Since 25 years, Muktangan Exploratory Science Centre arousing science learning among children
Pune – Established in 1992 Muktangan Exploratory Science Centre (MESC), a unit of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Pune Kendra is the brain child of Late Dr. V. G. Bhide, a noted scientist and educationist.
“Our Centre aspires to stimulate curiosity and arouse science learning in all age groups – students, teachers and community in general. The Centre is working incessantly in innovative science education since 25 years”, said Neha Nirgudkar, Deputy Director MESC.
In their Core Program – Science through experiments, (once a week, one and half hour lab session, yearly program – June to March) children from various schools are encouraged to experience science by performing experiments and activities in seven well-equipped and state-of- the-art laboratories (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Electronics, Earth science, Computer Science) instead of formal learning. Here the children learn to explore and experiment, invent and innovate. This is highly beneficial in their conceptual understanding of the precepts of the various science disciplines.
She further added, “We also impart Homi Bhabha Young Scientist Exam – guidance (theory & practical) for Std. 6 students. (June to September) & STD. 9 students (only practical guidance ). We also have broad spectrum of science activities/programs for the school children – inter-school essay writing competition, quiz competition, project competitions, creativity workshops, nature trails, summer and winter workshops, A day with exploratory, balloon planetarium shows, Talks on emerging technologies, amazing science week, etc.”
Other major attractions include Innovation Hub at our Center, which has been started with support from National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Kolkata (Central Govt.) The Innovation Hub component will be introduced/ integrated in Electronics, Computer Lab activities from the next academic year (2018-19). All the above science activities/programs of MESC are exclusive, highly differentiated from mere science museums/ other science center visits (only one time) of students. The programs/activities are indeed very distinctive, putting science in proper perspective for the students in particular and other segments (teachers, parents, general public etc.) of society in general.
“Over 2000 students take the benefit of our innovative science activities every year. Students from over fifty different schools enthusiastically participate in our core program as well as our other science activities throughout the year. So far since inception, more than 50,000 students have largely benefitted from our exciting science activities/programs. Currently, we have three active Centers – viz. at Senapati Bapat Road, Kothrud & Nigdi. Our Centre received wide-spread recognition and has won prestigious awards like Indian Merchant Chamber (IMC) Mumbai for popularizing science education – 2006; National Award for Outstanding Efforts in Science & Technology Popularization Among Children, by National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC) of Department of Science and Technology 2014”, Nirgudkar added.
