Chemistry made fun with this science session at Nehru Science Centre

Children attend a science workshop at the Nehru Science Centre

Marking the start of Chemistry Week (from November 5 to 11), Nehru Science Centre has planned a slew of sessions for those curious about the stream of science. From quizzes, demonstrations, DIY sessions and lectures held online and at the centre's campus, the events will go on till November 11.

The week also marks another important occasion for the institution, as the Nehru Science Centre in Mumbai celebrates its 38th anniversary on November 11. The centre opened its doors to the public in 1985. "We are excited about both the events and the anniversary. Chemistry is an important field when it comes to science. If you listen to great chemists, they always said chemistry is a science of matter, and that it's also a science that matters. So, we are focussing on how the subject has grown over several years and has facilitated many new branches," shares Umesh Kumar Rustagi, director of Nehru Science Centre. He adds that the centre wants to encourage young budding scientists to explore the field, its offerings, how chemistry can be fun, careers related to this stream of science and so on. "In the end, it's all about having fun while you study or work," Rustagi points out.

Umesh Kumar Rustagi

The director also notes that the centre is expecting a footfall in the thousands through the week, and people who are unable to visit in person are expected to join the online. He is hoping that by the end of the week-long curation of events, participants will be more aware about the problems faced by the world due to global warming, climate change, environmental change, and about how chemistry can play a role in finding solutions to such issues. "This event is not just for students, but for every individual across age groups who is keen to learn more about chemistry," he shares.

The sessions range from DIY chemistry for students of class six to nine (with hands-on experience for students to conduct experiments); an online chemistry workshop for students of classes six to ten; a chemistry demonstration (with experiments highlighting colourful chemistry, acid-base reaction, oxidation reduction and reaction and more); open house quiz; to an online popular science lecture (on how chemistry makes the world a better place). The series of events will be conducted by the staff of the centre's education department led by education officers, assistants and trainees.

"School students will have a chance to learn about new materials available in this stream of science, the diverse variety of ongoing research, about sustainable development, primary needs for a budding scientist, functionality of green chemistry, the role of scientists in helping the planet, how sustainability and development can go in hand in hand and more," reveals the director.

Till: November 11; 11 am onwards
At: Nehru Science Centre, Worli; and online
Log on to nehrusciencecentre.gov.in