Time for young scientists to show their knowledge
Students visiting the three-day science fair organised by the Department of School Education and Rotary Manchester at the PSG Sarvajana High School in the city.R.Sivachandran and K.Kumar of Government Boys High School, Ondipudur, have found a new source of income.They discovered that using an electrically charged iron coil, thermocol could be cut into pieces with smooth edges. They now undertake orders for thermocol cuttings from organisations for decorative work.“We used to iron clothes during free time for income. But, now we get paid for these orders,” says Sivachandran. This device, which can cut thermocol without scraggly edges, was one of the projects that was displayed at the science exhibition held at PSG Sarvajana School from November 23 to 25.Organised by the Department of Education in association with Rotary Manchester, the exhibition gave a platform for students from Government, Corporation, Matriculation and Government-aided schools to showcase their scientific knowledge and skill.More than 139 schools participated and the total number of exhibits displayed was 262.Students were divided into two categories – Classes VI to X and Plus Two. They could display projects on physical, biological or environmental sciences. However, the emphasis was on global warming and environmental pollution.
Plus-Two students from CMS Matriculation Higher Secondary School M.Ravindra Kumar Sharma and M.Muhammed Fakeer had made a model of a sewage treatment plant.Treatment of waste materials could yield useful materials such as biogas, grease and lubrication oil, and even drinking water. The project would cost about Rs.6.4 crore for commercial implementation, said Ravindra Kumar.The plant could be set up on a stretch of barren land. If a suitable location was found, it could solve the sewage problem of seven cities, Muhammed said.They had worked on the project for more than a month and had done extensive research for it with the help of their project guide and science teacher, S.Bagyam.Students from Government High School, Pichanur, had made models of an automatic pump that could be used for irrigation and electronic current indicator.This year, the participation from Government schools is good, said Chief Educational Officer, S.Karmegam, who inaugurated the fair.
The exhibits would be adjudged separately and prizes would be given to all four categories.“This is just to encourage students to participate in such inter-school competitions,” Mr.Karmegam added.The last day of the fair was open to the public. The winners of the fair would be selected to participate in the revenue level.The State level science exhibition would be held in Tiruchi in January and the winners at the State-level would get a chance to participate in the exhibition which would be held along with the All India Science Congress in New Delhi.
