MIRI: More than 140 Foundation in Engineering and Science students of Curtin Sarawak showcased their physics projects in a project showcase competition at the university recently.
15 projects were showcased, in which groups of students had to demonstrate effective application of physics concepts they had learned throughout their Foundation year.
Each group had to make a prototype of an unaided aqua ranger that could transport an egg a distance of at least one metre across water in a custom-made pool. In addition to applying what they had learnt in the design and construction of their prototypes, they had to research into how to maximise their performance.
The projects were judged in different competition categories, namely, “Fast and Furious” (the fastest to travel one metre), “Cost Effective” (cost effectiveness of the project without compromising efficiency) and “Popularity”(the most votes received from the judges).
Each group comprised 8 to 11 students who designed and built their prototypes within 13 weeks.
The showcase, held at the university’s Faculty of Engineering and Science building, was graced by Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Dr Vincent Lee and facilitated by the teaching staff of the Physics 062 unit, namely, Hii Kiew Ling, Pang Po Ken, Lai Zhenyue and Natallee Faith Kwan.
The groups were given a few minutes each to introduce their prototypes before demonstrating their performance them for the judges. Each group was allowed three attempts to complete the 1-metre distance.
Students demonstrated their presentation skills as well as their flexibility in handling any sudden occurrences in a given time frame at the programme.
Prizes were awarded for best performance in each category. Group “ Killer Whale” won in the Popularity category while group “Archimede Ship” came up tops in both the “Fast and Furious” and “Cost Effective” categories.
“All the groups did very well, delivering their projects on time and meeting all the criteria for the competition.
The prizes only served as an encouragement and the students nevertheless participated wholeheartedly, giving their all to achieve the best results.
The showcase drew a large crowd of students and staff who were all fascinated with the students’ work.
Many remarked that it was a very effective platform for students to exhibit their creativity and innovativeness.
