Yuva Australia’s program encouraged participation and presented interesting information
By : Vish Vishwanathan
As a part of the National Science Week in Australia (Aug 15-23) and the Sydney Science Festival, Yuva Australia conducted a Science Fun Day on August 23, at the Thornleigh Public School. The four hour event was conceptualised, planned and coordinated by Astha Singh along with the Yuva Australia executive committee – Arpita, Charishma, Aditya and Chirnajiv. The event was supported by the IABBV Hindi School, University of Sydney, UNSW, Tall-Poppy Campaign, Neural Knitworks, Officeworks, Scicada, Blacktown Girls High School, A Royaale Event, Urban Tadka and the Consulate General of India in Sydney.
Over 300 people including adults, the youth and children attended the event which comprised of science quizzes, hands on experiments, bingo, among other activities. Notable among these were the Neuron making competition, as part of the Neural Knitworks campaign that saw an array of bright and colourful patterns created by participants.
Other interesting activities included DNA extraction from strawberries that could actually be viewed; robotics and drones in which attendees interacted with ground robots and a facial tracking drone, which was naturally a hit with children; the study of microscopy through viewing pre-prepared biological slides through various microscopes; density and floral sap experiments; a display of environmental, climate change and biology items by the Australian Museum, and art displays of a dinosaur, human skeleton as well as a dog and man robo.
The chocolate workshop was among the most popular activities as participants were offered four different types of chocolates to taste, with the reward of a mystery chocolate for the ones who guessed all the answers correctly. The process of chocolate making was explained, and discussions were held on how much and what kind of chocolate is good for health.
However, the hit event was liquid nitrogen stunts that were performed by Astha Singh. Roses, lilies, gerberas and an inflated balloon were all frozen and crumbled after being treated with liquid nitrogen, demonstrating its effects. The smoky fog created by water poured in the nitrogen bucket awed and interested participants.
A panel discussion with 8 participants talking about their areas of expertise and a their love for science and its outreach was informative and involving. The event ended with thanks and prize distribution to winners across various events and were presented by Kulwinder Kaur and
Mala Mehta. Urban Tadka, who catered and sponsored the event, also enjoyed being a part of this highly successful event.
The Indian Telegraph Sydney Australia
