|
National Science Day is observed every year on February 28th . This was the day on which Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman announced his Nobel prize winning discovery of light scattering the resulting “Raman Effect” more than 75 years ago. The discovery of Raman continues to help modern scientists explore new avenues in scientific research.
This year the National Science Day has special significance, as it coincides with another great discovery in physics. In 1905, Albert Einstein published his three famous papers on photoelectric effect, special theory of relativity and Brownian Motion. To mark centenary of these developments, 2005 has been designated as the International Year of Physics by the United Nations. The Physics for Tomorrow conference at UNESCO in January marked the official launch of the International Year of Physics. Throughout the year, a series of events have been planned across the world to debate physics and its implications.
The objective of the International year is to discuss the role of physics in society, the influence of Albert Einstein who revolutionized the World of physics exactly one hundred years ago, and the major challenges of the 21st century. It aims to highlight the importance of physics and its contribution to the development of many other scientific disciplines. The Year is also to help fight the current lack of enthusiasm for sciences among young people.
Data shows the global trend of declining interest in physics is triggered by rapid changes in the work place that have changed the expectations of students as also the profile of potential employers. Traditional physics courses are no longer able to attract the numbers they used to. In India, students are more inclined to take up course in management and information technology. This is a matter of concern for all.
Somehow physics is known as subject that is difficult to understand and has a poor image among young people as well as general public. It is often linked to abstract ideas, equations and theoretical teaching. But experts feel that if physics is presented in the right way, it can be fascinating to children. After all, it is only physics that solve many of our problems in areas like energy, environment and health. Today there is need for renewed effort to design learning experiences that make learning a joy and convey the excitement of science in the context of problems of relevance in everyday life.
Scientists and educationists have been grappling with this issue of declining interest in physics and have suggested ways to improve the situation. They point out that societal issues make it necessary that some emphasis is placed on teaching the concept of evidence – how data and evidence are to be evaluated to arrive at judgments. There is also a need to reach out to wider special interest groups by designing curriculums with a strong component linking physics to other disciplines ranging from medicine and life sciences to sports, music and arts. Secondly, we need to change how physics is taught. We need to develop research-based curricula with a strong component of technology input, especially the use of computers and internet for teaching physics. There is a need to train teachers in the use and development of these materials.
To celebrate this year in India, the Indian Physics Association has joined hands with the Indian Physical Society and Indian Association of Physics Teachers to organize a series of events throughout the country. As a part of the international effort to identify and encourage physics talent at an early age, a programme of talent search is being planned. Students in the age group of 12 to 18 will be required to complete a variety of tasks over a four month long period and based on their performance, the best students will be recommended for international recognition. In addition, there will be exhibitions, film shows, quiz, painting and essay writing competitions on physics themes for various levels all over the country. A major international conference will be held later this year on the impact of international collaborations on Indian science.
True tribute to Raman would require sea change in how we tackle science education in general and physics education in particular, in this country. (PIB Features)
*Science Writer
|
