GUWAHATI: Australian researchers had the audience spellbound with their simple demonstrations on the practicalities of everyday science at a programme called the Science Circus, which ran to packed houses for all the three shows that were scheduled at the Regional Science Centre here on Friday. Graham Walker and Stuart Kohlhagen, the stars of the evening, are science communicators, who can work up magic with common household items."We taught students how to utilize humble materials to make science interesting. More than concentrating just on academics, it's time for schools to teach students creativity and entrepreneurship. Schools in India need to adopt a system, where the enduring goal for students should be to develop a deep understanding of scientific phenomena," said Stuart.He urged the students to develop critical thinking, which he said is crucial for finding employment. "We request students not to study science only for passing the exam but to know what's there behind the phenomena," Stuart added. Presented by the Australian High Commission , in partnership with the National Council for Science Museums (NCSM), the Science Circus duo from the Australian National University , travelled across nine cities in 12 days before concluding their India tour in Guwahati. The Circus was designed to allow students to experience and develop skills in problem-solving, logic and critical thinking using cost effective household materials. Graham Walker, popular among children for his fun-filled science demonstrations, said the shows mesmerized the students as it had everything from vacuum cleaner bazookas to liquid nitrogen powered kangaroos.Cricket was brought to the centre stage by the researchers to describe Newton 's law, a move which was lapped up by the audience.Basudev Mandal, project coordinator at the Regional Science Centre, here said the initiative proved to be immensely beneficial for the science educators, who are touring distant areas to develop a scientific temper.

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