IIT Jammu outreach program sparks interest through hands-on learning

Indian Institute of Technology Jammu welcomed 42 Class XII Science students along with their escorts from Brahmrishi Bawra Shanti Vidya Peeth, Udhampur, for an educational visit organized by the Department of Outreach and Skill Development. The initiative aimed at fostering scientific curiosity among school students and providing early exposure to advanced academic and research environments.The outreach programme was conducted under the guidance and support of Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur, Director, IIT Jammu; Prof. Meenakshi Rajeev, Dean; and Dr. Sameer K. S. Pachalla, Associate Dean, reflecting the Institute’s commitment towards nurturing young talent and promoting STEM education.

During the visit, students explored various laboratories across the campus. In the Chemistry Laboratory, Dr. Bhupinder Singh conducted a hands-on demonstration on polymers, explaining the synthesis of nylon polymer. The students also visited the Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory, where they gained insights into different soil types, testing and preparation methods, and the fundamentals of road construction. Additionally, the Postgraduate Laboratory of the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering (BSBE) introduced students to concepts related to DNA, micro-organisms, and contemporary biological research.

Technical staff and engineers facilitated interactive demonstrations throughout the visit, enabling students to relate theoretical classroom learning with real-world applications. The sessions encouraged inquiry-based learning, active participation, and sparked interest among students to explore future academic and career opportunities in engineering, science, and technology.