School: Lakshmipat Singhania Public School
    Rayagada, Odisha , India

25 students, ages 13-17 worked together to complete this CyberFair project on March 23, 2023. They have participated in CyberFair in the following year(s): 2017,2018,2019,2020,2021,2022

Classes and Teachers: Ruby Kundu, NP Swamy, Rashmita Dash, Samarendra Swain

E-Mail contact:

Our School's Web Site: http://www.lspublicschooljk.com/

1. Description of Our Community

Southern Odisha is home to a diverse community of people with various ethnic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds. The region is known for its tribal communities, which form a significant part of the population. The people of southern Odisha are also known for their strong sense of community and close ties to the land and the natural environment. The traditional way of life of the diverse community in Southern Odisha has shown a more significant impact by modernization and industrialization, but efforts are being made to preserve their unique cultural heritage and the beauty of greenery. The communities have strong ties towards the natural environment that have helped to sustain the traditional way of life, and efforts are being made to ensure that their culture, heritage, and their natural environment are preserved for future generations.

2. Summary of Our Project

Southern Odisha is well known for its lush green forests, which are home to a distinct range of flora and fauna. The region is located in the Eastern Ghats, which is a biodiversity hotspot and is known for its unique ecosystem. The project aims to proliferate awareness about environmental affairs and encourage people to take action and protect the environment. The industrial impact on Southern Odisha has been significant. The region is home to several major industries including steel, bauxite, aluminum, and power sectors, etc. The growth of these industries has had both positive and negative impacts on the region. Positive impacts include economic growth, skill development, and infrastructure development (such as roads, bridges, and ports) which has facilitated the transportation of goods and services, etc. Whereas negative impacts include environmental degradation in the region, health hazards and displacement of local communities, etc.

Overall, while the growth of the industry has brought about economic development in southern Odisha, it is essential to ensure that this growth is sustainable and does not come at the cost of the environment and the well-being of the local population. The government and industries have worked together to implement sustainable development practices and mitigate the negative impact of industrialization on the region.

3. Our Computer and Internet Access

A. Percentage of students using the Internet at home:more than 50%

B. Number of workstations with Internet access in the classroom:more than 6

C. Connection speed used in the classroom:dedicated connection

D. Number of years our classroom has been connected to the Internet:4-6

E. Additional comments concerning your computer and/or Internet access (Optional):

A good internet connection provided by the school helped us to collaborate with various community members while working on this project. With the help of a computer, we were able to collect various relevant information which helped us to accomplish our project on time.

4. Problems We Had To Overcome

The time to work on our project started to coincide with the period of our annual examination and so we had little time on our hands. As a result, we could not give our complete attention and effort to this project. This was one of the major problems that we had to sort out. In addition to this, we could not get enough guidance from our teachers as they were also engaged in the evaluation of answer scripts of the examination. Also, there was a limit to the number of computers having internet access which decelerated our task. But luckily, we could have access to industries that were within our reach. As we were out of the time we had to devote some extra time to our research work. And ‘struggle’ was the obvious word to get our success.

5. Our Project Sound Bite

'Industrial growth should never come at the cost of the environment. Let's work towards sustainable development, protecting our natural resources, and ensuring a better future for generations to come.'

6. How did your activities and research for this CyberFair Project support standards, required coursework and curriculum standards?

A CyberFair project can address content standards related to the project's topic, such as social studies, language arts, and technology standards. It can fit into required school, district, or state curriculum guidelines by addressing specific learning objectives and competencies. By working on a CyberFair project, students can develop new skills such as conducting research, using digital media, collaborating with peers, and presenting information effectively. They can practice group concepts such as teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution. A CyberFair project can help students better understand specific ideas related to the project's topic and fit into the requirements for their school or class.

Through the CyberFair project, students can make discoveries about their educational system and the role they play in their school community. They can learn about global issues and engage with global communities using digital media. The effectiveness of using the internet for teaching and learning can be demonstrated by the CyberFair project, as it provides opportunities for students to develop digital media skills, collaborate with peers, and engage with global communities.

1) What information tools & technologies did you used to complete your CyberFair project?

To complete a CyberFair project, students may use a variety of information tools and technologies such as computers, digital cameras, scanners, video equipment, software for data analysis and visualization, telephones, libraries, books, newspapers, museums, and oral interviews.

These tools can help students in many ways. For example, computers can be used to research and analyze data, create multimedia presentations, and communicate with peers and experts. Digital cameras can be used to capture images and videos of events and locations related to the project. Scanners can be used to digitize documents and photographs. Libraries, books, and newspapers can provide valuable information on the project's topic, while museums can offer a firsthand experience of relevant exhibits and artifacts. Oral interviews can provide insights from people who have direct experience with the topic.

Tools may be located in various places, such as schools, libraries, museums, or borrowed from individuals. Some tools may be donated by businesses or schools that support the project's topic or educational goals.

The most valuable tools for a CyberFair project depend on the project's topic and scope. However, computers and digital cameras are generally among the most helpful technologies. Software for data analysis and visualization can also help students organize and present their findings effectively.

2) In what ways did you act as "ambassadors" and spokespersons for your CyberFair project both on-line and in person.

As ambassadors and spokespersons for our CyberFair project, we shared information about our project with others both online and in person. We shared updates about our project on social media and our project website, and we also spoke with people in our community about our project and encouraged them to get involved. We presented our project at local events and conferences, and we also participated in online discussions and forums related to our project topic.

3) What has been the impact of your project on your community?

A project focused on a local community has the potential to make a significant difference. By providing information about local events, resources, and organizations, the project can help community members stay informed and connected. Additionally, by highlighting local issues and initiatives, the project can help inspire community members to take action and get involved.

Through the project's web pages, people in the community can learn new things about their area, including its history, culture, and current events. The web pages can also serve as a platform for sharing stories and experiences, helping to foster a sense of community and shared identity.

The project can also have an impact beyond the local community, as people from around the world can learn about the area and its unique qualities. This increased exposure can help attract new visitors and businesses to the area, potentially boosting the local economy.

By creating and maintaining the web pages, the project can establish new working relationships with local organizations, businesses, and community members. This collaboration can help strengthen the project's impact and create a more cohesive community.

Feedback from community members can also be valuable in helping to refine and improve the project. By listening to suggestions and concerns, the project can become more responsive to the needs of the community.

Overall, a project focused on a local community has the potential to make a significant impact by providing information, fostering a sense of community, and inspiring action. By establishing relationships and seeking feedback, the project can continue to grow and evolve to better serve the community.

4) How did your project involve other members of your community as helpers and volunteers?

We involved other members of our community as helpers and volunteers by reaching out to local organizations and community members who were interested in our project topic. We invited them to share their knowledge and expertise with us, and we also asked for their feedback on our project as it progressed. We also worked with local schools to involve students as volunteers and to educate them about our project topic.

5) Discoveries, Lessons and Surprises (Optional)

Through our CyberFair project, we discovered many interesting facts and stories about our community and its history. We learned about the challenges and triumphs of the people who have lived and worked here over the years, and we gained a deeper appreciation for the unique culture and traditions of our area. We also learned valuable lessons about teamwork, communication, and project management, as well as the importance of community involvement and engagement. One surprise was how much we were able to accomplish in a short period of time by working together and leveraging the power of technology to connect with others.