Twenty-two students from Mon district swapped classroom theory for practical science as they explored robotics, astronomy, chemistry and biology during the second edition of the Summer Science Camp organised by Zen Scientific Laboratory at Nangtan village on July 14 and 15.
The two-day camp offered participants hands-on exposure to scientific concepts through activities including telescope observation and stargazing, microscopy, chemistry experiments, environmental studies, bottle rocket demonstrations, hydrogen gas production, cockroach dissection and robotics.
Introducing the camp, program coordinator Shayei Konyak said the second edition built on the inaugural camp held last year by incorporating new learning experiences such as telescope observation, additional biology and chemistry experiments, and a robotic car to make science education more practical and engaging. He said the initiative aims to cultivate scientific curiosity by encouraging students to ask questions, experiment and explore science beyond textbooks.
Assistant Planning Officer of the SDG Coordination Centre (SDGCC), Nagaland, Loktimen Longchari, encouraged students to develop a scientific temper, saying that many of the world’s greatest discoveries began with simple questions such as “why” and “how”. He urged participants to make full use of the opportunities provided during the camp and to continue exploring science beyond the classroom.
Major Rishiraj Singh of Assam Rifles, Tizit, highlighted the growing importance of science and technology in shaping future careers. Encouraging students to consider emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence and robotics, he said technological skills would play an increasingly important role in tomorrow’s workforce. Drawing from his background in Computer Science, he commended Zen Scientific for creating opportunities that expose rural students to practical scientific learning and assured support for similar initiatives in the future.
Medical Officer of PHC Tizit, Dr Wangba Konyak, urged students to remain curious and cultivate a scientific mindset by constantly seeking answers to how things work and how science can be used to solve real-world problems. He encouraged participants to actively engage with instructors throughout the camp and lauded the organisers for promoting scientific learning among school students.
Speaking at the program, president of Nangtan Students’ Union, Yeangpong, acknowledged the support extended by the SDG Coordination Centre in helping establish the laboratory and encouraged parents to motivate their children to participate in educational and scientific activities that foster innovation and critical thinking.
ALSO READ | Zenwang Konyak’s mission to revolutionize science education in Nangtan, Tizit
Zen Scientific proprietor and head Zenwang Konyak, in his vote of thanks, said the science laboratory and museum were established with support from the SDG Coordination Centre, Planning and Transformation Department, Government of Nagaland, under the Innovation Participatory Action Research (IPAR) Initiative 2.0. The initiative provided teaching materials, scientific apparatus and laboratory equipment to strengthen practical science education.
He also acknowledged donors and sponsors for supporting deserving students by covering their registration fees and expressed hope that the programme would expand in the coming years to reach more students across the region.
The camp was conducted by instructors Chingai Konyak, an Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduate, Neokai Konyak (B.Sc. Botany) and Hushai Konyak (B.Sc. Physics).
