‘Professional’ models defeat State Science Exhibition’s very purpose

“Not only did students approach these professionals,in several instances it was the other way round. Normally,prior to such events,a number of professionals approach schools,both government and private. They approach the principals and teachers directly for taking orders after doing their home work — information on the themes of scientific models for the exhibitions and competitions. In an attempt to win laurels and a name for the school,these professionals are then hired by the schools,” revealed one government school principal on condition of anonymity.

The team of students was clueless when asked about the material used in the models they represented. They also did not have a clue on how much time had been spent on these elaborate models. The only thing most of them revealed in their answers was that the school teachers helped them make the models. This was backed by the teachers too.

Around 150 models displayed in different categories,including senior secondary,government model high school,private school,urban government high school and rural high school,will be evaluated by science experts. The models on display are based on bio-diversity: conservation and sustenance,agriculture and technology,green energy,transport and communication,community health and environment and mathematical modeling.

“From many of the models displayed by participants at the exhibition,one can clearly make out that these have not been made by the students. There are shops in Sector 18,21 and 23 which provide ready-made models and also make models ‘according to requirements’. Last year I got a small model on the environment made from one of these shops,which cost me around Rs 5,000,” shared a students of a government high school in the periphery.

The criteria adopted by the authorities to select models for participation include a brief and rough draft about the model,explaining the technology to be used. This event has been taking place for the last 35 years and this is the 36th exhibition organised by State Institute of Education in collaboration with NCERT.

Students who had participated in previous years,too,revealed that some of the models on display were repeaters. At the most some colour of items or the name is changed; the rest of the model remains the same.