Calicut varsity organises Chemistry camp for schoolchildren

Chemistry camp at University of Calicut with RSC London for Class IX students promotes hands-on learning and curiosity.

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Calicut and the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), London, U.K., organised a three-day Chemistry camp on its campus at Tenhipalam in Malappuram district from April 8.

According to a release, 75 Class IX students from nearby schools, chosen with the support of Samagra Shiksha Kerala, attended the camp. It was named after Yusuf Hamied, an Indian origin scientist-philanthropist and non-executive chairman of pharmaceutical company Cipla, whose donations allow the RSC to run the camps for free under their ‘Inspirational Science Programme’ in India.

“Our commitment to promoting science education goes beyond just teaching. It is about nurturing a spirit of inquiry and cultivating a scientific temper. We believe in empowering young minds with the knowledge, critical thinking, and curiosity needed to explore the world around them, inspiring the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow,” said Sweta Raghavan, Head of Innovation & Government Affairs, RSC. She said the camps were designed to make learning a hands-on experience and to turn complex concepts into fun-filled activities.

Vice-Chancellor P. Raveendran opened the camp on April 8. He encouraged the students to be curious about nature and described how nature was the biggest inspiration behind all major human inventions.

The participants carried out experiments at the Chemistry labs under the supervision of senior volunteers, listened to lectures by senior faculty members of the department, and learned about Chemistry and its impact on human life through demonstrations and films. The participants were provided with protective gear such as lab coats, safety goggles, and shoes for free. Melissa Mendonza, Programme Executive, RSC, and Suja T. D., Department of Chemistry, coordinated the camp.