Field Trip – Grade XI-XII

Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration & Research (AMD), Bangalore- FIELD TRIP

“Dream is not something that you see while sleeping, it is something that does not let you sleep,” – Abdul Kalam.

This was one of the first things that the senior scientist quoted when we visited AMD, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research. And that is when we knew that this trip was going to be worth remembering.

Beginning with the lecture given by Scientist Roopa Bose, to the various labs and rock museum, each part of the learning journey was not only interesting, but also fun. The scientists explained students’ concepts in ways we could easily understand, and answered all our doubts with patience and enthusiasm. Throughout the entire journey,we were thoroughly intrigued to know about radioactive materials, how they are found, and how they can be used. In fact, the lecture started from the very basics itself! What is radioactivity?

Later on, we visited the Physics Lab, where we learned how Gamma radiations can be detected. The chemistry lab informed us about how minerals can be extracted from samples. The rock museum, with various specimens, and finally the rock garden. We found ourselves recalling when we had seen rocks, and then tried to identify the mineral in them based on the color. Each place had a unique air to it, and it all awakened the slumbering curiosity in all of us. I think this was an extremely great opportunity for us to visit such a place. Visiting AMD has definitely made a few of us reconsider our career options, but as the director there said, he did hope to see future scientists in some of us.

AMD’s slogan is ‘Those who search, find.’ And while this may be in reference to minerals and radioactive rocks, I think it has all taught us something we ought to cherish forever.