Outreach Activities to promote STEM education in Northern Province

To commemorate 50 years of excellence in Science Education and Research by the Faculty of Science, all student societies within the faculty were invited to submit brief proposals aimed at promoting STEM education in the region. The Golden Jubilee Committee carefully evaluated these proposals for outreach activities and recommended the following initiatives submitted by the respective student societies.

Name of the Societies	Name of the activities	Target group	No. of beneficiaries
Biological Society	Biology Education Programme	Grade 7 students from type II schools in Thenmarachchi Zone	140
Computer Society	National-level Coding Competition	Undergraduates in computing	75
Fisheries Science Society	Awareness of Marine Plastic Pollution	Grades 9 to 11 who are studying in difficult areas	40
Zoological Students’ Association	Scientific innovation competition	Grade 10 and 11 students of Northern Province	75
Chemical Society	Chemistry Practical Sessions	Grade 11 students in selected two remote area schools in the Island	100
Physics Society	School Backyard Physics Lab	Grades 10 & 11 students from Mullaitivu and Mannar (under privilege area)	300
Mathematical Society	Teaching Geometry	Grade 10 school students from the privileged area of Valikamam	100

A total of seven student societies within the faculty received LKR 420,000 (LKR 60,000 per activity) to implement initiatives that promote STEM education in underprivileged areas of the Northern Province over three months, as part of the HRNCET project. The student societies are highly motivated and have been actively organising these activities.

Please find the flyer/banner detailing the outreach activities. A comprehensive report on these activities will be shared through the following link.

Flyers/Banner and report of the outreach activities

Teaching and hands-on practical sessions on Biology Education – Grade 7 students from under privilege area in Thenmarachchi Zone
– Conducted by Biology Society, Department of Botany
To commemorate 50 years of excellence in science education by the faculty, the Biology Society of the Department of Botany, with the active involvement of honours degree students in Biology, successfully organised a Biology Education Programme for students from 17 Type II schools in the Thenmaradchi Zone. Many of these schools are underprivileged, and the programme was conducted under the guidance of the academic and technical staff of the Department of Botany. The programme featured teaching sessions, hands-on practical activities—including microscopes—and a quiz competition. Remarkably, a school without science teachers won first place in the quiz competition, highlighting the enthusiasm and dedication of the participating students. It is particularly encouraging to note that the programme inspired the students and motivated the teachers who accompanied them. A formal report will be shared by the society next week.

This initiative was part of the HRNCET project (https://project.jfn.ac.lk/hrncet/). Building on its success, the staff and honours students are keen to expand similar programmes to other regions, provided adequate financial support is available.

The Faculty extends its sincere appreciation to the Senior Treasurer, the executive committee of the society, and all staff and students who dedicated their time and effort to making these valuable outreach activities a success.

Quiz, Art and Poster Competition on Management of Marine Resources – Grade 10 Students from coastal schools in the Jaffna educational zone
– Conducted by Fisheries Science Society, Department of Fisheries

To celebrate 50 years of excellence in science education by the Faculty of Science, the Fisheries Science Society (FSS) of the Department of Fisheries organised a series of engaging competitions to highlight the significance of ocean and fisheries science under the HRNCET project
The programme brought together students from coastal schools in the Jaffna educational zone who study Aquatic Resource Management, providing them a platform to showcase their knowledge and creativity. The programme, guided by dedicated academic staff and supported by the non-academic team, included art, quiz, and poster competitions. The event concluded successfully, showcasing the remarkable talent and enthusiasm of the participants. In recognition of their efforts, winners and participants were honoured with prizes and certificates, celebrating their achievements and inspiring a deeper passion for marine and fisheries sciences.

The workshop aimed to help students overcome challenges in geometry and deepen their understanding of the subject. More than 100 Grade 10 students from underprivileged areas of the Valikamam Zone participated in this initiative. Through interactive problem-solving and guided exploration, the programme boosted their confidence and helped them overcome their fear of geometry. It also enabled them to grasp key concepts, particularly geometric principles related to triangles and circles, by applying precise problem-solving techniques.

