An ideal teacher not only gives the gift of knowledge, but also encourages students to ask questions and explore the world.

To acknowledge the efforts and contribution of science teachers in schools, the Jharkhand chapter of National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) along with National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML) awarded two such mentors on the occasion of National Science Day on Friday.

Shipra from Tata Workers’ Union High School in Kadma and Vikash Kumar Dash from NML Kerala Public School, Agrico, received the best science teacher award at NML auditorium in Burmamines.

The event was graced by chief guest Satya Deo Tripathi, chief scientist at The Harish-Chandra Research Institute in Allahabad and general secretary of NASI.

NML acting director Ratnakar Singh and NASI Jharkhand chairperson and chief scientist of NML Arvind Sinha were also present.

Both the awardees received a certificate, a citation and a cash award of Rs 10,000 each.

NASI selected Shipra and Vikash for the award on the basis of their mentoring abilities, publications, past awards and inclination towards innovative teaching.

“I am thankful to NASI who have recognised my efforts. It is a great motivation for teachers like us. I also thank my school to let me explore and experiment. The school has been engaged in various activities to sharpen students’ scientific attitude,” Shipra, who teaches classes VIII, IX and X, said in her address.

Shipra has devised a teaching method wherein she makes students learn about concepts such as smart villages, smart cities and smart dustbins by making their models.

She has helped students think rationally and collaborate on science projects.

“Shipra ma’am always tells us to understand the concepts so that we don’t have to mug up. She also makes us do a lot of projects, which help us to understand the topics in a better way,” Hema Ghosh, a student of Class IX at Tata Workers’ Union High School, said.

Dash, a physics teacher, said he always made it a point to let his students share and grow independently.

He has led to the development of an inventive environment in classrooms with project-based curriculum.

“Recognising the efforts to be put forward by the dedicated teachers, the Jharkhand chapter of NASI has decided to felicitate such science teachers of the state,” said Sinha.

The best science teacher award was constituted three years ago to recognise innovation in science teaching in Jharkhand schools.