Science Project Exhibition Report

The first year students of Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, organized a science mini-project exhibition on  January 10, 2023 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the  Physics and Chemistry laboratories. The aim of this event was to showcase the talents and innovative ideas of the students thereby encouraging them towards innovation and ideation in the future.

The judges for the event were Mr. Chetan Gaonkar- Assistant Professor -Department of Mechanical Engineering and Ms. Shruti Dessai -Assistant Professor – Department of Civil Engineering There was a total of 34 groups that participated in the exhibition, enthusiastically explaining the concepts and working of their exhibits.

The Chemistry mini-projects ranged from the chemical chameleon experiment which was an experiment to show the color change of various solutions on undergoing redox reactions, to the extraction of silica from rice husks by the action of reagents NaOH and HCl on the ash produced on burning of husk, and an orange juice clock where energy derived from using orange juice as an electrolyte in an electrochemical cell connected to a battery is used to operate a clock. Some of the other projects presented were the determination of the effects of acid rain on limestone, analysis of pH of beverages, biosensors and electroplating utilizing a copper plate and iron nail.

The Physics mini-projects were also based on an extensive variety of concepts learnt throughout the curriculum that ranged from a Smart blind stick which is designed for the visually disabled that detects objects using ultrasonic sensors, to the use of microcontrollers as a sensor that detects movement of tyres and switches the lights on in a condition of darkness, as well as a hydraulic break system. Some of the other projects were laser security alarm, ultrasonic obstacle detector, Newton’s cradle and clap switch circuit to name a few.

The judges went around assessing and posing questions based on the models and projects. This was an enlightening experience for the students who were not only pushed to learn new concepts and strengthen their grasp on the curriculum, but were also exposed to many more interesting ideas at the exhibition. The judges and the coordinators Mrs. Gladys Da Silva and Mr. Harison Cota, addressed the students and encouraged them to continue working on their project ideas and improving them. Principal – Dr. Neena Panandikar applauded the efforts put up by the students in the form of the projects they had displayed and asserted their enthusiasm in extending their knowledge towards the subjects of Physics and Chemistry. Head of Department – Science & Humanities – Dr. Kala R. Nayak stressed on the importance of applying book knowledge to practical use and to play an important role in improving lives through engineering. The participants were congratulated for their participation.

 The project on ‘the Smart blind Stick’ was adjudged the first place and ‘Extraction of silica’ the second place.