Illustratum 2024: A Tradition of Excellence in Science Communication
Since its inception, Illustratum has grown tremendously in both scope and impact. The competition invites secondary school students from across the country to demonstrate their understanding of physics through innovative projects. These projects are not just about theoretical knowledge; they require students to explain physics concepts creatively and accurately.
Professor Gong Jiangbin, Head of the Physics Department, opened the event with an inspiring speech. “Illustratum is not about competition between schools or individuals. It’s about engaging students to put their understanding of science into action,” he emphasised. The goal is to demonstrate how physics concepts apply to daily life, making science relevant and accessible.
The Importance of Science Communication
Professor Gong’s speech was a powerful reminder of the importance of effective science communication. He highlighted that understanding complex scientific concepts is crucial, but being able to communicate these ideas effectively is equally important.
He also highlighted the growth of the competition, noting the increase in participation from 54 teams in 2022 to 84 teams in 2024. This growth is a testament to the enthusiasm and passion that students have for science, and it reflects the competition’s success in making physics both accessible and engaging.
Our Guest-of-Honour, Mr Ong Kong Hong, Divisional Director of Curriculum Planning & Development, echoed this sentiment. “Science communication promotes scientific literacy and helps people make informed decisions on critical issues such as climate change and public health,” he noted. He praised the collaborative and knowledge-sharing approach of Illustratum, encouraging participants to stay curious, creative, and impactful.
He commended Illustratum for its unique approach, which differs from traditional science competitions by encouraging collaboration and the sharing of knowledge. He commended the participants, organisers, judges, teachers, and parents for their dedication and support. He concluded with a strong felt message to the participants, “For our budding physicists, continue to be curious, be creative and be the difference.”
Diverse and Innovative Projects: A Showcase of Young Talent
The projects showcased at Illustratum 2024 were as diverse as they were innovative. Each team brought something unique to the table, demonstrating not only their understanding of physics but also their creativity and problem-solving skills.
One of the standout projects was from River Valley High School Team 3, which captured the imagination of both judges and the audience with their exploration of acoustic levitation using standing sound waves. This innovative project delved into an advanced area of physics with promising applications in fields such as medicine and microchip manufacturing. The team demonstrated how sound waves could be harnessed to levitate objects without relying on magnetic materials, potentially revolutionizing various technological domains.
Equally impressive was the project from Team Roasted Marshmallows. They built a compelling prototype to illustrate the functionality of an ion wind thruster, a technology with significant applications in spacecraft propulsion and deep space exploration. The ingenuity and potential of both projects left a lasting impression on the judges, leading them to award first prize to both teams.
Another impressive project came from team Parabolic of Tampines Meridian Junior College, where students created a homemade catapult to analyse projectile motion. This project was a perfect example of how basic physics principles, when applied correctly, can lead to a deeper understanding of more complex concepts. The team focused on the importance of accurate velocity calculations and the practical application of kinematic equations, showing how simple tools can be used to teach and learn complex physics ideas.
Interview Highlights: Insights from the Participants and Judges
Team Pascalians from Bendemeer Secondary School mentioned this was their first time participating in such a competition and highlighted both the challenges and learning opportunities encountered. They faced issues with online shipments but managed to recycle materials and build a hydraulic bridge model. The students discussed the practical applications of hydraulics in infrastructure, like bridges and car lifts, and noted how the competition allowed them to gain exposure outside the classroom and improve their problem-solving skills. They also emphasised the value of judges’ questions in prompting them to think critically and conduct further research. Not only did their work gain them the Distinction Award, but they also won the Builder’s Award. This award recognises teams with outstanding physical prototypes hand built by participants.
Team Rochester of Anglo-Chinese Junior College and Team Physics Boys of St. Joseph’s Institution shared about how their project involved several failures and challenges. Rochester had to experiment countless times with multiple lenses setups but the team persevered and eventually succeeded by continuously refining their setup. Physics Boys found challenges in prototyping their experiment while trying to secure an alcohol pad inside their cloud chamber. After multiple attempts and failures, they succeeded by using Velcro straps to secure the pad. The team valued the practical experience and problem-solving skills gained through the process.
Dr Lim Kim Yong, one of the judges, noted the higher quality of projects presented this year. He praised the students for their enthusiasm, creativity, and willingness to learn from each other which as he puts it, “is exactly what we have hoped for.”
The Role of Teachers: Guiding Young Minds
Students from team Star Students of Bartley Secondary School was one such example. The team watched a demonstration from social media and sought guidance from their teacher, Mdm Quek Shir Ryn. From there, it was her guidance that further inspired team to devise their project. Mdm Quek spoke about the importance of fostering a love for Science in students. She noted, “This year we sent more teams because I think it (Illustratum) encourages them to develop interest in their learning. In school normally they are not able to verbalise the concepts they learn in the classroom. Here it really gives them a chance to be able to communicate with others and improve their communication skills in addition to adaptive thinking.”
St Joseph’s Institution’s Physics Teacher Mrs Yeo Siew Li found Illustratum a beneficial platform for her students to apply what they have learnt in their curriculum. It provided an excellent avenue to encourage her students to think critically and independently while working collaboratively during the project. For Mrs Yeo, allowing students to think independently without offering immediate solution is a good way to reinforce students’ learning.
The Broader Impact of Illustratum: Inspiring Future Scientists
For the students who participated in Illustratum 2024, the competition was more than just an academic exercise—it was a journey of discovery. They learned not only about physics but also about the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and effective communication. These are lessons that will stay with them as they continue their studies and pursue careers in science and engineering. Associate Professor Lim Tit Meng, Chief Executive of Science Centre Singapore and also guest of honour at the ceremony, couldn’t have said it any better, “I’ll encourage you to press on. Love science, enjoy science, celebrate science and make science your great friend for life.”
As Illustratum continues to grow, so does its potential to inspire and educate. The competition has already made a significant impact on the students who have participated, and it will undoubtedly continue to do so in the years to come. The success of Illustratum 2024 is a testament to the dedication of the students, teachers, and organisers who have worked tirelessly to make the event a success. Illustratum 2024 may have concluded. Let’s look forward to Illustratum 2025!
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