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Programs
Chai and Why?
"Chai and Why?" is jointly organised by TIFR and Prithvi Theatre, Juhu. It is a monthly forum to enable informal discussions of interesting scientific issues outside a traditional academic setting. Building on the format of the popular "Cafe Scientifique" in Europe and "Science Cafe" in the US, "Chai and Why?" aims to engage people who are interested in science but generally never have the opportunity to discuss their views with, and ask questions of, someone "in the know". "Chai and Why?" aims to be informal and accessible - much more so than a public lecture. With a casual meeting place, plain language, and inclusive conversation we want to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for people with no science background, so that anyone can participate.
"Chai and Why?" aims to cover a wide range of issues relating to science and technology, in particular topics that affect our world today - global warming, nanotechnology, space exploration, stem cells etc. We welcome suggestions from the audience about topics that they would like to be discussed.
Format? "Chai and Why?" will start with a very short introductory talk from the speaker, who is usually a scientist. After this there is usually a short break to allow discussions, chai (of course) and conversations to start. This is followed by an hour or so of questions and answers and general discussion. Anyone can ask a question, and we positively welcome those which begin "This might be a stupid question, but ..." These questions are invariably not stupid and often rather insightful.
Where and When? "Chai and Why?" will be held on the first Sunday of every month at 11:00 am at the Prithvi Theatre (Juhu) premises. There is no Registration and no entry fee for "Chai and Why?". Just turn up, and do bring your questions along!
"Chai and Why?" kicks off on Sunday January 4th 2009, (co-incidentally the birthday of Isaac Newton!) with a topic to make a bright beginning for the New Year. Dr. Arnab Bhattacharya from TIFR will discuss the bright world of laser light. When lasers were invented in 1960, they were called "a solution looking for a problem". However, since then, they are all around us, finding utility in thousands of applications in everyday life, including consumer electronics, information technology, science, medicine, industry, law enforcement, entertainment, and the military. From eye surgery to shooting down missiles or even spaceships in movies, the intense beam of a laser has captivated society. Come and discover the science and the science fiction!
Astronomy shows
Between October and April TIFR organises overnight astronomy shows on the Saturday closest to the new moon day. About 50 participants are taken by bus to a site about 120 km away from Mumbai. Lectures and night sky observation sessions, both naked eye and through telescopes are held through out the night. The participants return to Mumbai the next morning. Participation is strictly through pre-registration.
TRIP
Teacher Researcher Interaction Program
One of the outstanding problems in education is the difficulties teachers have in accessing the increasingly opaque scientific literature in order to enhance their own knowledge. Conversely, the research community often lacks understanding of the basic problems of education and student interaction. While HBCSE is doing seminal work for teachers teaching at lower standards and helping in simplifying formal teaching at higher classes, there is a dearth of programmes for teachers teaching higher classes. In order to mitigate this problem, TIFR has initiated a Teacher-Research Interaction Programme (TRIP).
The salient features of the programme are:- The programme will be for secondary school to undergraduate teachers from Government recognised Institutions of learning only.
- The programme will be in all fields of physical sciences and possibly, education related issues. Five to six teachers will be accepted every year, based on applications sent in by teachers with recommendations from the school or college, and forwarded through the proper channel. Application forms will be available shortly from our web site or by writing to the Program Coordinator: V. Nandagopal, School of Mathematics, TIFR (nandgopa /at/ math.tifr.res.in).
- The selected teachers will be given a contingency grant which may be used for conveyance, purchase of books or participation in educational programmes. The amount will be released in as per need basis on the approval from the concerned guide.
- The duration of activity will be for 3 months per year.
- The teacher will be associated to a specific member of TIFR who will be responsible for the teacher's progress.
- The teacher will be expected to come to TIFR on part time basis for the duration of the programme.
- While at TIFR, the teacher will be asked to review a field of mutual interest with the guide and on the basis of this, undertake some theoretical modelling, data analysis or experimental work to enhance the depth of the subject that the teacher reviewed.
- At the conclusion of the programme the teacher will be asked to make a document summarising the work done at TIFR and make 2 presentations, one at TIFR and another to the students of the school or college of origin of the teacher. It will be mandatory for the guide to attend both the session. Both the presentations will be evaluated by an independent committee set up by the programme coordinator. Performance will have to be to the satisfaction of the programme coordinator as judged through the evaluation of the committee.
On successful completion of the programme, the Teacher will be given a Certificate of Participation and will be invited to all programmes of science education and popularisations at TIFR. The teacher may also be given access to TIFR and HBCSE library for reading purposes.
Copyright : TIFR ; Author : Nandagopal V ; Created on 2005-06-05 ; Last modified on 2009-04-17.