 'Science
in Action: Optics', a two day science exhibition was held
for two days on February 28 and March 1 at Jawaharlal Nehru
Planetarium in Bangalore. The focus of the exhibition was
the fascinating world of optics. The science exhibition was
organised by Bangalore Association for Science Education (BASE).
School and college students exhibited simple scientific experiments.
Former ISRO (Indian Satellite Research Organisation) Chairman
and the Chairman of BASE, Prof. U R Rao inaugurated the event
in the absence of the State Higher Education Minister, Dr G
Parameswar.
In his brief inaugural speech, Prof Rao called upon
the students to take a keener interest in science. Taking
a dig at the overwhelming importance given to Information
Technology, Prof. Rao said that new developments were taking
place in science also, not just in the IT sector. He regretted
that scientific studies were being neglected because a large
majority of students preferred to take up IT studies.
At the exhibition, 23 simple scientific experiments such
as  that
of the 'Setting Sun', 'artificial rainbow', 'scattering of
light' were demonstrated by students. They enthusiastically
explained the intricate play of light in the world of nature
to the visitors. Other interesting experiments included 'Magic
Wand' which denotes persistence of vision, a Hologram to portray
3D images, a 'Phantom Bouquet' which showed flowers that didn't
exist and even the 'light path in a mirage'.
The students who exhibited the science demonstrations were
from Vidyavardhaka Sangha First Grade College in Basaveswaranagar,
the National College, Jayanagar, and Vani High School.
BASE's aim is to encourage more and more students
to take up science as a career. Pursuing this aim, BASE
conducts weekend classes, summer camps and regular Science
in Action exhibitions.
Click
here for more on Science in Action Exhibitions
Text and
Pictures by Y. Rama Mohan
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