Evaluation of visitors' experiences and perceptions of a scientific lab visit: A case study

Abstract

Nowadays, the scientific community is employing a range of traditional and innovative approaches to motivate students towards science, with the ultimate objective of promoting a scientific career and instilling a scientific attitude. Organising exhibitions, quiz competitions, visits to research labs/science museums/planetariums, and taking Mobile Science Vans to schools are some ways to develop students' interest. In line with this, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (erstwhile CSIR-NISCAIR), a public-funded premier institute of India in the field of science communication (having the mission of disseminating science at scholarly and popular levels) regularly organises visits to the lab, open days, science expos for students, in particular, school students. The institute organised an exhibition-cum-open day titled "Indian Raw Materials & Products Expo" to promote interest in science and science communication, which was visited by more than 650 school students and their teachers from about 17 schools. They were asked to rate their experiences and suggestions through a feedback questionnaire. The students were intrigued by the display of live and preserved plant specimens. Teachers agreed that these visits should be regularly organised to benefit the students. Such visits expose young minds to advances in science, fostering enthusiastic dialogue among students, teachers, researchers, and scientists.