Phycological Society of America awarded Cyanofarm
Channel: Cyanofarm Research Centre
Date: 2020-08-11

Namaskar Everyone,
     We are back again with another great news. This time along with the news, I will be sharing links of educational games here, which not only will entertain but also provide learning. 
     On 29 July 2020, we received an email in our inbox by Dr. Clarkston Bridgette; from Univ. of British Columbia indicating that our work submitted to the Phycological Society of America (PSA) was well received. The email written indicated; Deepali Dande, the only Indian entry besides the project name, Slimy cards on the 3rd position of the top 10 winners in the educational contest open all across the world. Our both submissions were accepted and displayed on PSA’s website under educational material, one of which received an award. We are thankful to you viewers, for always being supportive in our activities that allowed us to add to the body of world knowledge as India’s contribution! 
     Taxonomy is not easy to remember, such names are not regular in use, and moreover it is difficult to pronounce. A fun way to understand by frequent pronouncing, watching was developed. One of the salient features of this activity is that Players themselves can and will choose higher level games as they get more accustomed. One can change the examples in 1 – 10 number cards under each kingdom, once they remember it well.
     This prize is very prestigious, as it is awarded by the esteemed Phycological Society of America. The whole project was led by Deepali in perspective with conceptualization, designing, communicating to the team, executing and delivering it on time. For this purpose, more than 75 sketches were drawn by Ashray, Sharvari & Sunanda, processed digitally for aesthetics by Akshay continuously for 48 h. Unique attempts to combine arts with sciences were endeavored consisting of different algae! that students can spot and identify in yet another submission leading to Increasing familiarity with name and structures of algae. 
     This is an important appreciation of our work since, Phycological Society of America, is the association of stalwarts in the field of Phycology research founded in 1946 to conduct and foster advance research in Phycology. The society publishes a high impact 'Journal of Phycology', educational resources like scientific books, web resources, E-DVD’s, holds annual meetings and also awards a number of prestigious grants for conducting research. It is a delight that such a reputed organisation has accepted our educational game to be included on their website as a resource.
     You can view and enjoy our game by visiting the “The phycological society of America’s” website from Google, Navigate to the “resources” tab on the menu bar and select “Educational Materials”. You will find 12 entries in the activities arranged alphabetically that everyone is invited to look upon, download and engage with fun. Clicking on the activity, a file will open in your browser  that will systematically touch upon learning outcomes, resource description, target audience, time estimated, materials needed and instruction manual. A general manual that allows identification of various algae using its characteristics, with its pictures are provided for reference. Statistical records for biological diversity in India, indicate 1.36 Lakh / 16.29 Lakh = 7.46% Endemic species making India a mega diversity countries ranking 9th in the world that includes 2/25 world biodiversity hot-spots. 
Know your surroundings, Know your Nation! 
Thank you, Jai-Hind !