This unique competition is conducted for students from class 5th to 8th and comprises of three rounds namely school round, city finals and national finals where students will vie for the title of 'Student Icon of India'. It consists of scientifically designed quizzes and activities that test the student's ability to put scientific knowledge to practice. The performance of the participants is assessed at the school level on the basis of an Enterprising Index, an innovative concept which is a combination of five parameters encompassing memory, observation, extrapolation, analytical, practicality skills. The winners at the end of 3 rounds will be crowned as 'Student Icon of India 2010'.
Speaking on the competition, Saurabh Saxena, Director, Mexus Education, said, 'Our constant endeavour has been to combine entertainment and education to enable a joyous learning experience for students. Iken ScientificA is a platform for students to explore new and interactive ways of hands-on learning. This talent hunt gives recognition and appreciation to students who have the potential to think and apply scientific theories beyond conventional methods. After receiving an overwhelming response for three consecutive years, we are glad to present Iken ScientificA 2010 which supports our vision to pioneer unconventional methods of learning.'
Talking about the competition, Sebastian Santy, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan's School, Vadodara (winner of Iken ScientificA 2009- standard 7) said, 'The best thing about the whole experience was that it gave me practical knowledge. I won a lot of goodies and it also improved my confidence level. My favourite events were Air Zooka and Junkreate wherein we had made a periscope. I had tried for the first time in standard six but I got lucky when I participated again in standard seven. I'd like to advise all future participants to focus on practical learning to do well at the competition.' Iken ScientificA Competition coordinators reach out to schools across India and conduct multiple-choice tests for participants. The test is a scientific aptitude and skills analysis test. Later diagnostic reports are shared with students. Shortlisted students are then offered workshops as preparatory exercises before city and national level. Workshops are open for all irrespective of their participation to Iken ScientificA competition. Top five students from the workshops get a wild card entry into Iken Scientifica city finals. Iken ScientificA helps develop team work and interpersonal skills through ideation and brainstorming sessions. The scope of Iken Scientifica has increased significantly since last year. The number of schools participating in the competition has increased from 700 to 1000 whereas the number of cities where Iken ScientificA has made a mark has grown from 14 to 50. This considerable boost indicates a keen interest of participation in innovative activities among the young Indians.
