Annual In Gray

Annual Report 2008 - 09

Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380 009, India Tel: +91 79 26302914, 26302085 Fax: +91 79 26306497 Email : [email protected] Website: www.vascsc.org

From the Director’s Desk

“The scientist is not a person who gives the right answers; he's one who asks the right questions.” Since over forty years, Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCSC) has led teachers, students and community to ‘Question, Explore and Discover' science around them. This year has added some new feathers to our cap. VASCSC is proud to receive the prestigious ‘National Award for Outstanding Efforts in Science and Technology Communication' for the year 2008 given by Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India to appreciate the efforts it has made in taking science to the masses. We would like to thank the DST and more so, the students and teachers who have helped us reach this milestone. The Science Express successfully completed its first tour around the country, with over 22.53 lakh people visiting it! The Science Express has created four national records in the Limca Book of Records. We hope with its second phase launched in November 2009, we will be able to reach out to more people, generate interest amongst students to pursue education and career in science and show how relevant science is to our everyday lives. With the project ‘Space Education for Schools and Communities (SESC)', supported by Indian Space Research Organization, we are conducting space education activities in the different parts of Gujarat, through the space education cells set up at various places. The International Year of Astronomy - 2009 was celebrated through activities conducted in SESC project and also on the Science Express through presentations, workshops and sky-watching. A wall planner and set of posters on this theme were brought out with support from National Council on Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC) and distributed in schools around the country. This year our core facilities, including the popular Summer Programme, continued successfully in spite of the resource constraints and the new challenges for fundraising because of the global economic meltdown. In spite of the difficult times, VASCSC has not only continued its activities successfully but has also expanded its reach to the people across the country. We would like to thank all our well-wishers for their support and tremendous response that our programmes received and hope that we will continue in our endeavour with equal zeal and cooperation from all of you. Dilip Surkar Executive Director

Chairman’s Message

Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCSC) has for the past four decades played a remarkable role in popularising science. It has made science accessible to people who normally do not concern themselves with it. However, VASCSC has miles to go and this is just the beginning. It is time we structure our institutions of knowledge to be global players in the 21st century. If India is to leverage its vast knowledge base, it is important that the number of centres such as the VASCSC are multiplied manifold with clear focus on Expansion, Quality and Access. With access to Internet, information from across the world has been brought to individual hands. Let us find ways to make the best use of this access because once we have the information up there, the whole world has access to it. Given the reach of telecommunication and increasing use of wireless, internet and broadband, IT is one area the Centre could focus on, to push the spread of science education even further. VASCSC can take the lead in using cell phone subscriber base to popularise science and spread scientific knowledge to the areas and people which were not accessible earlier. For this to happen, we will have to develop local content in local languages, created by those who understand local sensibilities. Local content, local language, relevant information related to science is most critical. Also, I wish VASCSC could have more web and virtual presence. VASCSC has a unique opportunity to create both awareness and packages to train a large number of Science teachers and also to employ science to help understand and solve the problems of millions of people. Science teachers in India really do not have resources. We at VASCSC, should be able to say that if you want to learn about science come here or dial here! We need to develop linkages with lots of other global institutions that do similar things. We do not need to duplicate a lot of it. There is no sense in spending a lot of resources on something, somebody has already done. There are lots of people who are doing little things. We need to link with them, encourage them, and make them part of our activities. I would like to congratulate the team of VASCSC for continued success of the Science Express and other core activities of the Centre and for forging partnership with several agencies. I take this opportunity to thank the Board members, the management of the Centre, its enthusiastic staff, and most of all, thousands of children who visit it every year and go back with their minds stimulated. Sam Pitroda Chairman, Board of Governors

INDEX Sr. No.

Title

Page No.

A

Introduction

1

B

School Science Programme

2

C

Capacity Building of Science Educators

14

D

Outreach Programme

16

E

Special Programmes

19

F

Science Express

23

G

Publications

26

H

Networking and Participation

27

I

Awards and Felicitations

30

J

Media Coverage

31

K

Board of Governors

32

INTRODUCTION

A

Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCSC) is a pioneering Community Science Centre which aims to nurture young minds and direct them towards scientific thinking with methods and techniques which make the process of enquiry and learning a fun-filled, enjoyable and lasting experience. Its mandate of spreading the joy of science learning by reaching out to different segments of the community is best illustrated by the Centre's logo itself: the five arrowheads representing diverse groups comprising teachers, students, research workers, administrators and the community while VASCSC is represented by ‘Delta'- the mathematical symbol of change. VASCSC aims to bring in change by providing a common platform to all these groups. In 1963, India's renowned scientist Dr. Vikram A. Sarabhai founded the Community Science Centre to encourage scientific thinking and innovative science teaching. After the untimely death of Dr. Sarabhai in 1971, the Centre was renamed as the ‘Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre', to associate its name with that of its founder. The core of the Centre's philosophy is to take school and college students out of the rigid framework of textbooks and encourage them to think, explore and create. Over the years, the Centre has combined formal and non-formal techniques to formulate many innovative methods to give students a better understanding of Science and Mathematics, which not only make the process of learning enjoyable but also sustained and long-lasting.

Core activities of the Centre

The core activities of the Centre are developed to inculcate scientific temper in the community through its innovative programmes and teaching methods. These activities aim at demystifying science and exploring its intellectual and practical dimensions. The following is an overview of the core activities conducted during the year 2008-09: School Science Programme l Capacity Building of the Science Educators l Outreach Programme l Special Programmes l Mobile Science Activities l Publications l Networking l

Annual Report 2008-09

1

SCHOOL SCIENCE PROGRAMME

B

School Science Programme is an important programme of the Centre catering especially to school children and teachers. It emphasizes upon the importance of activity, exploration and investigation to acquire a full understanding of the fundamentals in science and mathematics. Here, fun and excitement are interwoven with the classroom mode of teaching. The feedback received from this group is useful for the Centre's growth. School Science Programme includes the following activities: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Open House School Visits Student Visits Summer Programme Annual Programme Annual Events

Overall 64,750 visitors were recorded during the year who visited the Centre for various purposes.

1. Open House

The Centre's facilities are open for all members of the community. Open House programme has given an opportunity to children, teachers and even laypeople interested in science and mathematics, to explore its various facets on their own. The Centre's Quadrangle space, seven laboratories viz. Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Computers, Electronics, Model Rocketry, Mathematics, and the Science Playground are included in Open House. On Sundays, these facilities are freely accessed by people of all age groups, as a part of the Open House programme. The Centre houses a collection of models, interactive exhibits, teaching aids and experiments in the Quadrangle and laboratories. Besides these, programmes are conducted in the labs where children and teachers perform investigatory activities on their own. These activities include not only experiments from their academic curriculum but also participants' own ideas. Guidance regarding these is provided by the Centre's experts. 11,150 visitors were registered in the Open House programme of this year.

Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre

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2. School Visits

This programme aims at cultivating scientific temper among school children. This programme is conducted during weekdays, where schools visit the Centre. A team of facilitators takes them through the different departments and gives them an introduction of Centre's activities. This aims at initiating children to participate in the activities and programmes organized at the Centre. Several exciting experiments, demonstrations, science shows, movie shows, etc. have been integrated in this programme. 19,692 students, 1015 teachers from 130 schools visited the Centre during the year as a part of the School Visit programme.

