A test to science skills of school kids

VELLORE: The VIT University is organising a two-day State-level Science Mela (InoVIT 2012) for school children, beginning January 21 at its campus. According to the VIT chancellor G Viswanathan, the aim of the event is to help school students understand the intricacies of the modern scientific world and motivate them to opt for the path of innovation.While VIT is organising ‘graVITas’ an annual event for the benefit of the college level students, for the first time, it has percolated down to the school level through InoVIT.Around 1,200 students studying in classes 9-12, representing 125 schools from 25 districts of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry states are expected to participate in the Science Mela.  The line-up includes — Working Model, Idea Presentation, Poster Presentation, Quiz and Junk Art. VIT has made elaborate arrangements to accommodate around 900 outstation participants at its campus. Best ideas, models etc from the participants would be promoted for patenting and further development by the University.On the first day, Junk Art and Idea Presentation will be conducted followed by Quiz the next day. Working Models and Poster Presentation will be kept for display on both days of 21-22, January 2012. This Science Exhibition will be inaugurated by Dr M P Vijaya Kumar IAS (Retd). Total prize money of Rs 1,30,000 will be given to the winners in the valedictory programme on January 22.