The Faculty extends its sincere appreciation to the Senior Treasurer, the executive committee of the society, and all staff and students who dedicated their time and effort to making these valuable outreach activities a success.

Workshop on Learning Geometry – Grade 10 school students from the privileged area of Valikamam
– Conducted by Mathematics Society, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
To commemorate 50 years of dedicated service by the Faculty of Science in advancing science education, the Mathematical Society (MathSoc) organised a Learning Geometry workshop for Grade 10 students at Manipay Ladies’ College under the HRNCET project.

Furthermore, the workshop strengthened students’ problem-solving abilities by fostering logical reasoning and strategic thinking, enabling them to approach geometry problems with greater efficiency and accuracy. By bridging theory and practice, students were encouraged to connect geometric concepts with real-world applications through hands-on activities and practical examples. Ultimately, the initiative aimed to enhance their exam performance by equipping them with effective problem-solving strategies, particularly in topics related to triangles and circles.

Science Practical Sessions for G.C.E. Ordinary Level Students – in the Islands Zone
– Conducted by the Chemical Society, Department of Chemistry

Organised by the Chemical Society on 08.02.2025 at Velanai Central College under the HRNCET Project, this programme aimed to enhance students’ laboratory skills, reinforce scientific concepts and develop problem-solving abilities through interactive sessions. It fostered curiosity and critical thinking, inspiring students to pursue further education and careers in science. Through hands-on practical sessions and comprehensive explanations, students gained a deeper understanding of the scientific principles underlying the experiments in their syllabus. Engaging in these activities allowed them to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, making the learning experience more effective and meaningful.

Active participation in the sessions, along with guided practice using worksheets, helped students build confidence in answering practical-based examination questions. This structured approach enabled them to develop strong analytical skills, ensuring they could approach assessments with greater clarity and precision. The interactive nature of the sessions also played a significant role in inspiring students to consider higher education and careers in STEM fields. Exposure to practical applications of science sparked curiosity and enthusiasm, encouraging them to explore opportunities in scientific research and innovation.

The Faculty extends its sincere appreciation to the Senior Treasurer, the executive committee of the Chemical Society, and all staff and students who dedicated their time and effort to the success of this outreach initiative. Their commitment has provided invaluable learning experiences for students from underprivileged areas, contributing to their academic growth and future aspirations.

As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Faculty of Science, the Physics Society (PHYSOC) of the Department of Physics and the IEEE Electron Devices Society (EDS) Student Chapter, University of Jaffna, jointly conducted an impactful outreach programme titled “School Backyard Physics Lab” under the HRNCET project. The event was held in the Madu Zonal Education Division in Mannar District, reaching 220 students from 7 underprivileged schools.

School Backyard Physics Lab – in the Madu Zone, Mannar
Conducted by Physics Society, Department of Physics
This programme aimed to strengthen students’ understanding of Grade 10 and O/L physics concepts through interactive teaching sessions and hands-on practical activities using science kits. The theoretical sessions simplified complex topics using real-life analogies, making physics more relatable and enjoyable. Simultaneously, the practical component encouraged students to experiment, innovate, and apply what they learned, fostering enthusiasm toward science. This initiative not only improved conceptual clarity but also inspired students to pursue further studies in the Advanced Level physical science stream. It created a positive shift in how students and teachers engage with science, supporting the development of a STEM-oriented culture in rural schools.

The success of this programme underscores the impact of the HRNCET project and reaffirms the joint commitment of PHYSOC and the IEEE EDS Student Chapter to advancing inclusive and innovative science education across the Northern Province.

Following the circulation of the competition announcement, we received multiple applications from interested school teams within the stipulated deadline. These proposals were carefully reviewed and evaluated by the academic staff of the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Jaffna.

