Indian students explore pollution through science fair

For the third consecutive year, our Deccan Local Section invited 72 high school students to participate in an annual science fair on 26 July. Like the two previous fairs, which focused on water chemistry and biomass fuels, respectively, this year’s theme on pollution encouraged the children to explore the role of the chemical sciences in addressing everyday challenges.

Bringing together students from urban and rural high schools, the fair enabled us to raise awareness of chemistry and the chemical sciences amongst schools across the region. One of the teachers explained how important it is to involve schools in more rural locations in these types of events: “The Local Section actively encourages rural schools, giving them a chance to participate in events like this science fair, as well as workshops and quizzes.”

Pairs of students from 36 schools prepared written reports, posters and working models on different types of pollution and ways to control them, which they presented to a set of judges on the day. In addition, they had the opportunity to attend talks and lectures. Premshanker Jillella, a student at Zaheer Memorial High school, IICT said: “I was impressed by the science fair and it was great to meet scientists and speakers.”

In his presentation, Andrew McAllister, Deputy British High Commissioner, Hyderabad, explained that different kinds of pollution are posing serious concern in India and stressed the need to develop ways to control these kinds of pollution.

His message was echoed by Leela Lakshma Reddy, President Green Revolution, who emphasised the importance of planting trees, minimising industrial waste, reducing plastic materials as measures to control pollution.

The team from Geetha High School received the first prize for their project on the health effects of pollution. “We are proud of our students getting the first prize on behalf our school,” commented their science teacher, Karunaker Reddy.