Bihar SCERT Hosts State-Level Science and Math Fair to Promote Project-Based Learning

On 27th February 2025, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) organized a state level fair cum exhibition in the SCERT campus in collaboration with Mantra Social Services and Education Above All under the Project Based Learning Program being run for Science and Mathematics subjects with the children of classes 6 to 8 of government schools of Bihar.

The program was inaugurated by the Education Minister of Bihar Government, Shri Sunil Kumar and other dignitaries with the lighting of the lamp. Education Minister, Additional Chief Secretary Education Department and other dignitaries were welcomed with a bouquet and shawl. In the welcome address, State Lead of Mantra, Shri Neeraj Das Guru welcomed all the guests who came to today's program and appreciated the efforts of the participating students and teachers from every corner of the state. The motivational role of all the teacher education coordinators and all DIET representatives from the district office of Bihar Education Project was also appreciated.

This state level science fair cum exhibition provided an important platform to showcase the efforts of science and math teachers of Bihar. In this, projects presented by students and science teachers selected from all 38 districts of Bihar were displayed. Along with this, a drama on science subject was also presented by the talented students of Kilkari. Efforts are being made to further develop 21st century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and communication skills through science and math teaching by making science and math subjects easy and interesting for the students through project based learning. The main attraction of the state level fair cum exhibition was the close observation of projects made by the students and interaction with the children by the Education Minister of Bihar Government and well known industrialist of the country, S. D. Shibulal, co-founder of Infosys company, during the gallery walk. Apart from this, a panel discussion of scholars related to science was also organized in today's program, in which educationists, scientists and researchers discussed innovations in science and technology. In this discussion, the curiosity of the students was resolved and they were made aware of the practical applications of science.

On this occasion, the Chief Guest of the program, Hon'ble Education Minister, Government of Bihar said that the efforts made by the children in the PBL fair organized at the SCERT campus are highly commendable. Organizing such fairs annually is necessary to promote learning by doing in science and mathematics. The government is committed to strengthening education and its budget has also been increased. Today's experience was inspiring, and it is the right time to maintain the enthusiasm of the children and encourage them. Our goal is that our students face the world with confidence after leaving school and make meaningful contributions to the society.

Addressing the program, Dr. Rashmi Prabha, Joint Director, State Council of Educational Research and Training, said that children should be encouraged to think out-of-the-box. Emphasizing the need for social engagement, ethical values ​​​​and data-based decision making, she said that encouraging these elements will make the overall development of children possible.

During the program, all the projects were closely observed by the state level evaluation committee and information was obtained from the children. The basis of evaluation was the simplicity, relevance, creativity, impact, collaboration and reusability of the models made by the children. Along with appreciating the work of all the children, schools from different districts were awarded and honored for their excellent display of mathematics and science. The schools selected for Mathematics subject are: Madhya Vidyalaya Pinjrawan, Upgraded Middle School Chakka Navkoti, Madhya Vidyalaya Niazipur Simri, Madhya Vidyalaya Ratansar Chhatapur and Upgraded Middle School Sadiqpur. The schools selected for Science subject are: Government Middle School Khemchand Bigha Dev, Madhya Vidyalaya Hasanbazaar Piro, Upgraded Middle School Kachora, Upgraded Middle School Dhanuki Sarmera, Upgraded Middle School Lakhanpar Punpun and Upgraded Middle School Dawood Nagar Vaishali. Apart from this, all the students and Mathematics and Science teachers who participated in this state level science fair cum exhibition were also honored with a certificate.

Director of State Educational Research Training Council, Sajjan R. (IAS) said that, SCERT has specially invited students as well as parents to today's state level fair. The participation of parents and children is commendable. From the next academic year, NCERT books will be used in all schools of Bihar from class 6 and above. Computer books are now being included in the schools of Bihar, this will reduce the difference between private schools and government schools. Seeing the enthusiasm for project based learning, we will soon promote the process of learning by doing in other subjects so that children can learn actively and effectively in every subject.