Thrills of Science

WITH MOST schools in the city closed for the Christmas vacation, kids seem to have very little to do. The holiday seemed too short to make any travel plans but long enough to get bored! So the Winter Science Camp organised by the Science City and Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Center from Dec. 26-30 couldn't have been better timed.

The Center has been conducting programmes aimed at promoting a scientific temper among students, while attempting to make learning of science fun and interesting. But the idea of conducting a science camp is relatively new. The camp evoked a tremendous response and parents made frantic attempts to enrol their children, as admission was restricted to the first 40 only. So the early birds got the worm and what a whale of a time they had! Students from several schools spent 5 days in hectic activity, participating in discussions, experiments, and having hands on experience at computers, assembling electronic kits and understanding scientific principles through lively and interactive sessions.

In his inaugural address, Dr. M. Sargurumoorthy, Executive Director, the Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Center, highlighted the role of the centre in promoting a scientific temper among students, to kindle their curiosity in scientific phenomena and open avenues for research.

They also conduct in-service training programmes for teachers throughout the year.

The organisers tapped the vast scientific talent available in the city, to include sessions in natural and physical sciences, electronics, computers, astronomy and theatre arts.

The search for a fuller understanding of natural phenomena around us, which is a process of scientific investigation, is never ending. Often blind beliefs and superstitions have clouded such investigations, making it very difficult for an individual to fully comprehend the science behind natural and very interesting phenomena such as eclipses. Textbooks have dwelt on this theme for years in a drab and dull manner but all it needed was an imaginative dramatisation to create a lasting impression in the minds of students. Ever heard of a magnetic top, a tetra top or one that can spin for two whole minutes?

I learnt of these fascinating tops at a session on Toys conducted by Mr. I. K. Lenin Tamilkovan, co-ordinator for the camp, who has a vast collection of tops that he often displays and demonstrates at such gatherings. The children went trekking for nearly three kms, through a stretch of forest land at the National Park (Guindy) under the guidance of Mr. Kamaraj, wildlife biologist at the park. The budding botanists identified about 40 species of the 150 species found in the park.

Dr. Balasubramaniam, with his quick wit and humour, explained the role of Chemistry in our lives. The discussion that followed was wonderful as youngsters bombarded the professor with questions on subjects as varied as dyes and drugs, cloning, atomic energy and genetics.

If all this was the serious side of the session, the one to follow was Magic in Chemistry. Invisible ink used to write secret messages, a mixture of a few assorted chemicals and a colourful volcano erupted in the China dish. Children watched with fascination as a currency note dipped in ethanol was engulfed in flames but was not charred!

A session on glass modelling explained how pipettes and other lab equipment was made. A long glass tube was converted to an intricately designed pen in a jiffy, using a flame obtained by burning a mixture of oxygen and LPG.

Next came electronics. The ABCs the students had learnt were not enough, they had to learn about PCBs, AC and DC! Later they put their newly acquired knowledge and skills to test and assembled an electronic musical doorbell.

Loud cheers greeted the first musical notes and soon the hall was filled with sweet music as each completed the task successfully.

The last session was allotted for Astronomy, but as Nature played spoilt sport, it was difficult to identify the planets.

Perhaps the most important aspect of the camp was that all the subjects dwelt upon could be pursued as interesting hobbies. Some could prove to be lucrative too.

SHUBA SUBRAMANIAM

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