School students bubble with innovative ideas

Their models stresses conservation of environment

Students demonstrating working of a project in the city on Tuesday. Photo: G. Moorthy

Students from over 50 schools from the southern districts participated in a district-level science project competition ‘Ignite’ organised by Agni’s Centre for Research and Development, a unit of Agri College of Technology, Chennai, here on Tuesday.

From simple scientific concepts to depicting themes about the conservation of environment and the need for eco-friendly energy resources, a number of working models had been kept on display as part of the competition. Through their exhibits, students of Velammal Vidyalaya depicted the depletion of the ozone layer in the atmosphere by explaining various stages and the effect of the development on living beings. While the causes of pollution were a recurrent theme in many of the projects, many students had also come up with innovative solutions.

V. Shakthivel and M. Loganathan from Nehru Vidya Salai High School prepared a working model of a domestic grey water recycling unit which would be run by solar energy.

“We are facing such a crippling shortage of water that every drop is precious. With just the construction of a simple tank which will store the grey water and enable it to get filtered through special membranes, water can be reused for various household chores,” said Loganathan.

Various themes

Drawing of hydro-electricity from perennial waterbodies in forests and near mountains, preparation of bio-plastic using cornflour powder, glycerine, vinegar and water, and maintaining terrace garden using coconut husk and cattle manure as the primary soil were among the other models on display.

Speaking about the project, J. Agnishwar, Director of Operations of Agni College of Technology, said that platforms like these would help students learn and discover science better and bring out a range of innovative ideas.

“We have conducted project competitions across the southern districts and chose the best of them to compete in a district-level round here. The State finals will be held following this in Chennai and the winners will be awarded academic scholarships of Rs.5 lakh,” he stated.