Children’s Science Congress
DR LALIT SHARMA
MEMBER
NATIONAL ACADEMIC CORE COMMITTEE
(CSC 2014, 2015)
What is CSC?
A program of NCSTC, DST, Govt. of India
Team of 2 to 5 children
From age group of 10 to 17 years
Guided by teachers, any expert
Undertake project work using methods of science
On a local problem under a focal and sub-theme
Project evaluated for innovativeness, simplicity and
practicality
CSC project
 Innovative, simple, practical and inexpensive
 Outcome of a team work
 Based on exploration of everyday life situations
 Survey/observation/experimentation/combination of all
 Analysis based on scientific methodology with definite
output
 Attempt to take on a problem related to society, locally
 Definite follow-up plans
Children’s Science Congress
Common Evaluation Criteria
Originality of the idea
(10 / 5)
This covers originality (uniqueness /
novelty) of the idea that attempts to
answer specific question related to focal
theme
Relevance of the project
(10 / 5)
How relevant the project is to focal theme
and sub-theme
Understanding of the issue
(15 / 15)
Refers to extent of knowledge in relation to
the project idea
Data collection and analysis
(15 / 15)
Systematic data collection using relevant
tools (interviews / questionnaire)
Sufficient sample size
Analysis includes tabulation, categorization,
application of simple statistics
Experimentation /
validation (10 / 10)
Conducting of experiments / field study and
validating by methods of science
Experiment should be simple, self-developed,
inexpensive
Interpretation and problem
solving attempt (10 / 15)
Extent to which proposed hypothesis and
local issue have been addressed through
the project
Team work (10 / 5)
Work division, cooperation, sharing among
and beyond team members
Background correction
(10 /-)
Weightage given to those
from difficult geographical situation,
have poor infrastructure and
limited facilities
Oral presentation /
written report (10 / 10)
Evaluated separately
Proper presentation, interaction, use of aids
Proper documentation, orderly, neatly
Follow up and action plan
(- /10)
Has
the
message
community?
been
conveyed
to
How it has been communicated?
Is it going to be continued involving more
people?
Any action plan suggested?
Improvement over
previous level (- / 10)
To encourage for continuous involvement
At National Level
Parameters
Attributes
ORAL PRESENTATION
Originality of idea and concept
05
Relevance of the project to the theme
05
Understanding of the issue
05
Data collection and analysis
10
Experimentation / validation
10
Interpretation and problem solving attempt
05
Presentation
10
At National Level
Parameters
Attributes
WRITTEN REPORT
Data collection / analysis, representation
15
Methodology / experimental design
15
Discussion / conclusion
10
POSTER
Layout
05
Logical framework
05
Project Work:
A local problem / issue identified
Work carried out in a well-marked local or geographical area
Observations recorded in a log book
Project could either be survey / observation / experimentation / combination
Data collected are subjected to analysis
Conclusions are drawn after proper analysis of data
Inferences are made
Solutions to the problem are suggested
Action plan for follow up devised
Use of living objects, harmful and inflammable substances is restricted
Documented as a report and presented orally at district, state and national levels
Written Report :
Report to be handwritten
in any scheduled language
on A-4 size (21 cm x 31 cm or 8.3” x 11.8”)
plain paper
Word limit is 2500 (lower group) and 3500 (upper
group)
Elements of written report :
Cover page, Abstract, Form-A, Index,
Introduction,
Aims
and
Objectives,
Hypothesis, Work plan, Methodology,
Observations, Results, Data analysis,
Conclusion, Inference, Solution, Future plan,
Acknowledgements,
References
and
Appendix
Log book is a must, reflects team work, to be
submitted along with report
COVER PAGE
22nd Children’s Science Congress
(CSC-2014)
Focal Theme:
Understanding Weather and Climate
Title of the Project
(Should be informative, specific, concise and self-explanatory)
Names and addresses of Team Leader
Other Members
Guide Teacher
District
State
(To be written in English or Hindi ONLY)
ABSTRACT
One of the most important elements of a scientific report
Word limit is 250 words (one A-4 size page)
Summary of the report / work done including
– question investigated
– the methods used
– the principal results and
– conclusions
Wording should be clear and precise
(Abstract in English is mandatory)
REGISTRATION FORM - A
District __________
Particulars of the Team Leader:
Name
Date of Birth
Std/Class
Residential address
School address
Title of the project:
Language used:
Particulars of other team members:
Name Residential address
Sex
State __________
Sex
Rural/Urban
Sub-theme:
Std/Class
Date of Birth
Name and address of the Guide:
Name and signature of the Head of the Institution/
District Coordinator
INDEX
Contents page to have separate sections for
subject matter (all the components of the
report)
figures (include titles given to chart (piechart), or graph, or photograph, or
illustration or map) and
tables (include titles or headings of your
observation, result or data analysis tables )
INDEX
S. No.
01
02
list of figures –
S. No.
01
02
03
list of tables –
S. No.
01
02
03
Topic
Introduction
Aims and objectives
Title
Graph showing variation in temperatures
Pie-chart showing distribution of land forms
Photograph showing collection of fossils
Title
Temperatures recorded during one month period
Varieties of butterfly species observed
Electric power consumption in homes
Page No.
01
02
Page No.
09
11
13
Page No.
