Professor

Dept. of Chemistry

Government PG College

 Dholpur, Rajasthan, India  

Science stream which includes the study of Chemistry, Physics, Maths in Maths Group or Chemistry, Zoology and Botany in Bio Group has always been a favourite stream to all those students who are promising enough to prove themselves in the field of science and technology, medicines, and even management.

Generally, the science stream in both the specified subject groups is supposed difficult due to its subject-content which involves both the theory and practicals. It requires on the one hand, the teaching and learning of the theoretical lessons in the classroom, while on the other hand, the practice of the content in the laboratories of chemistry, physics, biology at the school level, and in the laboratories of Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Microbiology etc. at the college and university level.

The main purpose of science is to explain, predict and control. With the adequate observations of events and phenomena, we can be able to formulate hypotheses to explain their occurrence; with the explanation of their occurrence, we make experiments to test our understanding by predicting their occurrence; with the quality of predicting, we can formulate principles, laws and theories that explain the world around us and that can enable control and further experimentation and falsification of untrue propositions. Indeed, each of the subjects that belongs to the science stream whether meant for the Bio group or for the Maths group, is important and requires a specific intelligence quotient level to grasp and understand it. In other words, a student of common understanding remains far from the understanding the subjects that are encompassed within the science stream.

For the convenience of a common understanding of the theme, first let us have a brief idea about the major and core subjects taught at the school and college or university level, and then to discuss the practical aspect and lab practice in these subjects.

Chemistry

The science dealing with the properties, composition, and structure of substances, the transformations they undergo, and the energy that is released or absorbed during these processes is called chemistry.

An effective method of teaching applied chemistry is through hands-on laboratory experiences and real-world applications. This can include problem-based learning, where students work on projects that involve applying chemistry concepts to real-world situations. Another effective method is incorporating technology, such as simulations and visualizations, to help students understand complex chemical processes. Additionally, incorporating discussions and group work can help students understand and retain the material better. It is also important to connect the material to the students' interests and experiences, to make the material more relatable and engaging.

A science of experiments, Chemistry is known for many of the scientific concepts that can be  understood in Chemistry by performing experiments. The more the times are passing, the more modern the chemistry labs are becoming. To be brief about a chemistry laboratory, it is a place with walls around and a roof over the head. It allows the students and scientists to perform practicals with the help of scientific equipments required for the lab work using various chemicals to get results of the experiments. For the experiments in the chemistry labs, the students are required to have a good and sound knowledge of the stuff available in the laboratory in the form of equipment or chemicals in order to be safe.

Physics

The branch of science that deals with the study of matter and energy, and the interactions between them is called Physics. Physics is associated with the knowledge and study of the fundamental principles of the universe, that is, from the smallest subatomic particles to the largest structures in the cosmos.

Procedures for practical work in physics labs are not same, rather vary according to the experiment or activity to be conducted. However, the following needs to be followed and observed rigidly while doing practical work in Physics laboratory-

1.      Going through and imbibing the lab manual and safety guidelines before starting the expeirment in the lab.

2.      Wearing appropriate safety gear including goggles or lab coats.

3.      Setting up the equipment in accordance with the provided instructions by the Physics teacher.

4.      Carrying a practical book and notebook to note down the important things associated with the practical.

5.      Ensuring accuracy and measurements in order to record observations

6.      Abiding by the specific procedures outlined in the lab manual for conducting the experiment.

7.      Proper disposal of hazardous materials used in the experiment.

8.      Having some batch mate as the partner while making practical

9.      Adherence to the instructions given by the instructor

Mathematics

Mathematics is the study of numbers, shapes, and patterns which encompasses within its scope the study of abstract concepts such as quantity. It is true that Mathematics is a difficult subject in science stream and it is beyond the understanding and grasping of a weak student who lacks logical understanding, but despite all this, millions of students at the school level, college level or university level have a special fondness for Mathematics and pursue several courses wherein the knowledge of Mathematics is required.

Zoology

The study of animal life, Zoology includes observing animals both in their natural habitats and in the laboratory. Zoology studies the origin and development of animal species, the habits and behavior of animals, and the interaction between animals and their environment. Indeed, it is a vast subject which includes the study of the animal world and their environment. In comparisons to the practicals in other subjects in science stream, the practical work in Zoology is simple and interesting, and the students take delight much of delight while doing practicals and while making experiments on animals in the laboratory. The animal anatomy is learnt through dissection. Once there was a time when the dissection of the live or dead animals like frogs, fish, pigeons, rats etc. was made, but now the trends are changed. In place of the live or dead animals for the sake of the knowledge and understanding of the animal anatomy, computer technology is used. Zoology as a study of animal kingdom in the ecosystems is a very popular domain. It is the specific liability and moral duty of the zoologists to observe and make a scientific study of the health and diseases known to the animals.

Botany

Botany, popularly known as plant science/ plant biology/ plant phytology, is the scientific study of plants. As flora imparts a gracious and fascinating look to a piece and part of land, hills, mountains, the significance of Botany cannot be ignored. Plants are the need of man and are helpful in the survival of man on earth. Their contribution in the form of food, medicines, clothing materials, shelter and in many other things is so immense and cannot be described in words.

As regards Botany, it links us with nature and environment that surrounds us with several gifts for man. Botany deals with the study of all the aspects associated directly or indirectly with plants. For example, climate change is not the subject of Botany, but since climate change is held responsible for deforestation, it becomes a subject to be studied in Botany. The importance of Botany lies in the fact that it is essential for the creation of biofuels; it is helpful to the farmers as its study increases crop yield; it suggests the ways that can ensure environmental protection.