3. Student Visits

Students can utilize the Centre's laboratories to carry out curricular and extra-curricular experiments. Guidance is also provided to students for school projects, science fair projects and also any innovative ideas that they may want to try. 3000 students from different schools performed curriculum-based experiments and projects at the Centre's laboratories. Guidance was provided to around 1400 students, 350 teachers and 1000 other members regarding the activities of the Centre, projects, science fair, etc. An illustrative list of experiments and activities conducted in the Centre's laboratories during Open House, School Visits and Student Visits, is as follows:

? Experiments on soil ? Seed germination ? Use of Compound Microscope ? Study of onion cell ? Study of cheek cell ? Observing unicellular organisms using

compound microscope ? Study of various parts of a plant ? Experiment on the release of oxygen during photosynthesis ? To understand the process of evaporation ? Experiment on the release of carbon dioxide during respiration ? To understand structure of human body


? Study of algae ? Study of fungi ? Study of contaminated water ? To study the various parts of the flower

(Dhatura and Jasud) ? To observe the temporary slide of blood ? Study of the adaptations in creepers ? Study of the adaptations in birds ? Dissection of maize leaf ? Study of Osmosis ? Experiments with convex lens ? Microscope - making from match box ? Making sand clock and water clock ? To prove that light travels in a straight path

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Measuring time of oscillations of a simple ?

pendulum ? To show that medium is required for propagation of sound ? To show that air has mass and measuring lung power ? Effect of magnetic poles ? To observe that length of an object increases on heating ? Conduction of heat in solids, liquids and gases ? To observe the effect of temperature on different substances ? Making periscope and kaleidoscope ? Experiments with curved mirrors ? To demonstrate the mutual effect of like and unlike charges ? Electrolysis of water ? Separation of substances ? Volcano ? Magic filtration ? Food Adulteration ? Testing of food samples ? Properties of soil ? Knowing laboratory apparatus ? Understanding elements ? Writing with water ? Studying pH of different samples

? Studying pH of different samples ? Neutralization reaction ? Properties of acid & base ? Explanation of atomic orbitals ? Making valency cards ? Preparation of SO2 gas and studying its

properties ? Battlefield in a test-tube ? Writing with fire ? Preparation of Iodex ? Understanding chemical reactions, types of chemical reactions ? Redox titrations, Acid-base titration ? Test for functional groups present in organic compounds ? Qualitative analysis of inorganic salts ? Knowing reactivity series ? Secret message ? Writing without ink ? Dancing ball ? Fire and water ? Magic Bottle ? Flame test ? Preparing some hydrocarbon structures ? Make your own firecrackers ? Cold welcome ? Blow a balloon ? Chemical filtration

Students from schools following CBSE pattern are provided guidance for the projects which include the following: Projects in Physics ? To study the various factors affecting the focal length of liquid lens ? To study the effectiveness of different detergents in terms of quantity and quality ? To study various factors on which internal resistance of the cell depends ? To determine the effect of temperature on commonly used dry cell ? To find the wavelength of sodium using Young's double slit ? To find resistance of the given material by Ohm's law ? To study the projected motion of a liquid set under water condition ? To study the refractive index of the given prism ? To study the dependence of the internal resistance of primary cell on any one of the variables ? To measure refractive index of various liquids using a round-bottomed flask ? To find the wavelength of red laser beam using spectrometer Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre

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? To find the horizontal component of Earth's magnetic field ? To study the factors upon which the time period of a simple pendulum depends ? To study the effect of moisture on hair ? To study the effect on the force of attraction between a solenoid and a bar magnet for different values

of current ? To study change in refractive index due to temperature ? To determine the cleansing effect of detergents by comparing the surface tension in each of them ? To verify the laws of combination of resistances both in series and parallel connections ? To study the length dependence of the resistance ? To determine the wavelengths of prominent lines of mercury by plain diffraction grating ? To study the relationship between real and apparent depth using the spherical mirror and various liquids and to find the refractive index of the liquids ? To prove that the ratio of Earth's horizontal, magnetic strength of magnet is constant ? To find out the refractive index of different materials using a hollow prism ? To study the effect of heat and temperature on Ohmic conductor ? To measure chemical equipment of copper ? To prove that angle between reflected and refracted ray from monochromatic light is 90o ? To measure Young's modulus of given wire ? To construct a thermocouple and to calibrate it ? To study the characteristics of a transformer ? To study the coefficient of apparent expansion of liquid ? To estimate the order of magnitude of the size of Oleic acid molecule Electricity by chemical reaction ? Electricity by chemical reaction ? To study the effect of temperature on the resistance of semiconductor diode ? To study the response of a photoconductor cell to intensity of incident light ? To find the metallic conductance of NaCl ? To investigate whether the energy of a simple pendulum is conserved ? To separate different bodies as Ohmic or non-Ohmic conductor ? To determine and compare the unknown R and r of the different wires ? To study effect of different materials on boiling Projects in Biology

? Find out the pH of different fruits ? Study of soil micro-organisms ? Adaptations in aquatic plants ? Adaptations in xerophytic plants ? Stomata structure in Cactus plant ? Microscopic study of stomata of leaves ? Microscopic study of stomata of fruits ? Microscopic study of stomata in herbs ? Microscopic study of wings/antenna of

insects ? Study of stomata of monocots and dicots ? Comparative study of dicot and monocot plants Annual Report 2008-09

? Effects of salts on seed germination ? Water holding capacity of different soil

samples ? Effect of urea / NPU / cowdung on seed germination ? Comparison of photosynthetic rate in different lights ? Comparison of photosynthetic rate in carbonate concentration ? Microscopic study of hydrophytic and mesophytic plants ? Effect on seed germination in acidic, basic and neutral conditions/media 5

Projects in Chemistry ? Analysis of soil ? Chromatography ? To prepare Iodex ? To prepare Phenolphthalein ? Qualitative analysis of coins ? To study adulteration in food samples ? To prepare Nylon -52 (synthetic plastic) ? Estimation of Vitamin-C in fruit juices ? To find out the nutritive value of the cold drinks ? To prepare potash alum from scrap aluminum ? To analyze the sample of brass qualitatively ? To analyze the sample of tooth paste qualitatively ? To prepare dye and dyeing of fabrics by using azodyes ? To prepare formaldehyde plastic and amine aldehyde ? To study the effect of metal coupling on rusting of iron ? To study various contents in some fruits and vegetables ? To test the presence of nickel in some common chocolates ? To compare the rates of evaporation of water, acetone and chloroform ? To prepare rayon threads from filter papers using cuprammonium process

? Determination of dosage of bleaching

powder for disinfection of various water samples ? To compare the foaming capacity of different samples of soaps ? Analyzing tea samples for amount of polyphenols, tannic acid and caffeine ? To study the effect of addition of non volatile solute to a volatile solvent ? To study the effect of temperature on the rate of diffusion of solid in liquids ? To determine the amount of chlorine in different samples of water ? To study the quantity of casein present in different samples of milk ? To determine the hardness of different samples of water ? To analyze some fruit and vegetable juices for the contents present in them ? To study the presence of insecticides/ pesticides (nitrogen-containing) in various fruits and vegetables ? To analyze the given sample of commercial antacids by determining the amount of HCl they can neutralize ? Determination of molecular mass of urea by elevation of boiling point of water

Projects in Electronics

? Automatic room light system ? Door watching alarm ? Basic gates: AND, OR, NOT ? Fire alarm ? Water level indicator ? Electronic eye ? Clap switch ? Remote control musical bell ? Musical doorbell ? Dancing lights ? Electronic harmonium

? Traffic signal ? Liquid sensor ? Variable power supply ? Fixed power supply ? Flasher ? Digital security system ? Vibration alarm ? IR bell ? Listening bug ? Entry counter


? Running lights ? Automatic car parking light ? Buzzer ? Water level indicator with display ? Mechanical robot ? Infrared-based bell ? Amplifier ? FM receiver ? Full wave rectifier ? Half wave rectifier

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4. Summer Programme

Summer Programme is conducted during the summer vacations, when a large number of children visit the Centre. The modules for this programme are developed to initiate the children into the subjects of science, mathematics and computers through interesting hands-on activities. Students are able to utilize their vacations constructively and try their hands at different activities based on astronomy, biology, chemistry, computers, electronics, mathematics, model rocketry and physics. The Summer Programme was conducted during 22 April - 7 June 2008. The programme schedule was compiled in the form of a brochure which was freely distributed to ensure wide dissemination of information and greater participation. 102 batches of 35 different modules were conducted during the summer break. About 1321 participants, starting from 5-year olds to parents and teachers had registered for one or more of these modules. The list of the modules offered under Summer Programme is given as follows: Module

Workshop Do it Yourself – I & II

Do it Yourself – III

Mathematics Programme for Secondary School Teachers Programme for Primary School Teachers Programme for Parents Learning Abacus

Activities

Age Group

Windmill, Windwheel, Running wheel, Spacecraft, Whirling fan, Boomerang cross, Acrobatic casule, Clap in the air, Parrot in the cage, Colour filter, etc. Periscope, Lens camera, Revolutionar y motor, Double cone, Giant yo-yo, Kaleidoscope, Stroboscope, Jig-saw puzzle, etc.

