VSEC conducts an Activity Session ‘The Instinct : Tell Me Why? at Nanma Learning Centre,Engandiyur

February 6, 2025 Dr. Siju KC VSEC

The Vidya Social Empowerment Center (VSEC), an initiative under the Vidya International Charitable Trust, continues to make significant contributions to the community through empowerment sessions. VSEC in association with VIBE organized an engaging activity session titled “The Instinct, Tell Me Why” in Mathematics and Science for the children at Nanma Learning Centre, Engandiyur on 19 January 2025.

The session was led by Dr Siju K C (Head, VSEC and Assoc Prof, AS Dept) and Ms Rachana Sajeev (Asst Prof, AS Dept), along with a group of enthusiastic student volunteers from various engineering disciplines. The goal was to introduce fundamental concepts of mathematical computations and the principles of fluid viscosity and suspension in a fun and approachable way.

To ensure active involvement, the session included a variety of interactive exercises that made complex ideas more digestible. This method allowed the children to understand and apply the concepts while enjoying the learning experience. Through this initiative, VSEC seamlessly blended education with enjoyment, fostering both understanding and excitement among the participants.

Activities conducted:

1. Introduction to the Concept of Pi

The session began with an interactive activity to help the children understand the concept of Pi (?).

To make the concept more tangible, the children were asked to measure the circumference and diameter of different circles. The children then divided the circumference by the diameter, observing that the result was always approximately 3.14, demonstrating how Pi is a constant.

One of the student volunteer , Sreyas Linith (S4, CSE Dept) explained the significance of Pi in relation to circles , its mathematical importance and its applications, making the concept accessible and relatable for the children. To help the children memorize the digits of Pi, a fun and interactive Pi memorizing game was introduced.

2. Introduced Non-Newtonian Fluids:

The next activity explored the concept of non-Newtonian fluids, where the children learned how certain fluids change their properties under stress or pressure. One of our volunteers, CD Adithyan (S4 AIML Dept), explained the unique behavior of non-Newtonian fluids, highlighting that their viscosity can increase or decrease depending on the force applied.

The children had the opportunity to experiment with common non-Newtonian fluids, such as cornstarch mixed with water (oobleck), observing how the mixture behaves like a solid when force is applied and like a liquid when no force is present.

This hands-on activity helped the children understand the fascinating properties of non-Newtonian fluids, encouraging scientific curiosity and active learning.

3. Interactive Learning through Games:

Following the suspension activity, the children took part in an enjoyable game centered around basic mathematical calculations. Dr. Siju K C and the volunteers were available to address any questions and provide clarification, ensuring that the children fully grasped the concepts.

4. Feedback from Participants:

The children expressed enthusiasm and delight, sharing that they found the activity both fun and educational. Many participants noted how the game helped them understand mathematical calculations more clearly and appreciated the engaging approach that made learning feel like an exciting challenge. Additionally, they mentioned how interesting it was to hear new concepts for the first time, sparking their curiosity and broadening their understanding.

Impact on Student Volunteers:

1. Academic Advancement:

The session provided student volunteers with hands-on experience, enhancing their teaching and communication skills. They simplified complex concepts such as Pi, Non-Newtonian fluids, and mathematical functions to suit the children’s understanding. Activities like measuring objects to understand Pi, experimenting with cornstarch to explore fluid properties, and using math-based puzzles to make learning fun.

2. Collaboration and student governance:

Planning and conducting the session fostered teamwork and leadership as volunteers worked together to design activities and ensure smooth execution. They took on responsibilities such as organizing materials, leading stations, and guiding children through experiments.

3. Civic participation:

The session emphasized the value of community involvement, allowing volunteers to see the positive impact of their efforts. They engaged with the children through storytelling, problem-solving activities, and one-on-one mentoring, creating a meaningful connection.

Impact on Students at Nanma Foundation:

1. Better Perception:

Hands-on activities, such as measuring objects to calculate Pi and experimenting with Non-Newtonian fluids, helped children grasp complex concepts in an enjoyable and lasting way. The practical approach made learning more engaging and effective.

2. Active Involvement:

Math games, puzzles, and interactive experiments captivated the children, keeping them motivated throughout the session. Activities like number-based treasure hunts and problem-solving challenges encouraged their curiosity and involvement.

3. Strengthened Self-Esteem:

Group activities and educational games boosted the children’s confidence, making them more comfortable with math. Solving puzzles in teams and celebrating small achievements encouraged them to ask questions and explore new ideas.

The VSEC session at Nanma Learning Centre was a great success, providing valuable experiences for both volunteers and children. It fostered growth, curiosity, and confidence, making learning enjoyable. The overwhelmingly positive feedback highlighted the session’s impact and the excitement it brought to everyone involved.

The VSEC Student Volunteers, Sreyas Linith ( S4, CSE Dept), Abraham John Earaly ( S4, ECE Dept) , C,D Adithyan (S4, AIML Dept), Nandhana K ( S4 CSE Dept), Theertha Suran V ( S4 CSE Dept) supported the activities involved in the sessions.

The Editorial Team of News & Events joins the entire Vidya fraternity in extending hearty congratulations to Dr Siju, Ms Rachana,Sreyas, Abraham,Adithyan,Nandhana and Theertha on the thriving conduct of the session that presets adequate practices in order to hit the target with reasonable accuracy and strength with solution-focused approach !!!