Darland International School ignites young minds at Science Fair 2025
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Darland International School Ignites Young Minds at Science Fair 2025
In a vibrant celebration of curiosity and innovation, Darland International School (DIS) hosted its annual Science Fair on March 15, 2025, drawing over 300 students from grades 6 through 12 to showcase their scientific projects. The event, held in the school’s newly renovated auditorium, was a testament to the institution’s commitment to fostering STEM education and nurturing the next generation of thinkers and creators.
A Visionary Beginning
The fair began with a keynote address by DIS Principal Mr. Khaled Hossain, who emphasized the importance of experiential learning. “Our mission is to cultivate critical thinking, problem‑solving, and a lifelong love of science,” he told the gathered audience. Hossain highlighted that the 2025 fair built on a decade of continuous growth, having expanded from a modest gathering of 50 students in 2015 to a robust showcase featuring interdisciplinary themes such as renewable energy, biomedical engineering, and environmental sustainability.
Themes and Projects
The competition was organized around three central themes: “Green Innovations,” “Health & Wellness,” and “Tech for Good.” Students worked in teams or individually, designing experiments, building prototypes, and presenting their findings to a panel of judges comprising local university professors, industry experts, and former DIS alumni.
A standout project from the “Green Innovations” track was a prototype solar‑powered water purifier developed by sixth‑grade duo Ayesha Khan and Farhan Rahman. Their model demonstrated a 95% reduction in bacterial contamination using photovoltaic cells and a simple filtration system. Judges praised the project for its practicality and potential for deployment in rural communities.
In the “Health & Wellness” category, seventh‑grade student Maya Ahmed presented a wearable device that tracks vital signs and provides early warnings for cardiac anomalies. The device, powered by low‑cost sensors and an AI‑driven algorithm, was lauded for its affordability and user‑friendly interface.
The “Tech for Good” section featured a robotics project from the senior class: a line‑following robot that could be programmed to deliver packages within school premises. The robot’s open‑source code and modular design were highlighted as exemplary for educational purposes.
Judges and Recognition
The judging panel was chaired by Dr. Faruq Chowdhury, a leading environmental scientist at the University of Dhaka. Other judges included Ms. Nargis Uddin, an entrepreneur in sustainable agriculture, and alumni Dr. Kamal Hasan, who currently serves as a senior research scientist at the Bangladesh Institute of Technology.
Each project was evaluated on originality, scientific rigor, presentation skills, and social impact. Winners received a range of prizes, including scholarships to national science competitions, laboratory equipment, and internships with local tech firms. The grand prize—awarded to the team that built the most efficient solar water purifier—was a scholarship covering the entire high‑school curriculum at DIS, as well as a mentorship program with scientists from the International Center for Science and Technology (ICST).
Community and Media Support
DIS’s science fair garnered extensive media coverage, with The Daily Star’s editorial team providing live updates and exclusive interviews. A link to the school’s official website (www.darlandinternational.edu.bd) detailed DIS’s educational philosophy, noting its adherence to the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework and its emphasis on inquiry‑based learning. Visitors to the site were directed to the “Events” section, where a comprehensive gallery of photos and video clips from the fair were posted.
The event was also sponsored by EcoTech Solutions, a local green technology startup. A link to EcoTech’s corporate site highlighted their mission to provide affordable renewable solutions to underserved communities, aligning seamlessly with the fair’s environmental theme. EcoTech representatives served on the judging panel and announced a partnership that would provide the school with a solar panel installation for its science lab.
In addition, the Ministry of Education’s website listed the science fair under its “National STEM Initiatives” program, underscoring the government’s support for grassroots science education. The Ministry’s press release noted that DIS had received a grant to upgrade its laboratory facilities, citing the fair’s impact on student engagement.
Impact on Students and the Broader Community
Participants reported that the fair gave them a platform to apply classroom concepts in real‑world scenarios, thereby deepening their understanding and sparking interest in pursuing STEM careers. Many students expressed excitement about future national and international competitions, noting that the mentorship and resources provided by the fair had significantly boosted their confidence.
The event also served as a community outreach effort, with the school inviting parents, local educators, and civic leaders to attend. The interactive exhibits allowed attendees to experience the projects firsthand, fostering a broader appreciation for science and its practical applications.
Looking Ahead
Principal Hossain concluded the event by announcing plans for a “Science and Innovation Hub” to be established in the coming academic year, aiming to provide students with year‑round access to advanced laboratory equipment and collaborative spaces. The hub will also host workshops led by industry partners, further strengthening DIS’s role as a catalyst for STEM education in Bangladesh.
As the science fair drew to a close, the collective buzz was clear: Darland International School has successfully ignited young minds, turning imagination into tangible innovation, and setting a powerful precedent for science education across the region.
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