A government school teacher in Villupuram promotes scientific nature among rural students

Students of Kangeyanur Panchayat Union Middle School near Villupuram look through binoculars. Their science teacher Mr. Maria Joseph and school principal T. Punithavathi are also seen. | Photo credit: SS Kumar

A simple activity like looking at the cells of an onion through a Foldscope or looking at the moon through a telescope can spark a child’s interest in science.

At Kangeyanur Panchayat Union Middle School near Villupuram, science teacher Maria Joseph has spent nearly two decades creating such opportunities, helping students take their curiosity beyond textbooks and into experiments, competitions and astronomy.

Maria Joseph joined the school as a science teacher in 2006 with a clear goal: to develop a scientific temperament among students. “When I thought about what I could do for students as a science teacher, I decided to focus on developing their scientific outlook. The early years were challenging. I gradually identified activities that would benefit students and sought sponsorship wherever possible to provide hands-on learning opportunities,” said Joseph.

Students observe onion cells through Foldscope at Kangeyanur Panchayat Union High School near Villupuram | Photo credit: SS Kumar

This effort took three students to New Delhi in 2011 for the national science event INSPIRE after success at the block, district and state levels. Class VIII students also participated in the Indian Science Congress 2019, he said.

In another project, which took place as part of the Children’s Science Congress, students studied the effect of brick kilns on agricultural land. The study ensured selection at the state level and subsequently took them to a national level event in New Delhi.

“More than 20 students from the school have been selected through INSPIRE over the years,” said Mr. Joseph.

Caring for curiosity

The process begins in the classroom, where students demonstrate their interest through questions and a willingness to explore the subject further.

“Some students come back after the class and ask what they can do next. We identify these students and give them further guidance. The support doesn’t end when they leave school. Former students stay in touch, seek advice when they enter college and consider further study in science,” he said.

T. Punithavathi, principal of the school, said the depth of classroom instruction combined with regular practical sessions helped students from rural areas to understand science better.

The school also runs a Junior Red Cross Band, said to be the first in Tamil Nadu, with five musical instruments including drums, bugle and clarinet, giving students another avenue to develop their talents.

The Junior Red Cross Unit at Kangeyanur Panchayat Union Middle School near Villupuram has its own band | Photo credit: SS Kumar

The school’s Charles Darwin Science Club, led by Mr. Joseph with the support of two fellow teachers, organizes activities outside the classroom related to available science events and outreach opportunities.

“At three book fairs in Villupuram district, the team has reached about 20,000 people in the evening telescope observation. The current four-inch telescope allows us to show the Moon and Saturn, even though it appears small. The next goal is to get a 10-12 inch telescope,” said Mr. Joseph.

Efforts are also underway to expand the club’s reach through a partnership with the Raman Foundation, which expresses its willingness to help. The goal is to expand these efforts while maintaining a focus on students who need more exposure to science.

Published – 20 Oct 2026 17:11 IST