5 - 8 years

Discussion with and guidance to teachers regarding teaching mathematics effectively to their students.

–

Discussion with and guidance to teachers regarding teaching mathematics effectively to their students.

–

Discussion with and guidance to teachers regarding teaching mathematics effectively to their children. Learning abacus basics: Addition, subtraction, multiplication & division Fun with Maths (Jr.) Mathematics through activities, experiments, puzzles and games Fun with Maths (Sr.) Mathematics through activities, experiments, puzzles and games Do and Understand (Jr.) Understanding and making mathematical models, puzzles and games


9+ years

– 12+ years 10 - 12 years 12+ years 10 - 12 years

7

Module

Activities

Do and Understand (Sr.) Understanding and making mathematical models, puzzles and games Computer Fun with Computers Educational programmes and educational games Picture Creating and MS Paint, Photoshop, Image Scanning, Editing Editing Desk Top Publishing Pagemaker, Coreldraw, Photoshop (ele. level) Web Designing Part - I HTML (ele. tags, list, tables and hyperlink) Web Designing Part - II HTML (frames & forms), animation, website uploading Computer Basics MS Paint, MS Windows, MS Office (Word Excel, Powerpoint) C Programming Syllabus of Std. 10 (Guj. Board) ‘Introduction to Language Computer' subject Biology Microscopic Use different types of light microscopes, preparation of Exploration slides included in Std. 5-7 science textbooks and explore the microbial world Little Scientist To explore certain concepts of biology, chemistry and physics through investigations & experiments. The aim is to familiarize students with methods of conducting science experiments. Model Making To make models related to basic sciences using different material. It will be an enjoyable learning experience. Programme for Parents To guide their kids to learn science at home (ideal for parents of Std. 5-7 students) Nature Trail An enjoyable outdoor learning of the natural surroundings and its value. Physics Physics with Fun Hands-on models on Force-motion, Light, Colour, Heat, Sound, Energy, Simple Machines, Magnets, Electricity, etc. Know our Universe Astro Quiz, day sky observations, hands-on models on earth's rotation, Earth's orbit, Time & calendar, Solar System, Moon, etc. Model Rocketry Young Rocketeers Single Stage Solid Propellant, Recovery System Model Rockets - Fabrication, Launching & Height Computation Electronics Electronics for You Metal Detector, Clap operated LED, Knock Alarm, etc. Electronics World Digital Security System, Automatic Night Lamp, Knock Alarm, etc.


Age Group

12+ years

4 - 8 years 10 - 12 years 12+ years 12+ years 12+ years 12+ years 14 years

12+ years

10 - 12 years

12 - 14 years For parents only 10 - 12 years

10 - 12 years

12 - 14 years

12 - 14 years

9 - 11 years 12 - 15 years

8

Module

Library Journey of a Book (Jr.) Journey of a Book (Sr.) Chemistry Chem 4 Kids

Fun with Chemistry

Chemistry Hands -on

Fundamental Practical Chemistry General Science Summer Science Forum (Jr.) Summer Science Forum (Sr.)

Activities

Age Group

Presentation, Story telling, Thumb printing, Library Visit, Creative bookmarks, Make your own Book Presentation, Story writing, Collage & bookmarks, Book Review, Library & Printing

8 - 10 years

Magic Filtration, Chemical Filtration, Magnet & its properties, Colour Separator, No Fire Without Oxygen, Air occupies Space, Volcano, Magic Bottle, Make your own icecream, Invisible writing, Writing with water Hands-on experiments like information on lab apparatus & its uses, Electrolysis of Water, Separation of Substances, Food Adulteration, Density Tube, Physical & Chemical properties of Water, Acid, Base & Salt Syllabus related activities like chemical reactions & equations, preparation of Co 2, O2,chlorine gas, preparation of sugar charcoal & black, understanding behaviour of metals & acids, making Valency Cards, atomic orbitals Conceptual background of salt analysis, methods for detection of cations, anions, tests for functional groups present in organic compounds, volumetric analysis

11 - 15 years

5 - 8 years (Std. 1 -5)

13 -15 years (Std. 8 -10)

13 -15 years (Std. 8 -10)

16 -17 years (Std. 11-12)

Experiments of Light, Energy, Magnets, Studying birds 6 - 9 years & plants, Nature Trip, Weather & Climate, Seeing Colours, Fun with Chemistry, Shapes & numbers, Science Craft Math Puzzles, Microbes & Microscope, Mirrors & lenses, 10 - 12 years Nature Trip, Learn about Plants, Chemistry experiments, Exploring Electricity, Pulley & Lever, Making Jigsaw puzzle

5. Annual Programme

The Centre developed the Annual Programme comprising various modules which are conducted throughout the year. It also includes the science club activities which are a regular feature at the Centre. The Physics, Chemistry, Model Rocketry and Saturday Science Forum clubs are popular among children. This approach was useful in streamlining the various shortterm programmes conducted and for advance planning for both the participants and the staff members. A brochure was printed and freely distributed for ensuring better participation. 135 batches of 48 different modules were conducted. Annual Report 2008-09

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The different modules conducted in the Annual Programme are as follows: Module

Activities

Mathematics Fun with Maths (Jr.) Mathematics through activities, experiments and games Do and Understand (Sr.) Understanding and making mathematical models, puzzles and games Computer Computer Teachers' Training Programme Std. 8 Syllabus of Introduction to Computer subject Std. 9 Syllabus of Introduction to Computer subject Std. 10 Syllabus of Introduction to Computer subject Std. 11 Syllabus of Introduction to Computer subject Std. 12 Syllabus of Introduction to Computer subject (Science stream) Std. 12 Syllabus of Introduction to Computer subject (Arts & Science stream) Std. 12 Syllabus of Introduction to Computer subject (Commerce stream) Course on Computer Syllabus of CCC & CCC+ Concept (CCC & CCC+) Computer Basics MS Paint, Word, Excel, Powerpoint Windows, Internet (e-mail, surfing) Computer Basics MS Paint, Word, Excel, Powerpoint Windows, Internet for Ladies (e-mail, surfing) Web Designing HTML, still & motion picture and sound file, Uploading Me and My Computer Introduction to Computer, Educational programmes (Jr.) (Maths, Science & English), Elementary Logo, Internet (surfing, downloading, e -mail) Me and My Computer Story making, Power point presentation, Inside the (Sr.) Computer, Motion picture, Internet ( e-mail, surfing, downloading) Physics Physics Club (Jr.) Model-making on principles & laws of physics, presentation on fundamental topics of physics Physics Club (Sr.) Experiments & model -making, analysis by obser vations, presentation on fundamental topics of physics Know our Universe Hands-on astronomical models, presentation on astro-topics, Observational activities Physics Projects for Investigatory projects C.B.S.E./I.C.S.E. Physics Revision of practicals Revision Programme


Age Group

10 - 12 years 12 - 15 years

– – – – – – – School teachers & govt. employees 12+ years Ladies 13+ years Std. 2 - 4

Std. 5 - 7

9 - 11 years 12 - 15 years 13 - 15 years Std. 12 Std. 11 - 12

10

Module

Model Rocketry Single Stage Model Rockets Double Stage Model Rockets Water Booster Model Rockets Recovery System Model Rockets (Parachute) R & D with Model Rockets Electronics The World of Electronics (Sr.) Fun with Electronics (Jr.) Biology Learn from Nature

Activities

Age Group

Single stage solid propellant model rockets, build your own designs, build your own rocket launcher Double stage solid propellant model rockets, build your own designs, build your own rocket launcher Fabrication of Water Booster Model Rockets

12 - 15 years 12 - 15 years 12 - 15 years

Parachute Model Rockets, build your own designs, build your own rocket launcher Experiment and build your own Model Rockets

12 - 15 years

Know the basics of electronics, learn to assemble components and make your own gadgets Know the basics of electronics, learn to assemble and make your own gadgets

Std. 8 -11

Nature observations, growing plants, Experiments, reproduction in plants Science for Std. 6 Explanation of important concepts, Experiments, demonstrations, learning inputs evaluation Science for Std. 7 Explanation of important concepts, demonstrations, performed by students, learning inputs evaluation Knowing the Human Study of structure and functions of the body, taking Body care, knowledge about proper diet, related experiments Experiments for Std. 6-8 Experiments Nature Trail An enjoyable outdoor learning of the natural surroundings & its value Parents' Activity Innovative programme to educate parents to teach science to their children CBSE Projects Board syllabus oriented practicals Practicals for GSEB Board syllabus oriented practicals

12 - 15 years

Std. 5 - 7

10 -12 years Std. 6 Std.7 Std. 7 - 9 Std. 6 - 8 9 - 13 years (Std. 4 - 8) Parents Std. 11 -12 Std. 11 - 12 & F. Y. B. Sc.

