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It was a science lesson through art and craft for government school students, who participated in the Mega Science Fair at Palace Grounds on Tuesday. It was a science lesson through art and
craft for government school students, who participated in the Mega Science Fair at Palace Grounds on Tuesday. From Newton’s laws to kitchen chemistry and the anatomy of the body, students
were engaged throughout the day. Students enthusiastically explained the concepts behind the simple science experiments they were performing. They did not shy away from complex experiments
either; they took part in the complicated ones under the guidance of their teachers. For instance, students of government Junior PU College demonstrated Newton’s Third Law of Motion with the
help of a small cart made of paper and straws with a balloon attached to it. When inflated, the balloon exerted “an equal and opposite reaction”, making the cart move. Likewise, a box
filled with smoke was used to demonstrate that it is possible to see laser rays. Many students said what drew them to science was the fact that they were taught through demonstrations. “We
are taught in an interesting way in school and we have brought a few of the models to display,” said Chaittra G, a class IX student from Government High School, Police Colony. The concept of
density was demonstrated through ‘kitchen chemistry’ with the use of toor dal, water and oil. Similarly, the use of beetroot solution with detergent water for conducting a for litmus test
was shown by the students. “We work with government schools in this regard. What we find is that after the two-day session, students are more confident in speaking, since they explain the
concepts to others,” said Janani Subramanian, project officer with Agastya International Foundation. She said the touch of art and craft to the subject makes it interesting to the students.
The material required for the experiments are available easily, making it easier for the students to take a fancy to science.