What is Science?

SCIENCE IS FUN. Science is observation. Science is asking questions like WHY, HOW , WHAT, WHEN. Science is discovering nature around you, observing the changes around us , observing the earth,weather, the day and night sky, enjoying the beauty and fragrance of the flowers, the chirping of birds,the roaring of animals and sounds of the insects. Science is trying to look for the hidden, the invisible, may it be the microorganisms, the atoms or the forces that govern the universe.

Inquisitive Minds

INQUISITIVE MINDS will help you find the answers to the questions which you ask yourself. We will help you explore science by being creative and working hands on . The great scientists of the past have already done tremendous work in all fields. Let's explore their discoveries together. Let us clear every concept by designing and performing simple experiments from materials available around us.

INQUISITIVE MINDS (SCIENCE) is an institute established in 2008, with a group of very enthusiastic 12 year olds, who were preparing to appear for std 6th Dr. Homi Bhabha Balavaidyanik Spardha conducted by the Mumbai Science teachers association. Our concept-based teaching methods and hands on experimental approach produced two medalists in the very first batch!

Our motto is to inculcate scientific attitude in young minds.

We run an institute at Kothrud in a professional setup to guide students for std 6 th and 9th .

Dr.Homi Bhabha Balvaidyanik Spardha

Co-founders and Teaching Faculty

Shama Joshi

M.Pharm -Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Mukta Hardikar

M.Pharm –Pharmaceutics

Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidyanik Spardha

It is conducted for students in 6th and 9th. There are three levels to the exam.

Level One : Theory Exam

100 marks MCQs which are all application based. The theory class is highly interactive and student- centric. We give lots of practice assignments and papers.

Level 2 : Practical Exam

Simple experiments based on principles covered in theory are to be performed by students and the scientific method of systematic observation, documentation and inference is graded.

we give training for all these aspects in our well equipped laboratory including proper safety and handling methods

Level 3 : Project and Viva

The examining authority declares a broad topic (related to environmental sciences, sustainability, eco friendly habits, methods of creating a green approach ) for both Grade 6 and Grade 9th separately at the beginning of every academic year. The project report is to be finally submitted and the student is interviewed by the authorities.

Our teaching methods include-

Emphasis on concept based learning
Demonstration of experiments for every concept during classroom teaching
Lots of audio visual aids, presentations, films and online resources
Guiding the students for finding their own answers for every question raised in their minds. Emphasis on reading from authentic resources.
Organizing expert/guest lectures

Practical Lab Training

INQUISITIVE MINDS (SCIENCE) has a full fledged laboratory setup for practical training

Simple experiments which explain all the fundamental principles are designed by us. Students from the age of 12 to 15 get a chance to work hand son during these sessions. Summer camps for ages 12-15 are conducted in April. The activities include all fundamental principles of physics like accurate measurement techniques, light, sound, electricity, laws of motion, Archimedes principle,etc.

We conduct nature walks with students for biology. We totally believe that biology has to be learnt by being in the outdoors, in nature. Sampling, specimen collection, observation, their respective microscopic and morphology study, classification, all this can be learnt only in the great outdoors.

We believe that KITCHEN is the best laboratory . Many simple experiments which can be performed in our kitchen are given to students as homework. No memorising formulae or chemical reactions! Chemistry study includes model making and study of molecular modelling, chemical reactions, separation techniques.

Project and Viva

Every year at least 15 to 20 students from Inquisitive Minds (out of almost 45000 who appear in Maharashtra state) qualify to work on the Action Research Project, the topic for which is declared by MSTA at the beginning of the year.

Experts in the related field are invited for discussion wth all students, We conduct guidance sessions individually for every student, train the students in scientific methodology , right from topic selection , framing questionnaires, collecting and analysing data , design and conduct simple experiments to find simple practical solutions . Finally comes the report writing and documentation in a scientific , systematic format. Mock interviews by experts and teaching faculty are conducted to prepare them for their presentations. Many students passionately take their projects forward to make a better change in their lifestyle and environment.

The handwritten project reports are presented by students to a panel of science teachers and scientists associated with MSTA who thoroughly assess them.

The end result of all the hard work are the medals which are awarded to them . This is the encouragement and reward which they truly deserve !!!!

Students Corner

I was a student back when it wasn't even an institute but just two brilliant teachers who were passionate to teach students like me the ways of science. Thorough teaching coupled with their depth of knowledge in the subjects that they teach is why students from Inquisitive Minds score exceptionally well in theory and practical exams as well as the project report. The focus is always on concept-based understanding as opposed to learning by rote. I developed a liking for chemistry because of the fun yet informative practical sessions and am now pursuing a PhD in Polymer Chemistry in the US. Thank you, Inquisitive Minds!