General Science Saturday Science Forum Preparing for science competitions- Projects, Debates, Std. 5 - 7 Elocution, Quiz (Brainstorm - Think, Speak, Write), Film Shows, Science Craft, Educational Visit, Meet a Scientist, Journalism, Fiction, etc. (Guidance by professionals) Library Journey of a Book Making of Bookmarks, Book Review, Story writing, 9 - 11 years Reading, Use of e-resources, effective use of library


11

Module

Chemistry Chem 4 kids

Chem Club Junior

Chem Club Senior

Annual Chem Club (Junior)

Annual Chem Club (Senior)

Xth Chemistry Revision XIth & XIIth Chemistry Revision Chemistry Projects (CBSE students) Annual Programme (Chemistry Practical) F. Y. B. Sc. Chemistry Practical

Activities

Age Group

Magic Filtration, chemical filtration, Separator, Without oxygen there is no fire, Air occupies space, Volcano, Magic Bottle, Writing with Water, etc. Lab apparatus & its uses, Electrolysis of Water, Separation of Substances, Food Adulteration, Density Tube, Physical & Chemical properties of Water, Acid, Base & Salt, Visits to institutions/industries Understanding chemical reactions & equations, lab preparation of CO 2, O2,chlorine gas, preparation of sugar charcoal & lamp black, understanding behaviour of metals & acids, making Valency Cards, atomic orbitals, Visits to institutions/industries Hands-on experiments like information on lab apparatus & its uses, Electrolysis of Water, Separation of Substances, Food Adulteration, Density Tube, Physical & Chemical properties of Water, Acid, Base & Salt, Visits to institutions/industries Understanding chemical reactions and equations, lab preparation of CO 2, O2, chlorine gas, preparation of sugar charcoal & lamp black, behaviour of metals & acids, making Valency Cards, atomic orbitals, Visits to institutions/industries Properties of SO2 gas, reactivity series, finding pH, properties of acids, bases and acetic acid Organic, Inorganic and Volumetric analysis

5 - 8 years (Std. 1 - 4) 9 - 12 years (Std. 5 - 7)

13 -15 years (Std. 8 -10)

Std. 5 - 7

Std. 8 - 10

Std. 10 Std. 11 - 12

Investigatory project

Std. 11 - 12

Board syllabus oriented 25 practicals & special guidance

Std. 11 - 12

Organic analysis, Inorganic analysis, Volumetric analysis as per university syllabus

F. Y. B. Sc. students


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6. Annual Events Vikram Sarabhai Model Rocketry Competition Vikram Sarabhai Model Rocketry Competition was conducted at the Centre on 04 May 2008. The competition was divided into three rounds. This was a state-level competition in which 180 students participated. Prizes were awarded to three best participants. National Olympiad Test VASCSC coordinated the National Standard Examinations in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Astronomy (Sr. & Jr.), conducted by Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) on 23 November 2008. In all, 198 students appeared for the exams. One of the students, Mr. Sharad Mirani who appeared for Examination, has been selected to represent India in the International Earth Science Olympiad to be held at Taiwan. World Space Week Celebration The World Space Week was celebrated at the Centre during 4-10 October 2008. This event was supported by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Competitions, events, exhibitions and talks were the prime attractions of the event. Competitions like model-making on the themes ‘Space Colony’,‘Future Spaceships’ and ‘Future Telescopes'; Space Quiz; Science Fiction Story Writing; Exhibitions; talk on ‘Careers in Space Sciences', film shows; night sky viewing in ‘Astronight' programme; and Astro Workshop for students of Std. 7-9 were organized as a part of this event. Around 4500 people participated in this event, including students from 92 schools. National Biodiversity Day The Centre in collaboration with its sister institution Vikram Sarabhai Centre for Development Interaction (VIKSAT), celebrated the National Biodiversity Day on 25 May 2008 at VIKSAT campus. The celebrations were marked by funfilled and educational activities like Bird watching, Nature Trail, Seed collection & exhibition, Housie, Treasure hunt, and innovative competitions like Cookery competition, Rangoli competition and greeting card making competition. Other activities included face painting, Pledge tree, Film show, Knowing biodiversity, Puppet show, Mehndi, Earthern creations, sale of seeds & plants, Street play, Magic show and One hour-one question. The event recorded 5000 visitors and participants.


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C

CAPACITY BUILDING OF SCIENCE EDUCATORS

Capacity Building of Science Educators is important for orienting them towards hands-on approaches in teaching. The Centre organizes capacity building workshops and interactive sessions for school teachers and science educators. The aim is to motivate and empower individuals working in the field of education to spread innovative methods of teaching science. Efforts are made to identify their difficulties and develop antidotes. These can then be utilized as a part of the classroom teaching. This results in dissemination of information, creating awareness and interest in science in the community. This capacity building was also done through one-to-one interaction with teachers who visited the Centre. Interaction with teachers during the activity workshops was utilized to promote the Centre's methodologies. The following workshops/lectures were conducted:

? A talk was given by Ms. Julie Ciancio, Sr. English Language Fellow, Dept. of State, USA on Group activities, hands-on sessions, games and puzzles, at the Centre on 07 May 2009.

? A talk was delivered by Dr. R. V. Mehta from Kesar Sal Hospital on the topic ‘Health and Hygiene' at the Centre on 10 May 2009. Around 90 people attended the talk.

? A talk was given by Prof. Rajmal Jain from PRL on the topic ‘The Sun and Human Environment' at the Centre on 21 May 2008. 90 people were present.

? An Astronomy programme was conducted for Ahmedabad Medical Association Ladies Club on 3 June 2008.

? A training programme for teachers in using Science and Maths TLM was conducted as a part of Karmayogi Talim organized by Govt. of Gujarat on 06 June 2008 at Jetalpur. 420 teachers participated in this programme.

? An orientation workshop on ‘Hands-on approaches in Science and Mathematics Education' was conducted at the Centre during 08-12 July 2008, sponsored by SBMA/Plan. 42 teachers and students from Uttarakhand participated in this workshop.

? A workshop was conducted at the Centre for

participants of Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad programme on 01 August 2008. The 16 participants were school teachers from US.

? Mr. S. P. Patel gave a lecture on his ‘History of VASCSC' on 14 August 2008. Around 25 members of the Centre attended this lecture.


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? A screening of movie ‘The Inconvenient Truth' was arranged at the Centre on 07 September 2008, organized by American Corners during their 4th Anniversary celebrations. The screening was followed by a question-answer session in which a panel of experts interacted with the audience and answered their queries. 95 people participated in this programme.

? A talk was delivered by Prof. A. R. Rao on ‘Some non-

routine problems' at Zoology Department, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad on 08 September 2008.

? A lecture on ‘Applied Management' organized by CEPT University, was delivered by Dr. Pestonjee at the Centre on 24 October 2009. 60 people attended the lecture.

? A workshop for ‘Radio Programme on Astronomy' in collaboration with Vigyan Prasar, was conducted for resource persons on 07-08 November 2008. The workshop had 17 participants from Maharashtra, J & K, UP and Gujarat.

