An Interactive session with Eminent Ecologist Dr. Sultan Ahmed Ismail was conducted in SIMS on 21st Jan, 2018.
Dr. Ismail , a well-known biologist and ecologist, whose work centers on techniques for recycling biodegradable waste into fertilizer using local varieties of earthworms, and on soil bioremediation, is the Director, Eco Science Department, Chennai.
He works with the Department of Science and Technology of the Government of India, in the development of a module on vermicomposting as a sustainable ecological practice for children. He also conducted a project for the Environment and Forests Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu state for implementing vermicomposting in 50 schools in Chennai(Madras), and delivered several lectures to more than 200 schools in India and abroad on environmental awareness, solid waste management and vermicomposting. His other research interests are on the anti-inflammatory properties of earthworms, the ultrastructure of the penial setae of earthworms, and the electrical bioluminescence of earthworms.
Dr. Ismail is the author of some famous books like: Vermicology: The Biology of Earthworms, The Earthworm Book, etc… He was awarded the Arignar Anna Award by the Department of Environment, Government of Tamil Nadu, India for environmental education and awareness.
‘Life science is an intriguing subject and a teacher teaching it should be excited to show the children some experiments which would be captivating, exciting, stimulating, absorbing and interesting’. Dr. Ismail spoke about the importance of making life science learning livelier by making concepts easier - SIMPLE TASKS, GREAT CONCEPTS. He also demonstrated the above with the use of simple day-to-day objects. He feels that ‘Science without fun is futile and as teachers we should put in our best efforts to make life science teaching livelier’. He also spoke on the difference between ‘talking’ and ‘teaching’ in a class and its affect on students.
The session was attended by SIMS Director – Dr. Anis Ahmed, Principal – Mrs. Elizabeth Joseph, Vice Principal - Mrs. Anita Sadanand, Senior Coordinator Mr. Mirza Jawed and the teaching staff.
It was truly an informative session which concluded with great satisfaction at knowledge gained.