TIFRH Science Fair 2026

The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Hyderabad hosted nearly 500 students from Classes 6–8 across Telangana for the 2025 edition of the TIFR Hyderabad Science Fair. The institute-wide outreach event featured experimental demonstrations, exhibitions, interactive activities, and guided laboratory tours, introducing students to research conducted at the institute.

Participating schools included Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (Rangareddy, Wargal, Nagarkurnool), TGSWREIS Schools (Kondapur, Ramakkapet), and Zilla Parishad High Schools (Hythabad, Inmulnarva) and Campus School, UoH. Students interacted with scientists and research scholars and engaged with scientific concepts beyond their classroom curriculum.

Oobleck Pond – Non-Newtonian Fluids
A large Oobleck setup (cornstarch and water in a 2:1 ratio) demonstrated non-Newtonian fluid behaviour. Students observed how the material behaves like a solid under force and flows like a liquid when undisturbed. The hands-on format enabled direct engagement with the concept.

Lights, Music, Action – Visualising Vibrations
Using a balloon-mounted mirror placed over a speaker and a reflected laser beam, students observed patterns generated by sound vibrations (Lissajous figures). The setup illustrated how oscillations and sound waves produce measurable physical effects.

Visualising Sound Waves
A slinky demonstration explained sound as a longitudinal wave consisting of compressions and rarefactions. Students also viewed real-time visualisations of recorded voice waveforms, enabling them to observe wavelength and amplitude directly.

Chill Bill Bird Station – Thermal Imaging and Morphology
The Wildlife Ecophysiology Lab presented thermal imaging to demonstrate how animals regulate body temperature. Students viewed live thermal images and participated in a morphology-based activity matching birds to habitats and diets, linking physical traits to ecological adaptation.

Polarisation of Light
Using two polarizers and a sugar solution, this demonstration showed how polarised light can be blocked or rotated. Students observed colour changes caused by optical rotation and interacted with the setup by adjusting the analyser.

Chemistry Demonstrations – pH and Redox Reactions
Colour-based experiments illustrated oxidation-reduction reactions and pH concepts. A potassium permanganate reduction reaction and indicator-based pH testing, including analysis of drinking water, connected chemical principles to everyday contexts.

Inkredible Illustrations – Acids, Bases and Scientific Drawing
Students wrote hidden messages using baking soda solution and revealed them with turmeric solution, demonstrating acid-base indicators. A science-themed Pictionary activity encouraged students to communicate scientific ideas through illustration.

Besides demonstrations, TIFRH members also set up a fly station (observing life cycle of a fly and eye colour phenotype) and an art installation (made my the participants themselves by answering simple questions!). Faculty members Pranav Shirhatti and Manish Jaiswal also interacted with the visiting students. The day ended with student feedback where they described their favourite activities from the day.