Satej Shridhar Joshi - (Student of our first batch of 6th in 2008 and 9th in 2011)

Back in 2007, when a bunch of friends and I started our journey with these 2 fantastic teachers, I didn't know the true value of what the experience enabled me to build in myself. The way we tackled every topic, it became evident that both of them had understood, in essence, the purpose of learning and teaching concepts. Our lessons were rigorous and relevant, and our afternoons used to be filled with experiments (even relay races!). Most importantly, there was no "right" answer, only inquiry and exploring. Years later, when I did my Teach For India Fellowship and taught grades 4-5 in a Govt school, ones of the roles I had to play was that of a science teacher. I've clung on to what Inquisitive Minds taught me and tried building the same in my classroom- my students tried to always ask why, weren't afraid to make mistakes and knew that science is everywhere. I'll always be grateful that I got to learn from Shama and Mukta maushi!

Gayatri Kulkarni- (Student of our first batch in 2008 )

I admire the patience and dedication with which my teachers Shama Joshi and Mukta Hardikar taught us at Inquisitive Minds. They taught us how to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the science playing a role in things we tend to overlook in our daily lives. I learnt to appreciate science through their efforts and their guidance in projects.

Aditya Hardikar

(Currently pursuing his PhD in Physics-Soft Matter in the US)

First Gold Medallist of our class in std 6th 2008 in the very first batch- Study of insects as biopesticides

Silver medal in 9th in 2011 - Wind powered battery charger

Inquisitive Mindset provided us with innumerable experiences and knowledge. The practicals they conducted were very helpful, may it be biology, physics or chemistry. What I personally appreciate about the class was the perfect blend theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experiences. The practical sessions were always eagerly anticipated as we got to explore and experiment with various scientific concepts. I am grateful to have been a part of Inquisitive Mindset.

Gautami Patil -Std 9th 2024

My name is Himanshu Patwardhan and I am a student of Inquisitive Minds for the year 2024-25. It has truly been a wonderful year, learning with fellow junior scientists. Our mentors Shama mam and Mukta mam, have provided us with infinite knowledge about science as a whole. Both the theory and practical sessions have been informative and interesting. The classes had a lively atmosphere, which was nurtured by the curious questions asked by the students, to which the teachers gave detailed answers. We learnt a wide range of topics, from the Quantum Theory to Animal Classification and The Study of Sound. The practical sessions were the best. We had our hands on activity and the teachers provided us with all the necessary materials, ranging from Hydrochloric Acid to pendulums. Wow! That was fun indeed! If you are aiming to grasp the coveted Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition Gold Medal then there is no other institution to go to. Thank you Inquisitive Minds for making me fall in love with science and technology.

My first experience with Inquisitive minds was in 2021-22, when I gave the Homi Bhabha exam in 6th grade. At that time, I knew no one in the class and was the only one from my school who had joined it. It was online at that time, and it used to be a bit awkward just sitting in front of the screen in order to study for the exam. But in the process, I got two very amazing teachers, Shama ma'am and Mukta ma'am, who helped me achieve what I thought was a very important boost for me - A silver medal. I enrolled with them again for 9th Grade, considering my past experience with them. This year (2024-25) as well, they taught us about how to handle the apparatus in real life, when we had only seen them handle it in 6th. I am really grateful towards the both of them, and to Inquisitive Minds, for helping me achieve my dreams.

Advait Apte

6th Grade - Silver medalist

Project Title - Study of Development of Bamboo Tissue Cultured Plants in Different Hardening Media

Results 2024-25

Final results of Dr.Homi Bhabha Balvaidyanik Spardha are declared for the academic year 24-25. We are extremely pleased to announce that our students have secured recognition at the state level out of more than one lakh students (6th and 9th combined). Our current medalists and Young Scientists are-

Std 6th

1.Samruddha Pawar- Gold

2. Ryan Kangude -Gold

3.Mihir Kulkarni - Silver

4. Anshul Kangude- Silver

5. Samyak Sankpal- Silver

6. Swara Randhir- Bronze

7. Arnav Kelkar - Bronze medal

8. Avaneesh Bodas- Siver medal

9th-

Aarya Patwardhan - Gold
Sahil Sabne- Silver
Risa Kulkarni- Silver
Anish Bhirud- Silver

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