𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

…𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒎-𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒈𝒚 𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔-𝒐𝒏 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒔

By Kezang Choden

Bajo Higher Secondary School in Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag recently held a science exhibition focused on “Solar Energy as a Viable and Efficient Alternative Energy.” Coordinated by five teachers, the event aimed to encourage innovative thinking and promote renewable energy among students.

Students from Class 10 presented a solar-powered car they designed and built, applying their scientific knowledge and research on solar energy. The project demonstrated their ability to understand and use scientific concepts to address real-world problems.

The exhibition’s key goal was to develop students’ problem-solving skills and encourage exploration of alternative energy sources. Such programs foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence, especially on global challenges like energy sustainability and climate change.

The organizers emphasized that solar energy is not only a future option but an immediate necessity. Country’s abundant sunlight offers great potential to reduce reliance on imported fuels by adopting solar power. The exhibition also provided a platform for students to share their ideas with peers and teachers. Bajo Higher Secondary School hopes the initiative will inspire young minds to seek sustainable solutions and contribute to national and global development.

Tshering Om S, a core organizer, said the event involved students from classes seven to twelve. She explained that the exhibition’s main purpose was to enhance problem-solving skills and give students a chance to showcase innovative ideas. “No one can predict the future of energy sources, so it is important for students to understand the potential of renewable energy,” she said.

The exhibition featured several student-led projects demonstrating the benefits of solar power, aiming to spark early interest in sustainable solutions. Tshering Om also stressed the school’s focus on inclusivity by encouraging equal participation from boys and girls. “We are particularly focused on motivating girls to take part at every level of the exhibition. It is important that both boys and girls are equally engaged in science and innovation,” she added.
Teachers attending the event praised the initiative, noting that activities like this prepare students to think critically and act responsibly when facing real challenges.

Arban Poudel, a tenth-grade student, shared that his group chose renewable energy for their project. “Our model is based on solar energy, which we believe is one of the most valuable sources of power. It is available almost anywhere and anytime, and we do not need to rely on imported fuels or other non-renewable sources,” he said.

The students designed a solar-powered car to contribute to a carbon-negative future by reducing emissions and promoting clean energy. Arban also highlighted the economic benefits, saying, “People can save money because the car runs on solar power and not on expensive fuels.” Their project reflects the growing awareness among youth about environmental issues and the need for clean energy.

The group expressed gratitude for support from teachers and parents during the project. They noted that encouragement and guidance were crucial in completing their work. They believe solar energy has the potential to reduce electricity costs and dependency on traditional energy sources.

Despite their success, the students faced challenges, mainly a shortage of equipment and materials. They said that with better access to tools and hands-on training, they could improve their model and pursue more advanced projects.

Looking ahead, the students plan to explore solar energy applications in agriculture, such as powering irrigation, drying produce, and running small machinery. They see clean energy as a way to boost productivity and protect the environment in this vital sector.

The group expressed eagerness to continue learning about solar technology and hope for more opportunities to participate in similar projects. With proper support, they believe they can make meaningful contributions to sustainable development and innovation.