In collaboration with SPACE India, Sri Venkateshwar International School, Sector 18A, Dwarka hosted a range of activities for the students of classes I to XII during the GLOBAL ASTRONOMY MONTH, in order to instil the feeling of love for Astronomy and Space. The young astronomers participated in plethora of activities with great zeal and enthusiasm and showcased their talent under the Universe In The School program of SPACE India.
Global Astronomy Month was introduced to the students in assembly and was inaugurated by Ms. Nita Arora, Principal, Sri Venkateshwar International School. A total of 23 events were conducted under GAM 2019.
SUN DAY CELEBRATIONS were held on April 8, 2019. About 2069 students and 50 teachers (Total – 2,119 participants) observed the sun safely under supervision of Ms. Heena Bhatia, Senior Educator, SPACE India. Students observed Sun through solar view goggles and Telescope. They learnt about Sun, some facts and its importance in our life. They were also informed that why it is unsafe to observe the sun with naked eyes. Students and teachers thoroughly enjoyed the activity.
Students conducted safe solar observation in their society. They viewed Sun through solar view goggles and thus, educated the community about our Star: The Sun.
To appreciate the beauty of the night sky and to raise awareness of how poor-quality lighting creates light pollution, students of class VI celebrated International Dark Sky Week by organizing sky watch in their residential societies. They clicked photographs of the night sky when the lights were switched ON and OFF. They made their society members, parents as well as relatives aware of the impact of light pollution on astronomical studies.
Global Star Party was also organized for class V students, on April 15, 2019. Some of class VI students were selected as the volunteers for smooth conduction of the event. Students not only enjoyed watching beautiful telescopic view of the Moon but also participated in various Astronomy activities such as Lung capacity challenge, Hit the space rocks, hydro rocketry, weigh yourself on different planets and Ring the planets with great fervour. Not only students but parents were also amazed by viewing the Moon through telescope. The event was graced by the presence of Ms. Nita Arora, Principal, Sri Venkateshwar International School.
Students got the opportunity to participate in the session at Rajya Sabha TV on the topic Anti Satellite Missile (Shakti Mission) and EMISAT Mission, in the programme Space Talk Show. They actively interacted with eminent personalities at the talk show like Dr. AS Kiran Kumar(former ISRO chairman), Dr. Vikram Saraswat (former DRDO chief), famous science-editor Mr. Pallava Bagla and renowned chemical scientist Mr. Ravi. It was a absorbing session and people also shared their experience with the budding scientists.
Students of classes IV and V celebrated Yuri’s Night wherein they made beautiful cards and wrote amazing messages for the First Man in Space Yuri Gagarin.
A screening of the movie ‘The Pororo- Pororo’s exciting space adventure’ was held for the students of classes I and II through which students learnt about galaxies and planets. They also learnt about space rocks and rocket as a space vehicle.
As part of Earth Day celebrations and to express our concern for mother earth, students of classes V and VI planted saplings, made posters and cleaned their societies. Students also made their parents and society members aware about the protection of our mother Earth.
Students participated in Astro Art and Astro Poetry competitions in which they exhibited their skills by making various astronomical objects, Galaxies, landing on Moon and many more and also wrote poems related to astronomy, Moon, Planets, etc. Also, a beautiful Astro poem was written by Ms. Nita Arora, Principal, Sri Venkateshwar International School.
Students not only showed their enthusiasm and zeal but also showcased their creative and analytical thinking skills by participating in Astro logo designing, Astro bookmark making, Astro placards and Astro word search activities.
The UITS program remains unmatched to see and behold. It was a great learning experience which gave them an edge to learn Astronomy and the Celestial World. The creative young minds could explore far beyond what normal eyes could see and the students look forward to see more such fun-filled learning experiences.