? A review workshop for ‘Radio Programme on Astronomy' in collaboration with Vigyan Prasar, was organized on 21 November 2008. Members from All India Radio and the Centre participated in this workshop.

? A lecture on ‘Importance of Research in Science; how to make a research-based project' was delivered by Dr. Kishore Amin, Cancer Research Hospital, Mumbai and SRC member-IRIS, organized by IRIS, at the Centre on 25 January 2009. 80 people attended this lecture.

? Projective geometry lecture series was conducted throughout the year by Prof. A. R. Rao. This series was popular among school and college maths teachers.

Library Programme The Centre's library houses a collection of reference books pertaining to various fields of science and mathematics. These books range from those which provide study material for children to advanced reference material for students who participate in programmes like Olympiads, Advanced B.Sc. and college students, who have been using this facility regularly. The memberships of the library also increased during this period. Around 3250 people utilized the library facility during the year.


15

D

OUTREACH PROGRAMME

The Centre's team has been continuously involved in developing educational material, exhibits and teaching aids which would be helpful in understanding science and mathematics. The outreach programmes have been developed to mainstream this material. Several workshops and exhibitions are conducted at different locations including rural areas, which benefit teachers, students and the community. These activities are mentioned as follows: Science Activity Centre in Slum The Centre continued its activity at the Vikram Vigyan Kendra in the year 2008-09, too, with support from Mridula Sarabhai Foundation. This Kendra works for both school going and drop-out children at Gulbai Tekra slum in Ahmedabad. The Centre's team conducted activities in Science, Mathematics and Computers on weekdays to enhance their understanding of science and mathematics and develop scientific temper in their day-to-day life. On Sundays, these children visited the Centre and were imparted computer training. Education Programme in School The Centre continued its interventions at Bopal Primary School, to enhance the quality of science and mathematics education and increase the students' interest in science. A team of resource persons visited the school regularly and conducted activity-based sessions in physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics for students of Std. 5 -7. This programme was supported by Manorama Sheth Education Fund. Space Education for Schools and Communities This project is supported by Department of Space, ISRO and involves establishing Model Rocketry Laboratory at VASCSC and Space Education Cells in different regions of Gujarat, which would then promote space science in their area. The following activities were conducted as a part of this project:

? Two Space Education Cells were created and they have initiated space education activities in schools of their respective areas by organizing workshops, quiz and talks. These Cells are: 1. Shree O. V. Sheth Regional Community Science Centre, Rajkot 2. Kutchmitra Regional Community Science Centre, Bhuj

An Orientation Programme for the co-ordinators of the Cells was conducted to summarize their ? activities and to address the difficulties faced by them.


16

? A project work on ‘Micro controller based Thrust Measuring Device for Model Rockets' was carried out with involvement of students from Babaria Institute of Technology, Baroda.

? Model Rocketry Workshops were conducted in Uttarakhand; at Uttarkashi during 16-18 April 2008 and at Gairsain during 20-22 April 2008. Over 200 students from different schools of these areas participated and learnt how to make and launch single-stage and water booster rockets.

? A state level competition on Model Rocketry was organized on 04 May 2008 in which 180 students from Ahmedabad and Vadodara participated.

? The World Space Week celebrations were organized as a part of this project during 04-10 October 2008 at the Centre. The celebrations included competitions, exhibitions, talks, film shows and Astro workshop in which around 4500 people participated.

Mathematics Workshops The focus of Mathematics workshops is on orienting the teachers and students towards ‘learning by doing' approach. In these workshops, they were trained in fabricating their own mathematical models, teaching aids and puzzles from simple material. They were also oriented on setting up a basic maths lab facility using this material in their respective schools.

? A mathematics workshop was conducted by the

Centre's team during 26-28 June 2008 for secondary school teachers from Junagadh district at State Teachers' Training Institute (STTI), Gandhinagar. 45 teachers participated in this training.

? A workshop was conducted during 04-07 August 2008 at Surat organized at Nagar Prathmik Shikshan Samiti, in which 65 teachers participated.

? A workshop was conducted for students of Shri Adarsh PTC College, Botad during 03-05 October 2008. 40 students participated in this workshop.

? The Mathematics team participated in and conducted a

session at the Gujarat Ganit Mandal's Conference during 13-15 November 2008 at Patan. 600 people including teachers and students participated in the session.


17

Exhibition/Demonstration in Schools Some exhibition and demonstrations were organized in different schools, as follows:

? Exhibitions on ‘Environment and my life' and ‘Tsunami' were set up at Sanskardham School, Sanand during 02-03 August 2008. The Centre's team members interpreted the exhibition and demonstrated related experiments for the students. Around 100 people were present for the demonstration programme.

? A demonstration of the Centre's TLM was made by the Centre's team at the inaugural function of District Science Fair organized at Nalanda Shala Vikas Sankul, Ranip on 30 September 2008. Around 980 teachers and students were present.

Science Shop The Centre's staff is continuously engaged in developing new and innovative Teaching Learning Material. The Science Shop facility makes this material, which includes publications, kits and models, available to the general public. The Science Shop stall was set up at two locations for wider reach:

? The Science Shop TLM were demonstrated at the National Workshop on Effective Strategies for Quality Improvement in Science and Mathematics Education at Upper Primary level' organized by Department of School Education and Literacy, MHRD and SSA, Punjab at Chandigarh on 24-26 November 2008.

? A stall was also set up at Ahmedabad City Mall during 28 February - 01 March 2009.

? A demonstration of Science Shop items was arranged for a team from Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Gujarat at the Centre on 13 August 2008.


18

SPECIAL PROGRAMMES E

SPECIAL PROGRAMMES

Apart from the core programme, other projects and programmes were also conducted, the details of which are as follows: Advanced B.Sc. (Physics) Summer Programme This programme has been initiated by VASCSC, Gujarat Science Academy (GSA) and Gujarat Science City, to motivate B.Sc. Physics students to join the field of research. It aims to provide them a firm grounding in the areas of mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, mathematical physics, etc. This programme involved assignments and problem solving, guidance for a career in Physics, visit to research institutes and talks by eminent scientists. This was a residential programme, organized during 08-26 May 2008. 18 students participated in it. Communication Material on ‘YoPE 2008' The Centre developed communication material useful for sensitizing students in schools and colleges on the International Year of Planet Earth (YoPE) theme. This material was catalyzed and supported by National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC), DST as a part of their nationwide outreach campaign ‘Understanding Planet Earth'. A set of five posters, set of twelve postcards and a wall planner were developed based on this theme. Celebrating International Year of Astronomy 'IYA-2009' The year 2009 being declared the International Year of Astronomy, a number of activities were conducted to commemorate this, given as follows: 1. Radio Serial: Under this project, supported by Vigyan Prasar, VASCSC has been entrusted with transadapting a 54-episode radio programme on Astronomy in Gujarati. This programme covers topics like astronomy, sky observations, talks with scientists, etc. As a part of this project, two workshops were conducted at the Centre during 07-08 and 21 November 2008 respectively. This programme is titled ‘Nirakh ne Gagan ma' and is being broadcasted simultaneously from Akashwani - Ahmedabad, Baroda , Rajkot and Bhuj centres on every Monday during 9:30 -10:00 am and from Godhra every Wednesday during 6:30 -7:00 pm on the frequency 846 KHz or 354.6 mt. 2. 400th anniversary of telescope: To celebrate 400 years since the first recorded astronomical observations with a telescope, an event was organized at the Centre on 28 September 2008. The event consisted of a lecture


