Science Talk Programme for Grade IX and X Students

Science Talk Programme for Grade IX and X Students

Date: Jan 5th, 2025

A Science Talk Programme for Grade IX and X students was held on 20th December in Buddha Hall, with Senior School Science Teacher Mr. Shovan Bhandari serving as the internal resource person. The event, organised by the Newton Science Club, focused on the topic "Uses of Chemicals in Our Daily Life and Their Impact on Health."
The talk addressed issues directly related to the students’ curriculum, sparking deep interest and enthusiasm. During the interactive session, students actively engaged with Mr. Bhandari, discussing various aspects of the topic.
Mr. Bhandari introduced the students to different types of chemicals commonly encountered in daily life, including food preservatives, cleaning agents, insecticides, and pesticides. He also highlighted the problem of chemical pollution, presenting detailed information on the general names, chemical names, and compositions of these substances, as well as their harmful effects on human health.
To foster awareness, Mr. Bhandari proposed safer alternatives to harmful chemicals, such as eco-friendly food preservatives and cleaning agents, which pose no threat to human health. He also discussed banned chemicals in Nepal and India, emphasising their toxicity, and long-term risks to human and environmental health.
A particularly impactful moment of the programme was the screening of a short video story about a farmer who developed cancer after prolonged exposure to insecticides and pesticides. This visual narrative underscored the dangers of chemical misuse.
Additionally, Mr. Bhandari elaborated on the sources of chemical pollution, categorizing them as industrial, agricultural, and military causes, and also discussed the growing issue of plastic pollution.
The programme was a valuable opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of chemistry's practical applications, its risks, and the steps needed to mitigate its harmful effects on health and the environment.