With science developing at such a rapid pace, the ever-growing curiosity that bubbles away in young minds, also accelerates alongside it. Be it the mystery behind colours, the chemistry behind water or the physics behind friction – the desire to know more has probably never been greater.
The custom of organising science fairs has long been a well-loved and staunch tradition in primary, secondary and higher-secondary educational institutions in countries all across the globe. Many schools take great pride in organising grand day-long or even week-long events, turning it almost into a competition to out-do other schools, especially with the attendance of high-profile guests of honour, ranging from media personalities to local politicians.

Both English and Bangla medium schools in Bangladesh go all-out with their annual science fairs and Dhanmondi Tutorial is no exception. Their Annual Science Fair was held earlier this month on October 5. With more than 45 projects – diligently prepared and presented by the students – the event turned out to be quite a success, surpassing the success of even last years event, much to the thrill and excitement of teachers, students and parents.
The event was attended by celebrities in the world of science who also participated in the science fair as part of the judging panel. The judges included Dr Rafiqul Islam, Dean, Faculty of Technology and Engineering at Dhaka University, Dr A F M Yusuf Haider, Ex Pro VC of Dhaka University; Dr Dilruba Huq, Department of Applied Chemistry, Dhaka University and Dr Ahmed Ismail Mustafa, Ex Chairman of BCSIR.
Students from class seven came up with projects like geodesic domes, natural projector, hydraulic gripper, hydro electric power and many more. Though time was a crucial obstacle, the enthusiasm of the diligent students and their guiding teachers were no match in terms of coming up with unique projects. On the other hand, the students of class eight created their exhibits based around the theme of environment friendly ways of using everyday articles, which included fascinating projects such as bio plastic from banana peels, battery from coins, a car powered by water, to name a few.
One of the biggest hits at the science fair was the “human flashlight”. True to its curious name, which justifiably piqued the interest of all the visitors and guest, the project featured a unique flash-light that took heat from human bodies to generate electricity with the help of peltier tiles and a circuit. Another fascinating project features a water-powered car, in which, water was split up through the process of electrolysis, thereby acquiring hydrogen, which was used as fuel for the car, and oxygen, which was emitted into the environment!

With their O Levels only a few months away, the students of class nine showcased their scientific prowess through the creation of an "i-car", which consisted of cameras and could be controlled using a remote. While the invention is still in its demo phase, it has the potential to be quite a useful gadget in the real world, if used by law enforcement agencies. The students of class eleven also came up with an array of fun and interactive projects, some of which included using Arduino programming to connect visitors with the computer and setting up fun, motion sensing games, a piano where cups full of water acted as keys, a selfie booth were people had to shake a slice of cheese (instead of saying cheese) to send a signal to the camera and take a photo, and many other exciting and engaging exhibits.

Overall, the Dhanmondi Tutorial Science Fair 2016 proved to be quite the success, with visitors and guests sharing in the enthusiasm of the presenting students and their proud teachers. As always, the event provided the students with a great opportunity to bring out their inner 'mad scientist' and go wild.