The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has launched the Science on Wheels programme to promote practical science education in Himachal Pradesh. This initiative aims to reach 50 schools across the districts of Mandi, Kullu, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Kangra, focusing on students from Classes 6 to 12. It offers hands-on learning experiences to help students connect classroom lessons with real-world scientific concepts.
- Science on Wheels covers 50 schools in Himachal Pradesh.
- It targets students in Classes 6 to 12 with six hours of practical activities per school.
- The programme focuses on space technology, robotics, sustainability, and water filtration.
- It is a collaboration between IIT Mandi, Plaksha University, and the IDYM Foundation.
- The initiative is supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
- Previously, it reached over 7,500 students in Chhattisgarh and Punjab.
What is the Science on Wheels programme?
Science on Wheels is an educational outreach programme designed to bring practical science experiments and activities to schools, especially in rural areas. It provides students with hands-on learning sessions lasting about six hours at each school. The activities are organized around four main themes: space technology, robotics, sustainability, and water filtration. This approach helps students develop scientific curiosity, rational thinking, creativity, and innovation.
Which schools and regions does the programme cover?
The programme targets 50 schools across five districts in Himachal Pradesh: Mandi, Kullu, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Kangra. Initial visits have already taken place in government senior secondary schools in the Mandi district, including Badog, Baggi (K), Bari Gumanu, Batheri, and Deori. The initiative plans to expand its reach to more schools in the coming weeks.
Who supports and leads the initiative?
The Science on Wheels programme is a collaborative effort between IIT Mandi, Plaksha University, and the Igniting Dreams of Young Minds (IDYM) Foundation. It is supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, through the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC). The project is led by Rucha Joshi, principal investigator at Plaksha University, with team members from IIT Mandi and Plaksha University.
What are the goals of the programme?
The main goal is to make science education more accessible and engaging for students, especially those in remote and rural areas. By offering practical experiments and demonstrations, the programme aims to foster scientific interest and inspire students to contribute to India’s technological progress. IIT Mandi Director Laxmidhar Behera emphasized the importance of developing a scientific mindset among children to support a self-reliant India.
What activities are included in the programme?
Students participate in hands-on experiments related to space technology, robotics, sustainability, and water filtration. A highlight of the launch event was a live hydro rocket launch, which demonstrated scientific principles such as force, pressure, and motion. These activities help students see the connection between theoretical knowledge and practical applications.
How has the programme impacted students so far?
Before expanding to Himachal Pradesh, Science on Wheels reached over 7,500 students through 70 schools in Chhattisgarh and Punjab. Students have expressed excitement and a new appreciation for science after participating in the activities. One student at IIT Mandi Campus School described the rocket launch as an amazing experience that changed their view of science.
What do educators say about Science on Wheels?
Educators involved in the programme praise its impact. Deshraj Sharma, principal of IIT Mandi Campus School, highlighted how the initiative provides students in remote areas with rare opportunities to engage with scientific equipment and experiments. He called the project noble for broadening students’ horizons and creating new future opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which students can participate in Science on Wheels?
A: The programme is designed for students in Classes 6 to 12 across selected schools in Himachal Pradesh.
Q: What themes does the programme focus on?
A: The activities cover space technology, robotics, sustainability, and water filtration.
Q: Who supports the Science on Wheels initiative?
A: It is supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, and led by IIT Mandi, Plaksha University, and the IDYM Foundation.
Q: How long does the programme spend at each school?
A: Approximately six hours of hands-on learning activities are conducted at each school.
