About the Club:

This was a shared project between me and my fellow classmate. We both are very passionate about sciences, where specifically I am about physics and chemistry, while she is about biology and chemistry. Combining our interests, we came up with the idea of ‘science club,’ where we meet with other science enthusiasts like us and conduct experiments/explore different concepts together.

LO1: Identify your own strengths and develop areas for personal growth

Science is something that I really like, be it through practical experiments in lab or learning theory. I have thus chosen to pursue the same in the future. Theoretical understanding is something I can call my strength, because through the external courses/knowledge taught in class, I know the basics of sciences. However, finding fun and interesting experiments that can demonstrate the theoretical knowledge practically was something very difficult for us. Either the chemicals were too hazardous or not available in laboratory, or the experiment was something that the school already makes their students perform as a part of the curriculum. Finding such an experiment was a task for both of us, because more interesting the experiment, more students will be ready to come for early-ins.

LO2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills

There were times where members did not come for early-ins without informing, or even due to a genuine reason, we did not have much attendance. To resolve this, we sent messages in the group asking members too cooperate with us, and if they do not want to be a part of this, then they should inform us and then leave the group. We really wanted to continue this club with the members, so by showing some strictness and demonstrating our desire to continue the club, we wanted the members to contribute and feel included. Thus from the next meeting, attendance was seen. The members also started to enjoy the sessions, making us feel accomplished.

Personal time management was also an issue, since with our exams upcoming and it being important as they accounted for predicted grades, the frequency of the club meeting was reduced in the end. But we made sure that the members can still interact on whatsapp groups, and keep at least 1-2 meetings where even if experiment couldn’t be planned, reading scientific literature or having discussions could be seen.

LO3:  Initiate and plan a CAS experience

This experience was initiated by me and my friend, Naitika. We both decided to make science more accessible for our juniors, and help them gain more exposure on how science works, and whether they’re ready to pursue it in the future. The members will also be able to share their science experience with us, and together, we planned experiments by taking inputs, read scientific literature, and much more. We coordinated with our supervisor and the lab team constantly to make sure that the lab is available, chemicals are available, and also if the experiment is allowed/accessible for students.

LO4: Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience

The club went on for the entirety of grade-11. There were several ups and downs, regarding the attendance of members, finalising experience, or managing personal time. Despite the struggles, we continued with the science club and allowed time and our efforts to show its results. Even if all the members weren’t active by the end, we had a small group who was passionate about science and willing to discuss their career goals, achievements, and scientific topics in discussions. Our commitment and perseverance paid off.

LO5: Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively.

This club was a joint effort of me and my friend Naitika. We both came up with this idea together, and divided our work to make effective use of our time, and come up with unique ideas for the club. We researched potential activities for the club in the initial stages, created a sheet and added all experiment ideas we could find in the same. We even had to collaborate with our supervisor and get all ideas approved, and add his inputs when we conduct the club sessions. Apart from this, the members slowly became a core part of the club as well. We asked them to give ideas for experiments, or to show what they expect from the club or anything that they expect from the club. A club is a joint effort between all members, there was no set hierarchy that founding members would be the top ones organising everything while the others just listen. We made the club a space for everyone to discuss and experiment together, allowing all inputs and feedback to help the club grow.

This club was a great learning experience for me. I learnt new science concepts while researching for experience, understood how leadership and ownership of starting a club works, and met new people interested in the same field as me. I initiated insightful discussions and worked with my partner to make this club a success throughout grade-11.