Campus

Botclub is using puzzles and models to teach Physics in schools. Check it out

Seema Rajpal

Remember those exciting circuit concepts that we learnt at school? Yup, me neither. It's rather difficult to imagine all that in a diagram. And if you are one of the lucky ones who actually learnt the concept with the help of a real circuit, don't gloat. Because, if all goes well, Botclub wants to make it a possibility for every student to learn it the practical way. And not just circuits, other concepts related to Science too - specifically Physics. "People talk about the video segment market but most schools don't even have the technology to access it. Also, videos don't cover lessons practically and that's the need of the hour," says K Harsha Vardhan, the CEO of Botclub. He adds that, "We want students to really experience what they are learning."

K Harsha Vardhan | (Pic: Botclub)

Take, for example, a simple circuit. Puzzle-like blocks are fitted with magnets that are capable of conducting electricity. Upon assembling them with other parts like an energy source, one gets to truly understand what a simple circuit is. "The aim was to give teachers supplements that they can use as teaching aids in class," says the Visakhapatnam-born youngster. They took the help of mentors, like one who has 35 years of teaching experience and another who is a PhD holder in Math, back in 2016 and started converting concepts into models. This took them eight months to do. They acquired 57 3D printers at their production house in Visakhapatnam and using injection moulding, turned 128 concepts into models for class VI to IX. They even offer to train teachers on using the models effectively. So far, they have partnered with 16 schools in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Chennai, Vellore and Thanjavur. "We are ready to mass-produce the models, but we are looking for investors," says the entrepreneur. Botclub has been recently accelerated by Startup Accelerator India in Vizag.

They won the Chennai Next Startup Challenge conducted by the Chennai Innovation and Technology Incubation Centre in the year 2018

"We want every kid to have access to what they are learning. We can't give them V8 or V12 engines but we can give them a part of its design equipment that could help them understand the bigger picture," explains the alumnus of Lovely Professional University who pursued a degree in BTech Technical (Honours). Currently, they are also developing Augmented Reality (AR) models that can be accessed through their app along with physical models that will be delivered once the student or the school subscribes to them. "This falls under our direct Business to Customer model," he concludes.    

Some of the models

Types of switches | (Pic: Botclub) 

Switch, Augmented Reality model | (Pic: Botclub)  

Torque | (Pic: Botclub)  

Understanding geas and gear ratio | (Pic: Botclub)  

Circuit construction | (Pic: Botclub) 

Determining acceleration caused due to gravity | (Pic: Botclub) 

For more on them, check out botclub.in 

Bengaluru: BTech student allegedly falls to death from university hostel building; police launch probe

FIR lodged against unidentified man for making 'obscene' gestures in JNU

UGC launches 'SheRNI' to ensure women scientist representation

Father of Kota student who killed self suspects foul play, demands fair probe

Gorakhpur NCC Academy will inspire youth to contribute to nation-building: UP CM Adityanath