Date:02/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/02/stories/2008080251560300.htm

Karnataka - Hubli-Dharwad

They explain science with a flash of genius

Staff Correspondent

HUBLI: As Ranjita Shashidhar Kumbar, an eighth class student of Government School no. 16 at Hosur in Hubli, explained how a syringe worked, a few students noted down what she said while many heard her with rapt attention.

Next to her was Shaila Gurusiddappa Hebballi, an eighth class student of Lamington High School for Girls, explaining the mechanism behind water sprinkling and there were several students around her.

Her neighbour Chetana Basavaraj Bhoomannavar, IX standard student from Basel Mission High School, had several paper tubs before her. As she explained how water could be heated using the water tub, the curious onlookers listened to her with attention and many urged her to demonstrate, which she obliged.

And there were nearly 140 such “science experts” willing to explain the simple scientific methods at the Indira Glass House on Friday where the “Science Fair” was held.

Scores of exhibits explaining simple scientific concepts such as centre of gravity, solar system, magic ink, AC and DC dynamo, lever, Fleming’s right hand rule, solar eclipse and so on were there.

The rush on the final day of the science fair was so much that the 30 volunteers of the Agastya International Foundation had a difficult time in controlling the crowd that comprised schoolchildren. T.S. Suresh, Programme Manager of Agastya, North Karnataka Region, said: “We never expected such a crowd. We know that in such a rush it is difficult for students to grasp the scientific concepts without explanation. Since the teachers requested, we allowed students to see the models.”