Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kangan-AC, Mian Mehar Ali and Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore today inaugurated four Cosmic Astronomy and Science Labs set up under Tribal Plan as part of the UT Capex scheme in various schools of District Ganderbal.
These Cosmic Astronomy and Science Labs have been set up at Boys Higher Secondary School Kangan, Boys Higher Secondary School Hariganiwan, Boys Higher Secondary School Gund and High School Chountwaliwar. Speaking at the event, DC said these labs have been set up under Tribal Plan of UT Capex mainly in tribal areas, as part of an effort to develop scientific temper among students and a sense of curiosity about astronomy and science as well provide them access to interactive learning resources, ensuring equity and inclusiveness in education.
These Cosmic Astronomy and Science Labs have been aesthetically designed to create an immersive learning environment. The walls of the labs are painted with stars, planets, galaxies, and other celestial elements, giving the space a distinctive cosmic ambience.
This visually engaging setting is intended to spark curiosity, inspire imagination, and cultivate a deeper interest among students in astronomy and space science. Each lab has been equipped with Interactive Display Boards with touch-based interaction, and multimedia content, allowing teachers to effectively demonstrate complex scientific and astronomy concepts such as planetary motion, constellations, eclipses, and space missions in an engaging manner.
Chief Education Officer, Ganderbal informed that the labs will ensure hands-on experiments on light, motion, gravity, and celestial phenomena, and will help students to grasp complex science concepts through practical applications and demonstrations. The Astronomy Smart Classrooms and science labs integrate elements of Physics, Mathematics, Biology, Environmental Science and Astronomy.
DC said these labs will greatly benefit students by enhancing their conceptual understanding of astronomy, physics and other sciences, encouraging observation-based learning, and developing critical thinking skills. It will also inspire interest among students in space science, nurture scientific temperament, and open pathways for future careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Kangan said that the Astronomy Labs will serve as a valuable platform to make learning more interactive, innovative, and aligned with modern scientific education. He further expressed hope that students will be actively involved in science education and in future make valuable contributions in STEM fields.
DC urged upon the officers of Education Department that in future students from nearby schools of Kangan are also brought on educational tours to these Labs so that students from other schools are able to benefit from these labs.Chief Planning Officer, Ganderbal, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kangan, Chief Education Officer, Principals of said schools and other officers and officials besides teachers were also present at the inaugurations.