More than 700 students from various parts of the region including Erode, Tirupur, Salem, Namakkal and the Nilgiris appeared for the Science Talent Search test organised by the Regional Science Centre in the city on Sunday. The exam was conducted in association with the Government of Tamil Nadu to encourage scientific interest among students of Classes 9 and 10. It was held simultaneously across the State.
“Participants were invited through newspapers. The sole purpose of the exam is to stimulate scientific interests among students most of whom are afraid of science subjects,” said Alagiri Swamiraju, project director, Regional Science Centre. “We need to generate interest in young minds on science subjects in order to guide them to a career in science.” He said that this was the first exam at the centre since its inception. Earlier exams were held in selected schools.
The State has regional science centres even in Chennai, Tiruchy and Vellore. Participants said that the exam was exciting. “As always questions on chemical formulae put me in trouble. Questions from physics and biology were easier,” said Ashwin, a student of CMS Matriculation Higher Secondary School. There were general questions as well from current relevant topics like global warming and pollution. Questions were prepared by Arivoli, a monthly science magazine in consultation with science centre officials. Top performers will be felicitated with prizes and certificates on National Science Day which falls on February 28 next year.