The Boot Camp on “Innovate with Science: Learn by Doing” was organized on 17th -18th March 2026 with the objective of sensitizing for class 5th – 8th students of Sankalp Public School, Mehsana. The camp aimed to highlight the need for innovation and showcase advancements across various fields of science. A total of 48 students actively participated in the two-day programme. The boot camp featured a range of engaging activities including expert sessions and hands-on training focused on scientific innovations. These activities were designed to inspire curiosity, foster creativity, and encourage students to think innovatively about real-world challenges.
Day 1
On the first day of the boot camp, SSIP Coordinator at MIDFT-Mehsana Dr. Ami Patel, conducted an engaging session with the students on the theme of innovative thinking. She introduced the concept of innovation in everyday life, with a special focus on the food industry. Students explored how creative thought processes can be used to generate new ideas and solutions, particularly for developing innovative food products. She emphasized how even small ideas sparked in young minds can lead to impactful changes in society.
Following this, in the second session Dr. Karuna Meghwal, Assistant Professor of Dairy Chemistry at MIDFT, engaged the students in a discussion on innovations in chemistry, particularly in the context of detecting adulterants in food products. Students received hands-on training in identifying adulteration through various chemical tests and reactions, giving them practical exposure to real-world applications of chemistry in the food industry.
The third session was conducted by Dr. Nihir Shah, Assistant Professor of Dairy Microbiology at MIDFT, who introduced the students to the fascinating microbial world. Students observed different types of micro-organisms under the microscope and gained an understanding of their roles in food and health. He also emphasized the importance of personal hygiene in maintaining a healthy mind and body, sensitizing students to the critical link between microbiology and everyday well-being.
Day 2
On the second day of the camp, the students participated in two insightful sessions. In the first session, Mr. Apurva Chaudhari, Assistant Professor of Dairy Technology at MIDFT gave Demonstrated of manufacturing of different dairy products including traditional sweets and especially emphasized on paneer making in dairy industry.
Er. Himanshu Patel, Assistant Professor of Dairy Engineering at MIDFT, led an inspiring session titled “Build Your Dream” in the second session of the same day. He sensitized students to the role of innovation in engineering and encouraged them to think creatively. As part of the activity, students designed and built next-generation paper airplane models, combining principles of engineering with imagination.
The camp concluded with a valedictory session, where a few students shared their feedback and reflected on how the boot camp had benefited them. Participation certificates were distributed to all students in recognition of their active involvement. Overall, the boot camp proved to be a valuable experience, successfully sowing the seeds of innovation and creative thinking in the young minds of the participants.
