Davangere student wins national-level science contest

 It was a proud moment for Karnataka, when Darshan, a class IX student from Jagalur in Davangere district, secured first position at the finale of BrainCafé Budding Scientist Contest 2013-14, an annual national-level science competition.

Darshan, who studies at NMK School in Jagalur, bagged the first position in the category of Standard IX-X for his innovative project. His project showcased the use of a miniature circuit breaker (MCB) to save electricity.

He had utilised commonly available materials like parts of a polythene tank, flexible pipes and a bottle for his contraption, which focussed on conservation of water and electricity. The prize included a certificate and cash award of Rs five lakh.

The panel of judges included Y S Rajan, who is associated with institutions like ISRO, NASA and MIT, Dr A P Jayaraman, a nuclear scientist, Arvind Paranjpe, director of Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai, and Parul Sheth of National Centre for Science Communicators, Mumbai.

The final round of the national-level competition was held at Nehru Centre in Mumbai on January 18. The event saw 45 students from classes I to X showcasing their science projects. Participants were divided into five categories: Category A (Standard I – II), Category B (Standard III – IV), Category C (Standard V – VI), Category D (Standard VII – VIII) and Category E (Standard IX - X). The projects were evaluated based on uniqueness of the idea, application of concept and types of material used.
The themes for experiments included environment, force and energy, food and body systems, magnets, electricity and circuits, friction and pressure, among others.
The contest organised by BrainCafé, a Zee Learn’s endeavour, kicked off in October 2013. It included several rounds at the city and state levels, before the national-level final round.