Students from Rural Karnataka Win Awards for Home Safety and Energy Solutions

Students from Sri KSS Government High School, Hakladi in rural Karnataka have shown how hands-on learning in Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) can lead to real-world innovation. With support from theAdoption of Atal Tinkering Labs Program, the school set up its ATL in 2021 and began engaging students in STEM-based problem solving.

As part of their tinkering journey, Grade 9 students identified local problems—home security, gas leaks, and energy wastage—and built simple, practical tech-based solutions:

• PIR-based Security System for Homes – Detects human motion and triggers an alert to prevent thefts.
• Gas Leakage Alarm for Kitchens – Alerts residents in case of gas leaks using sensors and buzzers.
• Sun Tracking Solar Panel System – Tracks sunlight direction to maximize energy capture through solar panels.

These projects were built using Arduino controllers, basic sensors, and motors, giving the students a chance to apply what they learned in a hands-on way. The school showcased 12 student-developed projects at the Vidjana Vasthu Pradharshana, a block-level science exhibition organized by the Government of Karnataka in November 2022. The students won:

• 1st place for the Gas Leakage Alarm and Sun Tracking Solar Panel System
• 2nd place for the PIR-based Security System

This success has encouraged both students and school leaders. It is a testament to how programs like the ATL Adoption initiative are bringing innovation to government schools and preparing students to tackle real-life challenges using STEM.