Summer Science Festival for School Students Held in Nagapattinam

A three-day residential summer science festival was conducted at Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University in Nagapattinam from May 6 to 8, 2026. Organized jointly by the Tamil Nadu Science Forum (TNSF) and the District Education and Empowerment Programme (DEEP), the event aimed to promote scientific curiosity and experiential learning among students. The first phase hosted 185 participants, including students from Classes 6 to 8 and approximately 30 teachers from the Nagapattinam, Thirumarugal, and Keezhvelur blocks. Chief Educational Officer N. Ravichandran inaugurated the festival. The program featured interactive sessions such as simple science experiments, discussions on distinguishing scientific facts from myths, fossil studies, evolution talks, bio-walks, toy-making, origami, and night sky observations. Cultural activities like storytelling and theatre were also included. A second phase for students from Keezhaiyur, Thalainayar, and Vedaranyam blocks is scheduled for May 12 to 14. Organizers emphasized nurturing scientific thinking through practical exposure and collaborative learning, with students expressing enthusiasm for the hands-on experiences, particularly the fossil exhibition.