19

Prof. U. C. Joshi, Scientist, PRL; followed by a presentation by Mr. Tanmay Vyas, Astronomy Club, Ahmedabad. Around 100 people including school children participated in this event. 3. Interactive Sky Programme: An interactive sky programme comprising presentation, night sky watching, etc. was conducted in schools and institutions around the country by the Science Express team members. 7591 people, majority of which were students, from 35 different institutions participated in this programme during 30 November 2008- 31 March 2009. 4. Wall Planner: A science wall planner based on this theme was developed and distributed in 15,000 schools around the country. Earthquake Education Project A multimedia mobile science exhibition was developed by the Centre as a part of an Earthquake educational project for CEE. This exhibition was meant to be used in earthquake affected areas of Uri and Tangdhar of Jammu & Kashmir. It aimed to serve as an earthquake awareness programme and give ample opportunities to children to explore science concepts related to their school curriculum. This would contribute in improving the school science education. The exhibition featured interesting exhibits on the beginning of Earth, formation of crust, land, oceans, soil and tectonic plates. It included experimental setup on state of tectonic plates and their motion, basics of motion, features on earthquake and measurement of its intensity. The exhibition also included interactive displays on sources of energy and print material on earthquake in ocean floor, safety measures during and after an earthquake, etc. Prof A. R. Rao's Centenary Celebration It was a joyous moment for the Centre when Prof. A R Rao, an eminent mathematician, a popular teacher, creator of the Maths lab at VASCSC and associated with the Centre for the last 34 years; completed 100 years of active life on 23 September 2008. An event was organized to celebrate his centenary birthday. Veteran mathematician Prof. P. C. Vaidya felicitated Prof. Rao on this occasion. As a part of the celebrations planned for this, competitions and lectures were organized. Mathematical model-making competition, elocution competition, popular lectures and exhibition of mathematical models designed by Prof. Rao were the highlights of the celebrations. A booklet titled ‘Glorious Innings of Prof. Rao' was also brought out to commemorate this occasion.


20

Project in Uttarakhand As a part of a project in Uttarakhand supported by SBMA/ Plan India, an effort was made to improve the quality of science education in ten schools, five each from Uttarkashi and Gairsain districts of Uttarakhand. The following interventions were made: 1. Orientation Workshop at Ahmedabad: An orientation workshop on ‘Hands-on approaches in Science and Mathematics Education' was conducted at the Centre during 08-12 July 2008. 42 teachers and students participated in this workshop. The workshop was inaugurated by Ms. Meena Bhatt, State Project Director, SSA, Gujarat. The workshop included hands-on sessions, lectures and exposure visits. 2. Model Rocketry Workshop: Model Rocketry workshops were conducted at Uttarkashi during 16-18 April 2008 and at Gairsain during 20-22 April 2008. The participants learnt to fabricate single-stage and water-booster model rockets, which they launched on their own. A session on paper-plane making was also conducted. In all, 203 students of Std. 8-10 participated in these workshops. 3. Science Activity Centre: Ten Activity Centres were set up in the designated schools of the project. These were targeted towards students of Std. 5-10. Each Activity Centre was provided with science exhibits, models, teaching aids, publications and other such resource material along with detailed instructions on its use. 4. Lab upgradation: Simultaneously, the science labs of Std. 11 & 12 in these ten schools were also upgraded based on the basic necessity and feedback received from the schools. The necessary equipment and apparatus was provided to these schools. 5. Training Workshop: After setting up the activity centres and upgradation of labs, teachers' training was conducted. These trainings were aimed to train the teachers on using the Activity Centre Resource, TLM provided therein and hands-on approaches. Specific queries related to teaching science and maths were also targeted. These workshops were conducted during 13-17 October 2008 at Uttarkashi and during 19-23 October 2008 at Gairsain. Around 50 teachers participated in these workshops. Special Summer Programme Besides the Summer Programme conducted at the Centre, a few of them were conducted at different venues, which are mentioned below:

? A module of ‘Know our Universe' and Physics activities were conducted at the Karnavati Club, Ahmedabad during 19-23 May 2008. 40 students participated in these activities.


21

? Activities in Physics and Astronomy were conducted at British Council Library on 12 June 2008.

Similarly, a session on ‘Light' which included hands-on activities was conducted at the same venue on 13 June 2008.

Theatre Classes Drama classes were conducted by Jaswant Thakar Memorial Foundation at the Centre during July 2008 - June 2009. These were targeted at children of 7-16 years. The participants of this workshop presented a skit based on the theme ‘Conservation of Biodiversity' at the Biodiversity Fair organized at VIKSAT on 25 May 2008, which was highly appreciated by the audience. Educational Trips Educational trips to different places and institutes were organized for students to create awareness and expose them to latest trends in Science. The trips organized are as follows:

? A trip was organized to Gujarat Science City,

Ahmedabad on 08 May 2008 for 38 students of Summer Science Forum programme.

? A trip was organized to Sundervan Nature Park,

Ahmedabad on 22 May 2008 for 38 students of Summer Science Forum programme.

? A trip was organized to Indian Meterological Department, Ahmedabad on 28 May 2008 for 38 of students Summer Science Forum programme.

? Trips were organized to Kalp Systems on 11 October 2008 and 28 February 2009 for students of Me & my Computer programme.


22

SPECIAL PROGRAMMES F

SCIENCE EXPRESS

Science Express (Phase - I) VASCSC has been entrusted by Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India, with the task of managing the prestigious Indo-German project ‘Science Express' around the country. This exhibition was developed by the Max Planck Society, Germany and mounted by NCSTC, DST on a special train provided by Indian Railways. This sparkling white, fully air conditioned train has 16coaches, out of which 12 are exhibition coaches. The exhibition, with more than 300 large-format visual images, over 150 video clips and multimedia exhibits, deals extensively with cutting-edge research in science and technology. Though the exhibition is open for all, it primarily targets high school and college students. It attempts to develop scientific temper among them and encourage them to pursue careers in science. Further, it strives to take modern research out of the lab and reveal just how relevant science is to everyday life. During its Phase - I from 30 October 2007 - 04 June 2008, the train traveled over 15,000 km, 57 cities and 217 days, attracting 22.5 lakh visitors! The exhibition earned four places in the Limca Book of Records for its uniqueness. Ahmedabad earned the distinction of being the city having the highest number of visitors (1,64,992) to this exhibition. At Ahmedabad, the exhibition was inaugurated by Shri Narendrabhai Modi, Honorable Chief Minister of Gujarat. He became the first CM to have visited this exhibition. A grand concluding ceremony was organized at Delhi Safdarjung station on 04 June 2008. Dr. Kapil Sibal, Hon'ble Union Minister for Science & Technolgy and Earth Sciences; Professor Mehlhorn, Vice President, Max Planck Society and Julius G. Luy, Charge d' Affairs of the German Embassy were present at the concluding ceremony. Shri Kartikeya Sarabhai also graced the occasion with his presence. More information on www.science-express.com.


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The schedule of Science Express (Phase - I) during the year 2008 - 09: Date

Station /City

State

No. of Visitors

29 March - 02 April 2008

Mangalore

Karnataka

04 - 08 April 2008

Mumbai (CSTM)

Maharashtra

102552

09 - 13 April 2008

Kharki (Pune)

Maharashtra

58651

14 - 18 April 2008

Bharuch

Gujarat

48956

19 - 23 April 2008

Vadodara

Gujarat

81147

24 - 28 April 2008

Ahmedabad

Gujarat

164992

29 April 2008

Ratlam

Madhya Pradesh

13005

30 April - 3 May 2008

Laxmibai Nagar (Indore)

Madhya Pradesh

28457

04 - 08 May 2008

Bhopal (Habibganj)

Madhya Pradesh

72357

09 - 12 May 2008

Gwalior

Madhya Pradesh

34468

13 - 17 May 2008

Gandhinagar (Jaipur)

Rajasthan

18352

18 - 22 May 2008

Jodhpur

Rajasthan

53731

23 - 24 May 2008

Lalgarh (Bikaner)

Rajasthan

27171

25 - 27 May 2008

Bathinda

Punjab

50680

28 - 30 May 2008

Sahibabad

Uttar Pradesh

33749

31 May - 03 June 2008

Delhi Cantonment

Delhi

10870

04 June 2008

Delhi Safdarjung

63827

Concluding Function

Total Visitors (29 March - 04 June 2008)

