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Young World
Learn for yourself
S.S. KAVITHA
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The over 40 exhibits, including working models were, no doubt, an impressive display to the students.
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Photo: S. James
An eager wait: See what happens now.
If you ask a student what he or she wants to become, the reply would invariably be a doctor or engineer. In an era of information technology, why is it that students do not opt for degree courses in basic sciences? “It is certainly lack of awareness on its importance and prospects,” said N. Manickam, head, Undergraduate Department of Physics, The American College.
“As an institution of higher education, we are afraid that this apathy towards basic sciences would affect national interest in the long run,” Manickam said.
Students who study in Corporation and Government schools do not have practical knowledge as they barely have a chance to visit full-fledged laboratories, he said. So, the Department of Physics of the American College organised an exhibition named “Physics in Action- 2007” in the college premises recently, to help students from Corporation and Government schools get a glimpse of the apparatus’ used and how experiments are done in laboratories.
The exhibition displayed as many as 40 exhibits in Physics. Working models on solar energy were installed in a solar farm. The farm comprised solar still that converts salt water into potable water, a solar drier, solar cooker, solar oven, solar wax melter, solar concentrator and a solar water heater.
India map
Another display that kindled the curiosity is the India map that had all kinds of power plants distributed all over the country such as solar plants, thermal power plants, hydro power plants, nuclear power plants and wind power plants.
The students gave interesting details and facts on power stations, such as the State which has more wind mills and why.
To highlight the importance of protecting the environment, the exhibitors organised a 20-minute audio-visual programme which included a group discussion session. Another highlight of the exhibition was that they had displayed a chart that detailed various career options for students who complete their degree in Physics.
The exhibition was not only aimed at inspiring young minds but also bridging the gap between school and college education by way of backward integration, where schoolteachers would motivate the students to continue their education in basic sciences, said Manickam.
“The exhibition is really rewarding and it provided space for us to touch the exhibits and watch the experiments,” said M. Devesana of a Corporation school with a big smile on her face.
The department had been organising such exhibitions since 1985.
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