Help Children Access Hands -On Science Education

At the Science Center, hundreds of simple experiments and models are exhibited for school teachers and children in Science, Math, Ecology and Astronomy. They visit the centre and are allowed to interact with them. It is a space where children and teachers to perform experiments and experience, an interactive and positive environment. 

Our approach emphasizes "learning by doing," allowing children and teachers to perform experiments, explore concepts, and discover scientific principles firsthand. Our impact extends beyond simply imparting scientific knowledge. It aims to cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a lifelong love for learning. By fostering a positive and interactive learning environment, we empower future generations to become innovators and contribute to a brighter future.

Science Center Activities: Between October and December 2024, Science Centers in Hyderabad, Nizamabad, and Talegaon conducted 283 sessions, reaching nearly 10,000 students, with notably higher participation from girls. These programs also engaged 62 teachers, indicating a strong focus on both student and educator development.

I. Community Outreach and Education

• Focus: Dissemination of scientific knowledge and concepts to local communities, particularly children.
• Locations:
  • Chinthal (Hyderabad Science Center)
  • Nyaikal and Mullangi (Nizamabad Science Center)
  • Talegaon and Badhalwadi
• Activities:
  • Interactive sessions with children and community members.
  • Demonstrations and explanations of scientific principles.
• Topics Covered:
  • Human Body & Skeleton: Educational sessions on human anatomy and skeletal structure.
  • Eclipses & Seasons: Explanations of astronomical phenomena, including solar and lunar eclipses, and the causes of seasonal changes.
  • Inertia of Rest and Motion: Demonstrations and explanations of Newton's first law of motion.
  • Plasma Light: Exploration of the properties and behaviour of plasma.
  • Persistence of Vision: Demonstrations illustrating how the human eye retains images, leading to the perception of motion.
  • "One Object 11 Images": Likely a demonstration of optical illusions or principles of image reflection and refraction.

II. Training and Development

• Focus: Enhancing the skills and knowledge of Science Center "ignitors" (educators/facilitators).
• Talegaon Science Center:
  • Six-day refresher training session.
  • Location: Shirdi.
  • Dates: October 18th - 27th.
• Nizamabad Science Center:
  • Eight-day refresher training session.
  • Location: Kuppam.
  • Dates: October 2nd - 10th.
• Purpose: To update ignitors on new teaching methodologies, scientific concepts, and experimental techniques.

III. Events and Celebrations

• November:
  • Winter Camp (Adarsh Vidya Madhyamik):
    • Beneficiaries: 121 students.
    • Focus: Engaging students in science-related activities during the winter break.
  • Children's Day Celebrations:
    • Adarsh Vidya Madhyamik: 25 students participated in events.
    • ZPHS Colony (Hyderabad Science Center): 83 students participated.
    • GHS Kotagally (Nizamabad Science Center): 199 students participated.
  • Constitution Day (Madhanpally, Nizamabad Science Center):
    • Participants: 103 students.
    • Focus: Raising awareness about the Indian Constitution.
• December:
  • Quiz Competition (Syngene CSR):
    • Participants: 2 students from Hyderabad Science Center.
    • Organized by Syngene CSR.
  • Virtual Jignyasa Event:
    • Participants: 80 students.
    • Format: Online exhibition of student-created science models.
  • Parent Engagement Program:
    • Participants: 11 parents.
    • Focus: Involving parents in their children's science education.

 Key Observations:

• The Science Centers are actively involved in community outreach, providing valuable educational experiences to diverse populations.
• Teacher training is a priority, ensuring the quality of science education delivered.
• A variety of events and celebrations are organized to engage students and promote scientific curiosity.
• The science centres are utilizing both in-person and virtual events to reach our target audiences.
• Parent engagement is a focus of the programs.

 Feedback:

Today, we learned about the reflection of light through hands-on activity by Agastya's Madam. We learned the angle of Reflection, and found the InWe also engaged in other fun activities, such as observing 11 images, the persistence of vision, and the disappearing coins, which brought us great joy. We also engaged in other fun activities, such as observing 11 images, the persistence of vision, and the disappearing coins. 

~Anjali, 7th Class, GGHS Kotagally

 The Agastya teacher's science lab session was very informative. We learned about the circulatory system and the heart through practical lab activities. The balloon game showed us the roles of veins and arteries. 

~Naveen, ZPHS RP Colony

Links:

• Agastya Website
• Agastya LinkedIn