862965

Science Express (Phase - II) The Science Express started its Phase - II from Delhi Safdarjung station on 30 November 2008. In this phase, it was scheduled to travel over 17,000 km covering 51 cities in 182 days. Most of the cities in its schedule were different from those in the previous phase. The Phase - II included a number of additions from VASCSC like redesigning the coach 'Frontiers of Science'. New exhibits from the Centre and other institutions like National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur; Rajiv Gandhi Biotechnology Centre, Nagpur; National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), Pune; Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Bangalore; Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), Gandhinagar; Institute of Seismological Research (ISR), Gandhinagar; Embedded Technology in Indian Culture, New Delhi; Dept. of Electrical Engineering, IIT, Mumbai; Ahmedabad Museum Club were included in this phase. The prime attraction was VASCSC's Joy of Science (JOS) lab where students could perform hands-on activities and experiments in Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Electronics and Mathematics. A number of additional activities were conducted by the Science Express team. These included 'Joy of Science' and 'Astronomy' outreach activities in local schools and institutions. A major highlight was conducting these activities at Central Jail in Udaipur and Govt. Observation Home (Juvenile Home) in Tiruchchirappalli. Platform activities like quiz competition, extempore public speaking, essay-writing, etc. were also conducted. A number of dignitaries visited this exhibition; the most illustrious being Mr. Digamber V. Kamat, Honorable Chief Minister of Goa. Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre

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The schedule of Science Express (Phase - II) during the year 2008 - 09: Date

Station /City

State

No. of Visitors JOS Participants

30 Nov 2008

Delhi Safdarjung

Delhi

Inauguration

02 - 04 Dec 2008

Udhampur

Jammu & Kashmir

8011

–

05 - 07 Dec 2008

RCF/Kapurthala

Punjab

4402

–

09 - 12 Dec 2008

Chandigarh

Punjab

12324

242

13 - 15 Dec 2008

Bathinda

Punjab

6680

106

17 - 19 Dec 2008

Jaisalmer

Rajasthan

4643

308

20 - 23 Dec 2008

Ajmer

Rajasthan

30635

812

24 - 27 Dec 2008

Udaipur

Rajasthan

99424

142

71062

418

29 Dec 08 - 01 Jan 09 Rajkot (Bhaktinagar) Gujarat 02 - 05 Jan 2009

Bhavnagar

Gujarat

112080

337

06 - 09 Jan 2009

Surat

Gujarat

69644

167

10 - 13 Jan 2009

Jalgaon

Maharashtra

56719

317

14 - 17 Jan 2009

Amravati

Maharashtra

84143

228

18 - 22 Jan 2009

Nagpur

Maharashtra

110545

334

23 - 25 Jan 2009

Raipur

Chhattisgarh

35883

65

27 - 30 Jan 2009

Bilaspur

Chhattisgarh

15683

204

31 Jan - 02 Feb 2009

Sambalpur

Orissa

11869

256

03 - 06 Feb 2009

Cuttack

Orissa

25303

249

07 - 09 Feb 2009

Berhampur

Orissa

15475

186

10 - 13 Feb 2009

Waltair

Andhra Pradesh

14777

302

14 - 16 Feb 2009

Rajamundry

Andhra Pradesh

12518

117

17 - 19 Feb 2009

Ongole

Andhra Pradesh

35498

178

20 - 22 Feb 2009

Renigunta

Andhra Pradesh

20368

136

23 - 25 Feb 2009

Vriddhachalam

Tamil Nadu

12888

278

26 - 28 Feb 2009

Tiruchchirappalli

Tamil Nadu

22034

244

01 - 04 Mar 2009

Madurai

Tamil Nadu

22499

480

05 - 07 Mar 2009

Nagercoil

Tamil Nadu

6044

176

08 - 10 Mar 2009

Alappuzha

Kerala

9270

479

11 - 14 Mar 2009

Palakkad

Kerala

12880

1021

15 - 18 Mar 2009

Kannur South

Kerala

18081

1399

19 - 21 Mar 2009

Madgaon

Goa

3828

249

22 - 25 Mar 2009

Ratnagiri

Maharashtra

15624

599

27 - 28 Mar 2009

Manmad

Maharashtra

7826

190

29 - 31 Mar 2009

Itarasi

Madhya Pradesh

12937

542

1001647

10761

Total Visitors (02 December 2008 - 31 March 2009) More details on www.sciencexpress.in.


25

SPECIAL PROGRAMMES G

PUBLICATIONS

The publications brought out by the Centre during 2008-09 are: Science Wall Planner The Science Wall Planner is a wall planner based on a scientific theme. It contains useful information like birthdays of eminent scientists, scientifically relevant days, astronomical events, etc. The year 2009 being ‘International Year of Astronomy'; the planner was based on this theme, to create interest of the community in Astronomy. This planner has been brought out in English language. This planner was catalyzed and supported by NCSTC. Fifteen thousand copies were distributed to schools all over the country. Vigyan Drishti Vigyan Drishti is a bimonthly science wall magazine in Gujarati. It is aimed at students of Std. 5 and above. Six issues were brought out during this year. It includes interesting articles and activities on topics such as Do it yourself, experiments, Mathematics, General Science, current topics, scientists, scientific phenomena, science in everyday life, etc. Glorious Innings of Prof. A. R. Rao Eminent mathematician Prof. A. R. Rao celebrated his 100th birthday in September 2008. To commemorate this proud occasion, a booklet was brought out depicting the life and work of Prof. Rao. Gammat Saathe Vignan A combined volume of Gammat Saathe Vignan (meaning ‘Fun with Science') was brought out this year. The book has been developed in Gujarati language and contains three parts: Puzzles with Matchsticks, Experiments with Tumblers and Experiments with Bottles. As the name suggests, the book contains funfilled science activities, puzzles and experiments. These can be performed using simple, inexpensive and readily available material like matchsticks, empty bottles and tumblers. The presentation is in a very simple language and has become popular with children and adults alike.


26

H

NETWORKING AND PARTICIPATION

VASCSC team members participated in the following programmes:

? A training on ‘Basic English' was organized during 25 March - 04 April 2008 at the Centre. Ms. Julie

Ciancio, Sr. English Language Fellow, Dept. of State, USA conducted this training in which 19 staff members participated.

? Ms. Foram Mehta and Ms. Smruti Buch attended a workshop on ‘Women in Science: A Career in Science' organized by Panel on ‘Women in Science-Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore and St. Xavier's College at St. Xavier's College on 13 September 2008.

? Ms. Pallavi Behara, Ms. Chaitalee Pravin and Mr. Bhaskar Shukla participated in a seminar on

‘Overall Development through Knowledge' by Mr. Sam Pitroda, Chairman, Knowledge Commission on 16 October 2008 at Ahmedabad.

? Ms. Megha Saklani and Ms. Neelam Mishra made a presentation of the Centre's activities and

attended the ‘National Workshop on Effective Strategies for Quality Improvement in Science and Mathematics Education at Upper Primary level' organized by Department of School Education and Literacy, MHRD and SSA, Punjab at Chandigarh on 24-26 November 2008.

? Mr. Dilip Surkar was interviewed on the educational radio channel Gyanvani regarding Centre's activities at Gyanvani Radio Station on 24 November 2008.

? Mr. Dilip Surkar was the Chief Guest and inaugurated

the District level Science Fair organized at Nalanda Shikshan Sankul, Ranip on 30 September 2008.

? Ms. Satyapriya Panigrahi attended the ‘National

Workshop on Light Scattering - its applications in Astrophysics and other fields' organized at Gujarat College, Ahmedabad on 07-08 November 2008.

? Mr. Dilip Surkar inaugurated the 16th Annual Science Festival organized by Narmadanagar Community Science Centre during 06-07 December 2008.

? Ms. Foram Mehta attended a training programme on ‘Planet Earth' for Master Resource Persons of Western Region, supported by NCSTC at Gujarat Science City during 04-06 December 2008.

? Mr. Dilip Surkar, Ms. Foram Mehta and Ms. Megha Saklani attended the 29th Vikram Sarabhai Memorial Lecture on ‘We are the Weather Makers-the story of global warming’ by Dr. Tim Flannery at Ahmedabad Management Association, Ahmedabad on 01 February 2009.