12
14
16
INTRODUCTION
At the top Title of the Project should be
mentioned
Title should be informative, specific, concise,
understandable and self-explanatory
The introduction should have
Relevant background information
Need statement focusing on the overall issue,
problem, or core / research question
One or two but not more than three paragraphs
AIMS & OBJECTIVES
Should define very specifically
Why this project has been selected?
How this problem / issue would be addressed?
Keeping in mind that there is
Limited time period and
Limited localized geographical area
Avoid repeating introduction
HYPOTHESIS
In one or two statements, hypothesis should
give an idea,
based on known facts that has not yet been
proven,
about the problem selected
WORK PLAN
Define work plan, in schematic form or as a
flow chart, preferably with time schedules
It might get deviated from schedule due to
unforeseen circumstances, but having such a
guideline always help
METHODOLOGY
After work plan, decide upon method of research in
proposed work; survey/observation/ experimentation
Survey
Involves using questionnaire for data collection
Questions should be specific and in logical order
On an average 20 relevant questions should be asked
Sample size of 50 – 100 people should be included in the
study
Include a copy of questionnaire
METHODOLOGY
Observations
Though a part of survey work, may or may not
have questionnaire
Recording of observations during field studies
are included in this type of methodology
METHODOLOGY
Experimentation
Done with own hands, either in the laboratory
or at home or in the field
Design of the experiment with proper controls,
number of readings, set of conditions,
parameters, mathematical formula to be
included
Detail experimental procedure, analytical
techniques also to be included
OBSERVATIONS
This part contains all the observations or data
collected related to survey, observation, and
/ or experimentation, ONLY
RESULTS
Results are the presentation of data collected
during survey, observation and / or
experimentation
Presentation could either be in the form of
charts, graphs, maps, figures or tables etc
Should be simple to understand
Results only describe and not interpret findings
DATA ANALYSIS
Data presented under the results are analyzed,
using principles of mathematics
Here only analysis part is shown
CONCLUSION
After project completion, final opinion is
derived, based on the data analysis, is what
forms the conclusion
INFERENCE
Inference, in fact, is the truthfulness of the
opinion formed based on the outcome of the
project
Check-point for hypothesis– accepted / rejected
SOLUTION
Since the problem selected is socially relevant,
this part will highlight how the findings
influence or have an impact on the society at
large
FUTURE PLANS
For taking the work further, from where it has
been concluded, future plans provide
stepwise guidelines
It shows that the problem undertaken is openended
It ascertains continuity of efforts, gives sense of
commitment
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
An expression of gratefulness or thankfulness
for the help received from different quarters;
family and friends, any motivator, elders /
seniors / peers, experts or resource persons,
even a librarian, farm workers, people
interviewed,
laboratory
assistants,
photographer, anyone for that matter
A true reflection of team work
REFERENCES
All the resource material like books, newspaper
articles / clippings, or internet, or even
personal interview are to be mentioned
References, under each section, are given in
alphabetical order
REFERENCES
For books Name of the author(s)/editor(s) starting with
surname
Title of the book (underlined)
Edition (if available)
Page numbers referred
Publisher
Place and
Year of publication
REFERENCES
For articles Name of the author(s) starting with surname
Year of publication (within brackets)
Title of the article (in italics)
Title of the book / magazine / newspaper (underlined)
Edition (for books, if available)
Issue and volume numbers (for magazines)
Page numbers referred
Publisher
Place and
Year of publication
Or internet source starting with www.website referred
REFERENCES
For personal interviews Name of the person(s) interviewed
Date with month and year and
Place of the interview
APPENDIX
All the letters, certificates issued by the
concerned authorities and / or survey sheets
(filled up questionnaire) are to be attached at
the end of the report
Each such document should bear a number,
viz., appendix 1, appendix 2, and so on
LOG BOOK
This is one of the most important but neglected
written documents
It is the mirror reflecting activity
Provides all the answers related to the project
Covers minute to minute recordings, mentioned
on daily basis, successes and failures,
contacts and impressions
Oral Presentation:
Time limit is 8 minutes followed by interaction for 2
minutes
Maximum of four charts or posters (55 cm x 70 cm)
/ LCD projector can be used
Loud enough with clear diction
EXPECTATIONS FROM EVALUATORS
CHILD SCIENTISTS ARE FROM 10-17 YEARS AGE
GROUP, WHO NEEDS ENCOURAGEMENT
UNDERSTAND THEIR CAPABILITIES & CAPACITIES
AND PROVIDE CONSTRUCTIVE INPUTS & POSITIVE
FEEDBACK
APPRECIATE & VALUE EFFORTS, INNOVATIVENESS &
CONFIDENCE
THEY
SHOULD
RETURN
INTELLECTUALLY RICH
MOTIVATED
&
EVALUATE SUBJECT MATTER, SCIENTIFIC CONTENT
& NOT GADGETS, MODELS OR ORATORY SKILL
AVOID UNWARRANTED COMMENTS, COMPARISON
WITH SENIORS, DISTRACTION DURING PRESENTATION
INTERACT, BUT DO NOT TEST WHAT THEY DO NOT
KNOW RATHER HELP IN BRINGING OUT WHAT THEY
KNOW
Than’Q
drlalitsharma9@gmail.com
93 222 64 173