2023 Illustratum

2023 Illustratum, a ‘Hallway Physics’ Competition, was organised by National University of Singapore Department of Physics, and is supported by Science Centre Singapore and the Ministry of Education Singapore. Participants had the opportunity to do, showcase and explain Physics in an accurate, interesting, engaging and creative manner. 

Each team chose what Physics concept to explain in 10 minutes. Each team also chose how they explained the concept, e.g. create an app, animation, augmented reality, physical demonstration, exhibit, series of experiments, mathematical modelling, physical or virtual game, photo(s), slow-motion video, TikTok, video etc.

 

Teams were judged on 5 judging criteria

- Accuracy: The Physics has to be correct 

- Clarity: The phenomenon has to be clearly described, demonstrated, and explained.

- Engagement: The description, demonstration or explanation should engage not only the eye, but more importantly, the mind.

- Ownership: Teams must have ownership of their projects by doing experiments and constructing the explanation themselves. They are required to keep a journal of their journey, which must be submitted.

- Bonus: e.g. craftsmanship, design, originality, workmanship etc.

 

There were 2 coaching sessions per team where NUS staff guided them on how to improve their explanations. There were also optional talks and workshops  to help hone participants' science communication skills.

 

You may find out more about Illustratum at this website: https://blog.nus.edu.sg/illustratum/ .

 

This year marks the first time SST students participated in Illustratum. 3 teams from SST participated in the 2023 Illustratum.

 

Team LAYGOH, consisting of LAYLA KHAIRYN PUTRI IMANURDIN (S2-03) and GOH ZONG DA, BRYAN (S2-03), was awarded a Certificate of Participation for their presentation about total internal reflection. They created a prototype with a laser beam and a partially-filled tank of water to demonstrate the effect.

Team FINIRAM, consisting of FIDELE POH XING YUN (S3-01), SAIRAM SURESH (S3-01), and NIKHIL NALLANI (S3-02), explained the three-body problem in their presentation. They created a simulation of three bodies exerting gravitational forces on one another. The team was awarded a Certificate of Merit. Their video is found here: https://youtu.be/oO9rBcruU0I

Team REVERBERATION, consisting of RISHAV GANGULY (S2-04), NATHAN QUEK YI KHEN (S2-04), and YEOH TIAN HUAI (S2-04), presented on binaural beating. The team built a website (https://yeoh-th.github.io/reverberation-soundDemo/) to demonstrate the phenomenon, and used the Desmos graphing calculator (https://www.desmos.com/calculator/ctgbpypdpt) to explain the mathematics behind the phenomenon. The team was awarded a Certificate of Distinction and a Certificate of Teaching Innovation for their presentation.