Mangaluru: Students’ innovative solutions shine at NXplorers Science Expo 2019

Bellevision Media Network

Mangaluru, 22 Feb: Shell and its implementation partner Learning Links Foundation for the ‘NXplorers’ programme announced the winners of the Mangalore edition of NXplorers Science Expo 2018-19 held at the Pilikula Regional Science Center, here on Thursday, February 21. Rama Krishna School, Puttur won the 1st prize; Sudana Residential school, Puttur took the 2nd prize school took home the 3rd prize Rama Krishna Kannada Medium School, Ramakenja.

 

A total of 150 students from 18 schools showcased 45 NXplorers Change  projects which were designed to provide solutions in the Food-Water-Energy Nexus using a unique methodology that these students had the opportunity to imbibe from the workshops which are a part of the NXplorers programme. Some of the projects that were showcased at the expo included a vegetable garden with smart water saver, a system that converted mid-day meal waste into usable fuel, and a process that produced bio-ethanol and jaggery from waste jackfruit among other creative solutions.

 

 

NXplorers is an endeavor by Shell to equip young people, aged 14-19, with tools and skills to embrace complexity through real world issues. It recognizes the need to enable future generations to develop complex problem-solving skills in the context of the food-water-energy nexus and beyond. While most Science Technology Education Math (STEM) initiatives aim to inspire and enthuse, Nxplorers aspires to teach people a new way of tackling real world problems in collaborative, innovative and inter-disciplinary approaches. The NXplorers methodology combines systems thinking, scenario planning and theory of change; crucial skills that future scientists and engineers will need to tackle the complex food-water- energy challenges of the future.

 

The programme was launched in May 2018 in four states across India in 200 schools with the aim to impact 400 teachers and 20,000 students. After careful selection, a combination of government, private and government-aided schools were chosen with special focus on empowering female students. Nxplorers was rolled out in 80 schools in Karnataka, 60 schools in Tamil Nadu, 30 schools in Maharashtra, and 30 schools in New Delhi.

 

Similar science exhibitions showcasing NXplorers students’ innovative solutions will be held in all the project states.

 

Shell in India

Shell has been present in India since 1928, when Burmah Shell set up operations in the country. Today, Shell is one of the most diversified international energy company in India with over 6,000 employees, 2,00,000 retail customers and a 250 - strong distribution network. It brings world-class energy solutions across traditional, new energies and its derivatives including crude oil, refined products, chemicals and technology to individuals and enterprises. India is recognized as one of Royal Dutch Shell’s innovation hubs globally. It is home to world class centres hosting operations, information technology and innovation mandates in Bengaluru and Chennai that are creating value for Shell and India. The company is nurturing a vibrant ecosystem in India to accelerate energy innovations with the Shell E4 programme for startups, Shell Eco-marathon and investments in companies like Husk Power that are expanding access to energy.

 

More about Learning Links Foundation

Learning Links Foundation (LLF) is a Not-for-Profit Trust, established in 2002, with a vision to foster a future where education is optimally delivered and learning is truly inspired. A leading provider of consulting and management services, it has been working across India and the Asia region for improving learning, promoting innovation, fostering 21st century skills and enabling systemic changes in the education ecosystem.

 

The Foundation works with education stakeholders, leaders and policy makers to improve education systems, enhance curricula, reform assessment and leverage technology solutions to enhance the teaching-learning process. It builds capacity, capability and leadership at every level of the education value chain.