By Fazal Khaliq
MINGORA: Young Swati students said the premier science festival opened new windows into their learning and rekindled the true meaning of education that emphasizes experimentation with science and mathematics.
They expressed their views while exhibiting their creative talent in form of innovative science models in the two-day Swat Science Festival concluded here on Wednesday.
Students walk to the venue of Swat Science Festival. Photo: Fazal Khaliq
On the first day two national records were setup as more than 1,000 students along with 16 scientists extracted DNA from strawberry and then they formed DNA model for the first time in the country.
They said that it was the first time in their lives to meet scientists and learn from them.
“It was not only a DNA extraction experiment but a multi-beneficial opportunity for me as I practically did the experiment of DNA extraction on strawberry, met talented students and learnt many complicated things from scientists, who guided us,” said Abdul Basit Khan, a medical science student.
However, the activity was highly appreciated by the girl students who said that girl students got fewer opportunities in the field of science and technology that’s why most of the women could not use their creative and practical skills.
Khusbu Faqir Mohammad, a 9th grader, who wanted to become a scientist, said that she was fortunate to have education-loving parents. “My father encourages me to pursue my dream. I work on different models using air pressure for various activities in atmosphere,” she told Dawn.
Another girl student, who was eager to show her model based on multimedia projector, said that she had passion for physics and would work hard to earn name in the field.
Sumaira Rehmat, a 10th grader from Kabal tehsil, said that she wanted to become a mathematician as she loved the subject from her childhood.
“I don’t know as to why mathematics is difficult for majority of students, especially for girls. It is easy and important for the real development of the country,” she said. She added that she would motivate girls of her area to take interest in mathematics and involve them in technological development.
The girl students of various schools displayed different models at the festival.
“The frequent and prolonged power loadshedding forced me to work on alternative facility that should be cheaper and easily available. I am working on generator the model of which I have displayed here,” said Durdana Shah, a student of Government Girls College Saidu Sharif.
The students of Government Girls College Barikot tried to sensitise visitors on climate change and clean environment by showing different models while students of Government Girls Higher Secondary School Tahirabad highlighted the importance of clean environment through paintings.
They said that nations could not make progress unless they adopted science and technology seriously in their education syllabus. At the end, the students were given awards for presenting the best science models.
The Swat Science Festival was organised by Udhyaana, Pakistan Alliance for Maths and Science, Alif Ailaan, district education department and Swat district administration. It was attended by about 13,500 students of more than 100 government and private schools and science enthusiasts.
