Students participate in science competitions

March 4, 2012

Mangalore, March 4: As many as 200 students from 15 schools in Mangalore participated in competitions for building science models, creating collages and posters, a quiz and an elocution as part of science festival held in Pilikula on Saturday.

The festival was organised by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Karnataka, Pilikula Regional Science Centre and Centre for Integrated Learning, a Mangalore-based organisation.

Some of the participating schools were Lourdes Central School, Besant English School, Sharada Vidyalaya, Canara Main School, Chinmaya High School, Canara Girls High School, Prestige International School, and St Joseph's High School and Mount Carmel Central School.

In the science model section, Yash, Kshitij and Glenn of Lourdes Central School had used syringes to power a toy dumper-excavator to demonstrate the principle of hydraulics. Carol, Sonia and Preetha from St Anne also used water-filled syringes to demonstrate how hydraulics could get a lift to work.

Samarth, Abhijith and Vishwas of Sharada Vidyalaya had made a model of a 'low cost airconditioner' (about Rs.2, 200) using a fan, water instead of chemical coolants, and an aquarium motor. Vernon, Shawn and Orwan from St Aloysius School presented three models including one that showed how solar energy could be used for windmills. Another model showed how to use energy created by seawaves.

Vernette and Sowmya of Mount Carmel School, said they had practised a lot to participate in the elocution on the subject of 'a world with clean energy options'.

Prithvi Shetty, a student and winner of a competition organised by the National Children Science Congress, inaugurated the science festival.

She said that she and her team had won a competition titled 'Earth resources for prosperity, safer future' for developing a solution to fight water pollution using Salvinia molesta, a plant, to counter industrial effluents.

Speaking on the occasion, K Jagadish, retired Professor of Zoology, MGM College, Udupi, urged the students to cultivate habits such as dressing, eating and studying correctly. He said that studying in English medium schools did not mean that students should wear ties. The tie is worn for the cold but it is unsuitable in hot and humid conditions, he said.

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Screen silence: Karnataka’s bold ‘switch-off’ strategy to boost SSLC scores

News Network

February 5,2026

In an era where digital distractions are the primary rival to academic excellence, the Karnataka Education Department is taking the fight directly to the living room. As the SSLC (Class 10) annual examinations loom, officials have launched a localized "digital strike" to ensure students aren't losing their competitive edge to scrolling or soap operas.

The 7-to-9 Lockdown

The department has issued a formal directive urging—and in some cases, enforcing via home visits—a total blackout of mobile phones and television sets between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. This two-hour window is being designated as "sacred study time" across the state until the examinations conclude on April 2.

Key Pillars of the Initiative:

• Doorstep Advocacy: Teachers are transitioning from classrooms to living rooms, meeting parents to explain the psychological benefits of a distraction-free environment.

• Parental Accountability: The campaign shifts the burden of discipline from the student to the household, asking parents to lead by example and switch off their own devices.

• The Timeline: The focus remains sharp on the upcoming exam block, scheduled from March 18 to April 2.

"The objective is simple: uninterrupted focus. We are reclaiming the evening hours for the students, ensuring their environment is as prepared as their minds," stated a senior department official.

Student vs. Reality

While the student community has largely welcomed the "forced focus"—with many admitting they lack the willpower to ignore notifications—the move has sparked a debate on enforceability. Without a "TV Police," the success of this initiative rests entirely on the shoulders of parents and the persuasive power of visiting educators.

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