Significance of Science Stream

Science stream is helpful to the students as it links them with the world of competitions where through a planned preparation, they get selections. For the students who offer science stream at the school level, college level or university level, most of the competitions are open and bring good opportunities of employment.

Some of the fields of competitions which are preferred by the students offering science stream include- administration, teaching at school level, college level and university level, public service commission etc. The reports say that a candidate belonging to the science stream performs better at a competition than the one who belongs to some other stream. The reason is that the candidates from science stream have a good logical understanding and are hardworking enough to take everything as a challenge. Their sole concern is to keep watch on the target which they set for themselves in the competitions.

Long ago, the trend of stream-offering was different from the one now prevailing. Now every students wishes to be a mathematician, scientist, botanist, zoologist, microbiologist through hard work by offering science stream. The crowd of the students preparing for PMT, IIT, IAS, Agriculture Services at the various coaching centres in the cities and metrocities like Kota, Delhi, Bangalore confirm that the trend of science stream is the most leading one.

The learners of the science subjects need to bear in mind that each of the subjects falling within the scope of science stream need to be studied in two parts, namely, theoretically and practically. What the theory says must be tested in the lab through experiments. The charm of the study of these subjects lies in it. In fact, only the theoretical knowledge of things keeps the students detached from the real knowledge of things, while knowledge of theory and testing of the theories through experimentation brings the students closer to the reality of the things.

Reviewed Studies

‘A vast infrastructure for education, including science education, has been created in the country. It comprises hundred thousand schools, over 8600 colleges, more than 200 universities, several institutes of specialized learning like Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Insti-tute of Science (IISc), Tata Institute of Fundamental  Research (TIFR), about 40 scientific laboratories of  the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research with  an equal number of institutes of Defence Research and Development Organization. All this had a positive impact and we could produce renowned scientists, researchers and academicians.’¹

‘The Indian education system is very popular and diversified among other countries’ education systems due to its change in the evolution from ancient to the modern education system. During the ancient and medieval periods of education, students were trained by teachers in such a manner that they can survive and live in that era. After independence, there is a tremendous growth in the Indian education system providing teaching and training in all aspects, but it does not satisfy the global demands of the market.’²

‘Despite the significance of plants and the critical role they have played in shaping ecosystems, civilizations, and human cultures, many people are now disconnected from the botanical world. Students are presented with little plant content, particularly identification, compared with animal content. Consequently, we are producing few plant scientists and educating fewer scientists about plants. This drives a self‐accelerating cycle we term the extinction of botanical education. A process of knowledge erosion, that in this instance contributes to our separation from the natural world, makes us blind to the biodiversity crisis and inhibits our ability to restore it.’³

‘The lack of high-quality chemical education in India in the past is traced back to the economic and social developments of the past. Remedial measures undertaken recently to improve the overall quality of chemical education and research are indicated. For the chemical education community worldwide, opportunities in India for enhancing chemistry education quality through collaborations in technical and commercial undertakings are indicated.’⁴

‘Zoology has a wide scope covering the various domains, such as, Biodiversity, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Science, Aquatic Biology, Taxonomy, Ecology, Developmental Biology, Epidemiology, Parasitology, Phytochemistry and Environmental concerns. North-east regions of India, blessed with rich flora and faunal diversity and abundance, are included in two world-renowned biodiversity hot-spots, viz., the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot and Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot, separated by the Brahmaputra river.’⁵

Conclusion

To conclude- Science stream is a fascinating stream or domain which attracts millions of students at the school level where in (10) +2 Level, they show a great liking for this stream. Most of the students start seeing a dream of serving the society as doctors, scientists, zoologists, engineers etc.. For it, they choose the science stream and pursue the course. Not only the students, but their parents also wish them to be doctors, engineers or scientists. The attempt to fulfill the dream begins at the school level which turns into reality after their final selection.

However, it should not be avoided that most of the students who join the science stream fail to attain what they aim at due to one or the other reason. Science stream requires a specific scientific temperament on the part of the students. Only those who have such a temperament; who are ready to devote themselves to the discovery of truth associated with nature and its varied parts; only those who are determined to attain their goal facing challenges after challenges are successful in the science stream. The science stream has a wide range of subjects which include chemistry, physics, mathematics, zoology, botany, biology as core subjects and many others as the associated subjects. Each of them is important enough to prepare the students for the world of competitions, but the lack of knowledge can cause harm and loss to the students. Especially in the practical laboratories it is seen that the students are careless, and fail to understand the gravity of the substances and equipment in the labs.

A wrong use of any chemical or equipment by the students can cause loss to the individual life and health. Therefore, it is suggested that while making experimentation in the laboratories, the code of conduct meant for the students in the laboratories must be observed. Obviously, the future of the science stream in India is bright. No doubt, there is much risk to life and safety of the students, still they are ready to join it.

References

1.                Kailash chandra Garg & Brij Mohan Gupta (2003). Decline in science education in India – A case study at + 2 and undergraduate level. Current Science 84(9)

2.                Mangesh M. Ghonge, Rohit Bag and Aniket Singh (2020). Indian Education: Ancient, Medieval and Modern. Education at the Intersection of Globalization and Technology.

3.                Sebastian Stroud, Mark Fennell, Jonathan Mitchley, Susannah Lydon, Julie Peacock, and Karen L. Bacon (2022). The botanical education extinction and the fall of plant awareness, Ecol Evol. 12(7)

4.                Mangalasunder Krishnan (2016). Chemical Education in India: Addressing Current Challenges and Optimizing Opportunities. Journal of Chemical Education 93(10)

5.                Hmar Lalthanzara (2020). Recent Trends of Animal Research in Northeast India. Journal of Environmental Biology 41(4(SI)):XI-XII