How do you design a controlled experiment to test a hypothesis?  How do you make a reasonable estimate of the result you expect? How do you devise methods to measure the parameters you use? How do you interpret unexpected results? How do you present your data and compare it with similar experiments done by your peers?  How do you anticipate and account for possible errors?

These are questions that practising scientists must ask and answer in the course of their research in diverse fields - ranging from studying ant behavior to discovering pulsars. In this course,  students will get a flavour of this scientific process through working on simple experiments related to two substances most familiar to us, namely air and water. It will also underscore the fact that there is fascinating science to be revealed even in the most mundane and familiar objects. 

The course will combine striking demonstrations and hands-on explorations where students have to think through the above questions, working in groups with fellow students , sharing and constructively criticizing ideas.

This 2.5-3 day course will be held during the week starting May 15, 2022, along with the Creative Writing Workshop for Budding Scientists and Poets.