visit aims not only to expose the students to Japan's advancements but also to nurture cross-cultural understanding and stimulate a passion for scientific exploration. 

9.   Rashtriya Avishkar Saptah (RAS) : 

Rashtriya Avishkar Saptah (RAS) is an initiative by the Ministry of Education to encourage students to learn science, mathematics, and technology (SMT) through activities both inside and outside the classroom. 

The main objectives is to make learning SMT fun and meaningful, and to encourage students to be curious and creative. Its activities includes science exhibitions, book fairs, quiz competitions, and study visits to higher education institutions. 

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphases on ‘Experiential learning’ that is ‘learning by doing’ to build conceptual understanding and skills through guided practice, reflection, observation, evaluation to accelerate learning, to improve retention resulting in amalgamation of cognitive, psycho-motor and affective domains of learning through an integrated and multidisciplinary approach of learning to ensure more meaningful, holistic and cohesive learning experience for the students.

The science activity to be performed at the schools is developed by the NCERT.  RAS have been implemented at school from 2021 and the follow-up programme within the state is carried out by the Science Promotion Wing, SCERT.

10.   Information Technology:

With a view to create an awareness of Computer among students, Computer Cell has been established in 1992 under Science Promotion Wing.

A number of proposals for INSPIRE AWARDS programme for Mizoram received from DEO of all the Districts have been compiled and analyzed efficiently by COMPUTER CELL of Science Promotion Wing. The Cell received and maintained information of SCERT through SCERT E-mail and Website. The Cell also published all the necessary documents which can be easily access so that transaction can be done faster, safer and easier.

11.    Supply of science kit and equipment: 

Science equipment acts as a catalyst in transforming theoretical knowledge into practical understanding. The tactile experience of conducting experiments and utilizing sophisticated tools deepens comprehension and fosters a genuine interest in the subject. In order to make the teaching of science effective and interesting, the wing supplies Science-Kits and Equipment to Government Middle Schools, High Schools and Higher Secondary Schools every year. Besides, schools participating in the training programme were also supplied with Science and Mathematics-Kit.

12.   Teachers Training:

Teachers training give opportunity for continuous professional development - to learn new ways, methods, strategies, skills and tools. When teachers get unskilled they automatically feel confident, happy and motivated to achieve greater things with their students. Teachers play the most important role in quantitative and qualitative improvement of Science and Mathematics education. In order to make them aware of methodology as well as content, the wing regularly conducts short term/orientation training programmes for Science and Mathematics teachers of Higher Secondary School, High School, Middle School and Primary Schools. The training programme is usually conducted in Theory and practical.

List of officers:

(i) F. Lalliansanga
Deputy Director

(ii) P.C. Lalrintluanga
Science Consultant

E. Contact Persons:

(i) F. Lalliansanga – 9862368140
(ii) P.C. Lalrintluanga – 9436146711