Date and Time : 08-05-2020, 11:15 am – 12:45 pm
Co-ordinators : Mayuri S. Pawar
The objectives of the seminar were:
- To describe the role of the science centre in making science easy and interesting for school students.
- To provide comprehensive coverage of activities and models at Nehru Science Centre
- To discuss about Mini science centres
The points discussed in the seminar are as follows:
- Why children should visit Nehru science centre?
- It provides excellent learning opportunities for students. It has various activities and models, which gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience.
- Helps you to clear your concepts. Here Ms. Mayuri gave a popular example of an energy model. This model demonstrates how energy is converted from one form to another. Another example she gave was a model of the brain and senses. It explains different types of senses and in which part of the brain these are located. Thus, science centers have a special place in school education.
- The work of the Nehru Science Centre
- The Centre has attractive interactive models on Sound, Light, climate change.
- It organizes various events, talks, workshops, and competitions to increase interest and curiosity in science and technology. E.g. Sunita Williams talks Science quiz competition.
- Introduction to current events by celebrating special days.
- Provides facilities and opportunities for teachers and students to work on their new ideas and projects.
- Organizes teachers training program
- Galleries in Nehru Science Centre
Ms. Mayuri discussed the following five galleries in detail:- Sound and Hearing:
She first explained the nature of sound and how it travels using an example of a slinky. As waves move, the energy that was introduced in the first coil moves from one location to another. Sound needs a medium to travel. If there is no medium, then the sound wave can’t travel. Later, she discussed how virtual harp and floor piano are played. - Light and sight:
When explaining this gallery, Ms. Mayuri discussed four interesting exhibits: “Is light visible?”, “Light and Heat”, “Frozen shadow” and “Light Island”. The exhibit “Is light Visible” demonstrates that we inherently can’t see light. What we see is the light reflected from the object. The second exhibit “Light and heat” shows how color change is caused by heat. In the exhibit of frozen shadow, the flashlight casts a shadow on the special screen. After a few seconds, the flashlight goes off and the shadow remains frozen on the screen for some time. - Science for children:
In this section, there are various interactive exhibits with scientific explanations for children. E.g. Nail seat, rod with the hot and cold end. - Our technology heritage:
The exhibits in this gallery were related to ancient surgical instruments, Indian craft, architecture, etc. - Prehistoric life:
Exhibits include prehistoric animals that existed on earth before humans in chronological order.
- Sound and Hearing:
- Other shows in the Nehru Science Centre:
- Science on the sphere:
It is a dynamic spherical projection that explains the complex environmental processes. - Science shows:
Exciting interactive demonstrations are done. - 3D shows:
It gives you a thrilling experience. - Science Odyssey:
Things are projected on a dome-shaped screen. - I am a Mother:
It’s a human anatomy show. Helps you learn about human anatomy as the different internal organs in a life-size transparent glass model of a human body light up.
- Science on the sphere:
- About Mini Science Centre:
It is a very educative and innovative system. It helps students to raise awareness, grasp the information & strengthen the aptitude foundation of children. - Question and Answer session:
Participants discussed their earlier experience visiting science centers and how they can build mini science centers in their schools.
Report prepared by: Megha Chougule