 |
| National
Science Centre |
 The
National Science Centre at Pragati Maidan,
is the largest Science Centre in Asia and houses the biggest
single exhibit of the energy ball model - defying the
laws of gravity but proving the wonders of Science.The
Giant Energy ball model in the reception area is the first
to attract the attention of the visitor. The winding stairs
alongside, lead to more...
Spread in six different floors, the National Science Centre
was set up in 1992 to build the scientific tempo of school
children. But the quest for knowledge and the rare exhibit
of science in a simple form, draws people from all age
groups.
'Learn while you play' is the motto of the science park.According
to Kailash Chandra of NSC, "The basic objective
of the centre is to provide an interactive medium of instruction
to the learners. We look beyond the knowledge through
books." In one of the floors a message read:
'I read I forget ...I do I remember'.
Under the interactive facilities are the different models
of physics, mathematical games and chemistry, where the
students participate in the experiments.
The heritage gallery here portrays the achievements of
Indian science and technology in the ancient times. One
can find the traditional 24-spoke Konark Wheel and even
the artifacts of the Indian Railways. A mock up coal mine
is an added attraction here displaying the complete process
of a coal washery. The Planetarium here displays the best
of the space technologies including models of Indian spaceships.
 Dinosaurs
Gallery, which became an instant hit last year, is done
up by the expert curators and educationalists. Dinosaurs
Alive - is a thrilling display of life size robotic dinosaurs,
pneumatically controlled and programmed through computers.
A full scale period setting of the early Mesozoic era
when the mammoth reptiles strode the earth and how they
became extinct, is shown here in an interesting manner.
Four representative life-size species of dinosaurs with
animations are on display. The Robotic dinosaurs have
been presently moved to the Calcutta Amusement Park on
a rotational basis and will be back in display soon.
In keeping with the cyber technology developments in India,
the NSC has a separate section on computers and internet
technologies. The education faculty organises demonstration
classes every morning for students keen on knowing more
about the internet and educational CD ROMs.The NSC has
been involved in various activities in the city, joining
hands with major players in the field of education and
science.
According to Kailash Chandra of NSC, they organised an
International Fair on science and technology with support
of Intel. There have been quizzes on science with Discovery
and lectures by British Council and other leading partners.
On special occasions like the World Forestry Day, Health,
Ozone day etc. thematic exhibitions are regularly organized.
The NSC organises different packages for students in a
group of over 15. The bookings generally come in from
schools and the NSC is able to organize separate demos
and presentations on specific topics.
To further spread the scientific momentum, NSC is currently
planning a Human Gallery - an interactive medium of understanding
the body metabolism and functioning of the body organs
with life-size models. Where education is at the speed
of thought, NSC will be happening place. Education here
in India, defying all laws of gravity! |
| - Saurabh Sharma |
|
|
|
5:36:33 PM 