27

? Mr. Rakesh Tewary attended the ‘International Conference on Planetary Science' organized by the Indian Planetary Society at Mumbai during 02-04 February 2009.

? The staff members of the Centre gave 30-minute talks on All India Radio, Ahmedabad Centre. Mr. Dilip Surkar gave a talk on the Centre's activities, Ms. Hema Vasavada gave a talk on ‘Fun with Maths, Ms. Foram Mehta gave a talk on ‘Science Hands Approach for Students' and Ms. Megha Saklani spoke on ‘Helen Keller'.

? The Science Express team on board attended a night sky watching programme at Vadodara, organized by Sanskruti Astronomy and Nature Club on 20 April 2008.

? The Science Express team members on board, attended the training sessions on ‘Soft Skill Development' conducted by management trainer Ms. Suparna Dutta at Palakkad during 12-13 March 2009.

? The Science Express team members on board, attended a session titled ‘Teaching Mathematics by

Innovative Methods - Fun Maths and Mind Games' was conducted by Mr. T. R. Jothilingam, Station Master, Manamadurai Junction at Madurai on 03 March 2009.

? The Science Express team members visited a number of

institutions like Pilikula Biological Park, Mangalore; Amravati University, Amravati; Central Rice Research Institute; Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneshwar; National Environment Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur; Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar; Birla Nehru Planetarium, Kolkata and Jyoti lab, Rajkot during their tour with the train.

? Mr. Dilip Surkar attended NCERT's Departmental Advisory Board's meetings at New Delhi on 16 October 2008 and 28 January 2008 and at GUJCOST's Executive Committee's meeting at Gandhinagar on 21 February 2009.

Some dignitaries who visited the Centre included the following:

? Mr. Binay Pattanayak, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, New Delhi visited the Centre on 08 August 2008.

? Mr. Paul Folmsbee, US Consul General visited the Centre on 08 September 2008.

? Mr. M. P. Vipulasena, Director of Education (Science &

Mathematics), Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka visited the Centre on 08 February 2009.


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VASCSC has been networking with several institutions and organizations. The following is a list of some of the collaborating institutions:

? All India Radio (AIR), Ahmedabad ? Ahmedabad Museum Club, Ahmedabad ? American Corner, Ahmedabad ? B G India, New Delhi ? British Library, Ahmedabad ? BASF India, New Delhi ? Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmedabad ? Centre for Environment Planning & Technology (CEPT) University, Ahmedabad ? Dept. of Electrical Engineering, IIT, Mumbai ? Embedded Technology in Indian Culture, New Delhi ? Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST), Gandhinagar ? Gujarat Council of Science City, Ahmedabad ? Gujarat Science Academy (GSA), Ahmedabad ? Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT), Pune ? Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Ahmedabad & Bangalore ? Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), Gandhinagar ? Institute of Seismological Research (ISR), Gandhinagar ? Karnavati Club, Ahmedabad ? Kutchmitra Regional Community Science Centre, Bhuj ? Manorama Sheth Education Fund, Ahmedabad ? Max Planck Society, Germany ? Mridula Sarabhai Foundation, Ahmedabad ? Plan India, New Delhi ? Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad ? National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur ? National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), Pune ? Rajiv Gandhi Biotechnology Centre, Nagpur ? Rashtriya Vigyan Evam Prodyogiki Sanchar Parishad (RVPSP), DST, New Delhi ? State Teachers Training Institute (STTI), Gandhinagar ? Shri O. V. Sheth Regional Community Science Centre, Rajkot ? Shri Bhuvaneshwari Mahila Ashram (SBMA), Uttarakhand ? Vigyan Prasar, New Delhi ? Vikram Sarabhai Centre for Development Interaction (VIKSAT), Ahmedabad ? Jaswant Thakar Memorial Trust, Ahmedabad


29

H

AWARDS AND FELICITATIONS

National Award The Centre became the proud recipient of the prestigious ‘National Award for Outstanding Efforts in Science and Technology Communication' for the year 2008. The National Award was presented by the Department of Science and Technology, RVPSP, Government of India. The Centre received the award for developing innovative science based teaching learning materials, pioneering Science Playground and activity room, developing interest in science through posters, competitions, exhibitions, in different states. With this, VASCSC became the first institute in Gujarat to have received this prestigious award. Mr. Dilip Surkar, Executive Director, VASCSC, received the National Award, certificate and shield on behalf of the Centre at the hands of Shri Kapil Sibal, Honorable Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, in a ceremonial function organized on 27 February 2009. The function was organized on the eve of the National Science Day Celebration in the Raman Auditorium of Technology Bhavan, New Delhi. Many dignitaries graced the grand function. Felicitation of Prof. A R Rao Prof. A. R. Rao was felicitated to honour him for the services he has rendered in the field of Mathematics education. The felicitation was conducted at a grand ceremony organized at Gujarat Science City on 04 May 2008. Shri L. K. Advani felicitated him with a shawl while a memento was presented by Shri Narendrabhai Modi, Honorable Chief Minister of Gujarat. A number of dignitaries attended this event. Besides this, Prof. Rao's nomination was invited by DST for the prestigious ‘Kalinga Award'. The necessary material was furnished and his nomination was put forward for the award by the Centre.


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K Chairman Shri Sam Pitroda 301, Trinity Lane Oakbrook, IL 60523, USA Central Government Nominees The Secretary School Education and Literacy Department of School Education & Literacy MHRD, Government of India Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi 110 001 The Financial Advisor Department of Education Integrated Finance Division MHRD, Government of India Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi 110 001 State Government Nominee The Principal Secretary Department of Education Government of Gujarat Block no. 5, 7th Floor New Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar 382 010

BOARD OF GOVERNORS Prof. Indira Parikh President Foundation for Liberal and Management Education Gate No. 1270, Village Lavle, Vadzhai Taluka Mulshi, Pune 411 042 Ms. Meena Raghunathan Director – CSW, GMR Varalakshmi Foundation 6-2-953, I Floor, Krishna Plaza Khairatabad, Hyderabad 500 004 Dr. Vinod Raina Bharat Gyan Vigyan Samiti YWA Hostel no.2, “G” block SAKET, New Delhi 110 001 Shri Kartikeya V. Sarabhai Director, Centre for Environment Education Thaltej Tekra, Ahmedabad 380 054 Dr. Mallika V. Sarabhai Director Darpana Academy of Performing Arts Usmanpura, Ahmedabad 380 013

Members Shri B. S. Bhatia 19, Amrashirish Bunglows Prahladnagar, Vejalpur, Ahmedabad 380 051

Mrs. Mrinalini V. Sarabhai Chairperson Nehru Foundation for Development Chidambaram, Usmanpura, Ahmedabad 380 013

Ms. Indu Capoor Director, CHETNA B - Block, 3rd Floor, Supath - II Ashram Road, Vadaj, Ahmedabad 380 014

Dr. Abhijit Sen Dean, Institute of Plasma Research Near Indira Bridge, Bhat Village, Gandhinagar 382 424

Dr. Bharat B. Chattoo Coordinator Biotechnology Program Dept. of Microbiology & Biotechnology Centre M. S. University of Baroda, Vadodara 390 002 Prof. P. K. Kaw Director, Institute of Plasma Research Near Indira Bridge, Bhat, Gandhinagar 382 424 Shri A. S. Manekar Director, Nehru Science Centre Dr. E. Moses Road, Worli, Mumbai 400 018 Fr. J. J. Morondo S.J. St. Xavier's High School - Loyola Hall, Ahmedabad 380 013 Dr. R. R. Navalgund Director, Space Application Centre SAC Post, Jodhpur Tekra, Ahmedabad 380 053


Shri Rasubhai Vakil Director, CEPT University Kasturbhai Lalbhai Campus, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380 009 The Director National Council of Educational Research & Training Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi 110 016 The Director VIKSAT Nehru Foundation for Development Thaltej Tekra, Ahmedabad 380 054 The Secretary Nehru Foundation for Development Thaltej Tekra, Ahmedabad 380 054 Member Secretary (Ex-Officio) Shri Dilip Surkar Executive Director Vikram A. Sarabhai Community Science Centre Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380 009

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