“Scientists have become the bearers of the torch of discovery in our quest for knowledge.”
–Stephen Hawking
Delhi Public School, R. K. Puram hosted its annual Inter-School Science Festival, “Festival Della Scienza 2.0” on April 29, 2023, in a hybrid mode. The event was organised in collaboration with the Biology Department, Chemistry Department, and Physics Department of the school. Thirty seven schools from all over the region participated in this dynamic event, showcasing their passion for science.
The festival brought together science enthusiasts from different schools to share their common interests in science and take it to the next level by participating in various competitions.
A number of innovative and creative competitions were planned to engage the students in both online and offline activities.
The online category consisted of:
For classes 6-8
Expressione/Collage, Presentation, Mind Maps, Posters and Comic Strips
The event provided a platform for the participants to showcase their talents in the form of collage, presentation, mind maps, posters and comic strips. The multiple themes of Revolutionary Innovation of Physics, Chemistry in Space and Recent Biological Advances were aptly represented in the innovative works submitted.
For classes 9-10
Fotographia Scientifica/ Photography of Scientific Phenomenon
The participants had to submit a photograph depicting a scientific phenomenon observed in daily life and give a suitable caption while explaining it in a few words. The photographs were judged on the basis of resolution, creativity and originality.
The offsite events comprised:
For classes 6-8
Rappresentare /Role Play
With the theme as Serendipity: Accidental Discoveries in Science, the event was an exhilarating experience providing insights to the journey of mankind in scientific endeavours. The participants had to enact accidental discoveries and highlight its relevance in present times. They were judged on creativity, presentation, knowledge and research.
Alimentare Analisi/ Food Adulteration Test
In this event, participants performed food adulteration experiments on selected food items to showcase the theme: Common Adulterants in Food Items. A scientific explanation had to be provided and its significance highlighted.
For classes 9-10
Esprimere/ Observe and Express the Concept
This was a demonstration of an activity highlighting a concept of Science observed at home/surroundings. The participants explained the phenomenon using common, everyday materials available at home. The criteria of judging were innovation, clarity of concept and overall presentation.
Cucina Sana/ Healthy Fireless Cooking
This event encouraged the participants to show off their culinary skills as they prepared two delicious dishes along with one healthy drink. The theme: Nutritious can be Delicious was aptly showcased as the food items presented did not only provide great nutrition but also mouth-watering flavours.
For classes 11-12
Creative Ingegnaria/ Creative Engineering : Physics
In this event, the participants brought scientific innovations to new heights as they designed a useful and creative device, tool or machinery based on a concept of Physics. They had to explain and justify the underlying principle and also provide a demonstration of the prototype. The cost effectiveness, innovation and efficacy of the projects was stunning.
Voltagabbana/ Turncoat Debate: Chemistry
The participants had to speak on a given topic of Chemistry for a minute, providing both sides of the argument. With topics ranging from- to , this event provided an insightful view in the workings of the subject and its intracacies.
Giochiamo Biologia/ Let’s Play Biology: Biology
The theme of: Let’s Play Biology encouraged the participants to learn Biology in the play-way method. The participants designed interesting and engaging games of any type for better understanding of difficult terminology, concept and diagram. The important features of the game were highlighted in the summary presented.
At the culmination of Festival Della Scienza 2.0, the valedictory ceremony was held amid much fanfare. The Vice Principal of the school, Mr. Naresh Miglani thanked the Principal Ms. Padma Srinivasan for allowing this event to be held following government guidelines. He enthused the students present by presenting his ideas about how creative ideas and innovations lead to start-ups that may go on to become unicorns. A role-play followed that portrayed the joy of discovery, and its unending benefits to the individual and society. Ms. Padma Srinivasan, Principal, DPS RK Puram, congratulated all the participating schools and spoke about the importance of competition, and stressed upon the importance of participation as key to improvement. She also spoke about how rational and scientific thinking has the potential of changing the world. She also appreciated the heads of the department Mr. Ajay Goel, Mr. Prem Prakash Dhawan, and Ms. Niva Chhonkar, by naming them as stalwarts spearheading the Science Departments. Mr. Ajay Goel, Head, Department of Physics, proposed the vote of thanks. He thanked the Principal, the Vice Principal, Judges, Science Teachers, Support Staff and volunteers for the successful completion of the gala.