A three-day residential summer science festival for school students from Nagapattinam, Thirumarugal and Keezhvelur blocks was conducted at Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University from May 6 to 8.

The second phase for the remaining three blocks will be held from May 12 to 14.

The programme, organised jointly by Tamil Nadu Science Forum (TNSF) and District Education and Empowerment Programme (DEEP), brought together 185 participants including around 30 teachers. Students from Classes 6 to 8 belonging to six blocks in the district took part in the initiative aimed at promoting scientific curiosity and experiential learning.

Chief Educational Officer N. Ravichandran inaugurated the festival.

Students from Keezhvelur, Nagapattinam and Thirumarugal blocks attended the first phase of the camp, while participants from Keezhaiyur, Thalainayar and Vedaranyam blocks are scheduled to take part in a similar programme in the coming days.

The camp featured a range of interactive sessions and activities, including simple science experiments, discussions on distinguishing scientific facts from myths, sessions on evolution, fossil studies and exhibitions, a bio-walk, toy-making, origami, and night sky observation. Cultural activities such as storytelling, theatre and student performances were also part of the programme.

State committee member Bala Iraniyan and district secretary N. Ezhilarasan coordinated the event.

Students expressed enthusiasm about the hands-on learning experience. Pranav M.S., a Class 7 student of Natarajan Thamayanti Higher Secondary School, said the fossil exhibition was among the most engaging sessions of the camp.

Organisers said the workshop aimed to nurture scientific thinking among students through practical exposure and collaborative learning.