Along with regular school curriculum, students are expected to undergo co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. The aim of such activities is to tap into the curiosity and skillsets of individual students and help in shaping them. STEM and Space Science education makes use of concepts from science and maths, and exposes students to the current technologies in use around them at a young age. Activities such as astronomy lectures by experts, telescope handling, stargazing, lab experiments and projects are all designed to help students develop their scientific temperament along with fostering their core concepts.
Beyond its simple fascinating nature, astronomy is a science that offers something new to learners at every level, making it one of the best co-curricular activities for schools.
Space science consists of astronomy, astrophysics, electronics, rocket science, earth science and many more so it can be considered as one of the most effective methods to apply STEM education. Space science helps student build conceptual understanding about all the fields and helps to develop curiosity through applications. Space science provides opportunities for the student to get hands-on experience on the advanced instruments and introduces them with experimental techniques which help student develop critical thinking, decision making and problem solving. Space science education contributes significantly in the creation of technologically educated manpower pool.
Benefits:
Getting a formal introduction to Astronomy and Space Science
Developing and fostering scientific and critical thinking
Inducing independent thinking and creating aptitude for research
Learning about the progression of Astronomy from an observational to a scientific field
Training on handling and working of professional astronomical telescope
Learning about various tools and techniques used by astronomers for observations and research
Learning about the impact of Astronomy on daily life through technology transfer and applications
Inculcating creative ideas in students through project based learning
Space science exhibition at your school under the guidance of mentors and experts in the fields of astronomy and space science
With the current advancement in this field, there will be a continuous demand of professionals. In India, astronomy and space science courses are taught at the post graduate level. These courses are generally specialized. There is a need of a curriculum that fills the gap between the current school - college curriculum and skills required for these specialized courses.
Timeline:
For Astronomy education,
| Mode of Teaching | Months | Number of Hours/Sessions |
|---|---|---|
| Theory Lectures | July-August | 20-25 hours (up to 4 hours per week) |
| Experiments/Activities | September | 5 sessions |
| Q/A sessions & MCQ Tests | September | 3-4 sessions |
| Stargazing | October-November | 1-2 sessions |
| Space Science Exhibition | November | Event |
For STEM activities,
A total of 15 sessions every year will be conducted after discussions with school management