Scientific Innovation Competition – Grade 10 and 11 students of Northern Province
– Organized by Zoological Students Society

The idea of organizing an Innovation Competition was initiated to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Faculty. We intended the competition to be a province-wide event, focusing on encouraging innovation among school students. The plan was to select 15 teams based on proposals submitted by schools in the Northern Province. A public announcement was prepared to invite applications, and this was circulated with the support of the Provincial Director of Education (Northern Province). Through the Education Department, the notice reached all schools in the province.

Although our initial goal was to select 15 teams, we ultimately selected 13 teams based on the quality of the proposals and within the limits of the available budget. Once the 13 teams were finalized, the organizing committee proceeded with the necessary arrangements for the competition.
The Innovation Competition was successfully held with the participation of the selected 13 teams. Each team presented their innovative proposals in front of a panel of judges. The event was attended by students, teachers, university staff, and other guests. The judging panel selected the winning teams based on creativity, feasibility, and presentation.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Faculty of Science, University of Jaffna, the Zoological Students Association (ZSA) of the Department of Zoology organized an innovation competition titled ‘Kinetic Minds 2025’ under the theme “Utilization of Waste Materials for Sustainable Energy.” Held on the 4th of April 2025 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the event took place at the Department of Zoology premises and was aimed at promoting sustainable education among school students while cultivating awareness of environmental sustainability and creative scientific thinking.

The competition was held in the Physiology Laboratory, where students from 11 schools across the Northern Province participated with enthusiasm and innovative spirit. The competition was held in the Physiology Laboratory, where students from 11 schools across the Northern Province participated with enthusiasm and innovative spirit.

Participated Schools: Mullaithivu Visuvamadu Maha Vidyalayam, St. Johns’ College, Jaffna, Hartley College, Jaffna, Hindu College, Jaffna, Vemabadi Girls’ High School, Jaffna, Victoria College, Jaffna, Mullaithivu Mallavi Central College, Kokkuvil Hindu College, Jaffna, Vadamararachi Central Ladies’ College, Manipay Ladies College, Jaffna, Chavakachcheri Hindu College, Jaffna,. The young participants presented models and ideas that demonstrated how waste materials could be effectively reused or transformed into sustainable energy sources. Their projects ranged from simple mechanical devices to more complex systems that showcased not only creativity but also an understanding of scientific principles and real-world applicability. The competition created an engaging and encouraging environment where school students could voice their ideas, interact with university academics, and gain exposure to scientific exploration and problem-solving.

Following the competition, the awarding ceremony took place in the General Laboratory of the Department of Zoology at 2pm. This formal segment of the event recognized the hard work and ingenuity of the participants. A total of four schools received top awards. Jaffna Hindu College secured the first place, winning a cash prize of Rs. 10,000. Chavakacheri Hindu College received the second place, with a prize of Rs. 7,000. The third place was jointly awarded to Vembadi Girls’ High School, Jaffna and Mullaithivu Mallavi Central College, each receiving Rs. 3,000. In addition, certificates of participation were presented to all other competing schools in appreciation of their efforts and active involvement.

The judging panel for the event consisted of five esteemed members from various academic disciplines:

Prof. T. W. Shanthakumar, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Jaffna
Prof. M. Thanikaichelvan, Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, University of Jaffna
Prof. G. Sasikhesh, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Jaffna
Dr. J. Samantha Tharani, Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science, University of Jaffna
Mr. S. Anurakavan, Director of the University Business Linkage Cell (UBL), University of Jaffna

Their diverse expertise ensured a fair and comprehensive evaluation of each project, focusing on innovation, scientific accuracy, feasibility, and environmental relevance. The successful execution of Kinetic Minds 2025 was made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills and the HRNCET 2.0 Project. This event served as a meaningful step in inspiring the next generation of scientists, environmentalists, and innovators. Kinetic Minds 2025 left a lasting impact on both the participants and the organizers, serving as a successful model for future student engagement and science outreach programs.