Bangalore, Chethan Kumar, Aug 12:As the modalities for the proposed Science City project near Yelahanka in Bangalore take shape, the government has planned to set up a Sub-Regional Science Centre in Bagalkot.
The Centre, sources said, will host anti-superstition programmes, teachers’ training programme focused on science and technology, community awareness programme, science film shows et al.
Similar in concept to Science City, the smaller centre in Bagalkot will focus on developments in science and technology. It will be spread across a minimum of five acres at an estimated cost of Rs three crore.
To be completed in 27 months after all the approvals are granted, the centre will boast of an inflatable dome planetarium (Taramandala) for interactive learning of astronomy, a 150-seat auditorium, an exhibit lab and a library, among other things.
Sources in the Science and Technology department said the centre will hold regular educational programmes such as science demonstration lecture, creative ability programme, sky observation through telescopes and computer awareness programmes.
Training hall
“It will have a training hall and a model school science centre where students will learn the basic principles of science through experimentation in science and fabrication of science models, which can be used as teaching aids,” another source said.
This will supplement the formal science education imparted in schools, he added.
Besides, the centre will have a thematic gallery on a theme of scientific importance as well as of social relevance such as environment, natural resources, indigenous technology et al, highlighting the local resources and their apt utilisation. “The exhibits will be mostly interactive and supplemented with visuals, illustrations and artefacts,” the source said, adding that a programme ––Fun Science –– will see a group of interactive exhibits on physical science, mathematics, geography, geology, electronics, life sciences, chemistry, among other things, providing curriculum support to the students as well as making science learning a fun for the visitors.
Herbal plant area
Just like the Science City project, focus on learning science outside of the four walls will see interactive exhibits placed aesthetically in the lush greenery of the park.
“Children play with them while they learn the fundamentals of science. Water body, aviary, animalarium, herbal and medicinal plant corner will all be accommodated here,” the source said.
The building will have an approximate covered area of 1,024 sqm, of which 512 sqm will be used as exhibit display halls, 216 sqm as visitors’ activity area and remaining 216 sqm as exhibit development laboratory, office, etc.
* To portray growth of S&T and their application in industry, human welfare
* Develop scientific attitude and temper
*To popularise S&T for benefit of students, common man.
* To supplement science education in schools and colleges
* To design, develop and fabricate science exhibits, demonstration equipment
* To organise training programmes for science teachers, students, young entrepreneurs on specific subjects
