Teachers’ Day 2026 | Celebrating Teaching Excellence & Keynote by Prof. Arnab Bhattacharya
The Multifaceted Nature of Teaching
Professor Banerjee reflects on the diverse qualities of great teachers, noting that brilliance in subject matter is only one aspect. He emphasizes empathy, care, and the ability to connect with students as equally vital, acknowledging the difficulty in engaging young minds and the significant influence teachers wield beyond academics. He advocates for focusing on student potential over mere assessment, recognizing that success in life is not solely defined by grades.
The Smartphone as a Scientific Laboratory
Professor Bhattacharya introduces the idea that a smartphone is an incredibly capable scientific instrument, a pocket-sized laboratory. He highlights that while technology is advancing, the core of scientific inquiry still relies on good questions and excellent teachers, not just data collection. He aims to demonstrate how this device can be transformed into an instrument of inquiry, especially for students in areas with limited traditional lab facilities.
Detecting Heartbeat and Respiration via Accelerometer
In a daring demonstration, Professor Bhattacharya lies down with the phone placed on his chest, using the accelerometer to detect the subtle vertical movements caused by his heartbeat and breathing. He explains that while this isn't an ECG, the data reveals periodicities corresponding to these bodily functions, showcasing the phone's capacity to capture minute physiological signals.
Resonance Tube Experiment with Smartphone
Professor Bhattacharya demonstrates a resonance tube experiment using a smartphone's microphone and spectrum analyzer app (Phyphox). By filling a measuring cylinder with water and generating sound, he shows how the captured frequencies change, allowing for the measurement of sound speed and the study of harmonics. This experiment, typically requiring specialized equipment, is made accessible through the smartphone.
Analyzing Atmospheric Pressure with Smartphone Sensors
Professor Bhattacharya illustrates how a smartphone's pressure sensor can track atmospheric pressure changes, using his flight from Mumbai to Hyderabad as an example. He shows how the data reveals distinct phases of ascent, level flight, and descent, and even allows for estimations of altitude differences based on pressure variations, demonstrating practical applications in understanding physics related to travel.
Prof. Bhattacharya: Cabin Pressure vs. Passenger Comfort
Aircraft cabin pressure is a critical trade-off between passenger comfort and structural integrity. Regulations mandate a maximum cabin altitude equivalent of 8,000 ft, but modern aircraft like the Dreamliner can maintain lower altitudes (around 5,700-6,000 ft) due to advanced materials, enhancing passenger experience.
Prof. Bhattacharya: Accelerometer Data Reveals Flight Dynamics
A smartphone's accelerometer can precisely track a plane's movements, including takeoff tilt, wheel retraction, flap adjustments, and even circling patterns. The data reveals subtle changes in acceleration corresponding to each event, offering a detailed, real-time flight log.
Prof. Bhattacharya: The Astonishing Sensitivity of Phone Sensors
Smartphone sensors, particularly the pressure sensor, are remarkably sensitive. In a demonstration, holding an iPad above his head caused a measurable pressure difference, allowing for an approximate calculation of height, showcasing the device's potential for precise measurements.
Prof. Bhattacharya: AI as a Tool for Data Analysis
While collecting data is easy, making sense of it remains challenging. AI tools like ChatGPT can process sensor data, compute velocity and displacement from acceleration, and generate plots, significantly aiding students and teachers in analyzing experimental results.
Prof. Bhattacharya: The 'Laboratory of the Pocket'
Smartphones, with their array of sensors, have become a 'laboratory of the pocket,' enabling a wide range of physics experiments from speed of sound to Doppler effect. While sensors collect data, meaningful interpretation requires curiosity, scientific judgment, and skilled teachers.
Prof. Bhattacharya: Liquid Nitrogen Rocket Demonstration
A dramatic demonstration showed a bottle filled with hot water and liquid nitrogen acting as a rocket. The rapid expansion of boiling liquid nitrogen pushed water out, illustrating Newton's third law of motion and the principles of propulsion.
Prof. Bhattacharya: Integrating Experiments in IIT Classrooms
Experiments, whether simple or complex, are crucial for making learning engaging and thought-provoking. Even basic materials like paper or water can be used for experiments that explore deep scientific principles, encouraging students to question and discover.
Gorisa on Critical Thinking
Professor Arnab Bhattacharya's course was designed not just for learning content but also for the learning experience, fostering critical thinking by encouraging students to voice doubts, disagreements, and half-baked thoughts. This approach made students feel free to think aloud and develop their own ideas, a skill that remains valuable even in the age of instant information.
Bhavesh on Simplifying Complex Chemistry
Professor Rajiv Shvasta made complex chemistry and intricate structures in his Textile and Fiber Engineering course simple and understandable through his teaching style. Beyond academics, he served as a great mentor, encouraging students in other aspects of life and showing them the way forward.
Mohammad Sanit on Encouraging Questions
Professor Manik's teaching of Laser Science and Technology was highly engaging, connecting theory with practical applications. He consistently encouraged students to ask questions, no matter how tangential, and patiently answered them with a smile, demonstrating broad knowledge and a supportive, approachable demeanor that extended beyond the classroom.
Janvi Gupta on Engaging Physics Tutorials
Professor Ashish Singh transformed physics tutorials with case studies and practical demonstrations, making an 8 AM class highly attended and engaging. His leniency, including grace marks and a pizza party, underscored his genuine care for students, making the course memorable and enjoyable, even inspiring summer research.
Kalyani Cheran on Interactive Control Systems
Professor Subod Vasan Modak's interactive lectures on control systems, which included acting out teaching concepts and taking consistent feedback, made the course highly effective. Pre-lab videos and parallel lab work ensured concepts and practical applications aligned seamlessly, making learning smoother and more engaging.
Ki Goshel on Bridging Biochemistry Gaps
Professor Tanme Duta masterfully bridged the gap for chemistry students in a biochemistry course by using relatable analogies and a characteristic teaching gradient that started from basic levels. His use of insider jokes as conceptual bridges and his consistent check-ins ('Are you guys following?') made complex topics understandable and the learning experience deeply impactful.
Aayush on Mentorship in Atmospheric Sciences
Professor Abhishek Savvita is a rare mentor who consistently kept his promise of encouraging questions and providing unwavering attention to every student in his numerical modeling course. He evolved with the students, learning their names, strengths, and weaknesses, creating a truly supportive and personalized learning environment.
