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This is an innovative proposal by Svarnim Puducherry to introduce Science Project-based Experiential Learning through Basic Electronics and Dynamic Toys to the children of 15 government schools in Puducherry.
By engaging in science-based projects and utilizing scientific methods, children will enhance their critical thinking skills, apply science to real-world problem-solving, and utilize ICT to develop projects that can address simple problems. This initiative aims to foster product/prototype development among students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, with technical support and hands-on activities focusing on the fundamental mechanics of dynamic toys.
Furthermore, children will be introduced to basic electronics concepts, gradually progressing to advanced mechatronics. They will also gain an understanding of IoT (Internet of Things) application development and block code-based scratch programming.
The project will be implemented through a combination of mentor-learner and peer-peer learning approaches, fostering teamwork and collaborative learning.
With support from National Council for Science & Technology Communication, Department of Science & Technology, Govt of India Svarnim Puducherry would be carrying out the Robotic project in 15 schools which also includes 7 ATL (Atal Tinkering lab) schools in Puducherry. The project has an approval from the Directorate of School Education to carry out the project in the schools. Experienced trainers will conduct technical sessions in the schools with the help of specially designed kits as well as teach children on visual programming that will help in the robotics-based projects.
As part of the initiation of the Robotics/Dynamic toys project, in government schools, sessions are being held where basic concept of robotics/electronics was given by the project team using samples and also through a multimedia presentation. The methodology of what would happen for the entire academic year was briefed to the children. The children showed much enthusiasm and interest and there was very good cooperation from the school management as well.
The National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) in India has supported a project on robotics and dynamic toys in 15 government schools in the Puducherry district. The objective is to acquaint children with the latest developments in robotics and electronics, opening their minds to creative ideas. The basics of electronic components and their use were introduced to the students in the classroom at the beginning of the sessions. SP trainers assist students in doing independent experiments and self-exploration using kits based on breadboards. Children explore, gradually progressing from basic concepts to more complex ideas and thoughts. In January 2024, under the direction of Svarnim Puducherry, the robotics crew orchestrated a scientific exhibition for different government school students in the Puducherry region. Intending to learn more about the technological world required in the twenty-first century, 400 students from 10 different government schools participated in the event. The exhibition showcased models related to energy harvesting, firefighting robots, surveillance robots, smart traffic light systems, radar, touchless wash basins, 3-way switches, milk vending machines, automatic cloth protection on the terrace, and push buttons. The judges and classmates were inspired to investigate and use their knowledge in practical circumstances by the creative designs of the students, which were on exhibit in the school auditorium. The headmaster and the science instructors were the judges who evaluated the creative effort of the students, which helped them to acquire scientific concepts effectively. With the assistance of robotics instructors from Svarnim Puducherry, students demonstrated innovative thinking in real-life practice. The science instructor and the school director were pleasantly surprised by the student’s commitment to their studies through experiments, justifications, and exhibition designs. The judges gave an outstanding review for showcasing the collaborative efforts of experts, teachers, and students. In addition, the robotics group chose three models for the upcoming display from ten schools, and the 10 government school authorities expressed gratitude for the robotics team's support.
The robotics summer camp was conducted by the Sri Aurobindo Society and was facilitated by the Svarnim Puducherry Robotics team. The robotics summer camp was officially inaugurated by the Chairman of Sri Aurobindo Society, Shri Pradeep Narang, and Shri Kaushal Sharma. A delegate of the Sri Aurobindo Society gave a keynote speech to encourage students to participate actively during the summer camp. The primary goal of the summer camp is to allow students to improve their understanding of technology, from basic to advanced.
Science is all about observing things and processes around us and trying to understand them by asking the appropriate questions of what, why, how, and when. Understanding science and having a scientific attitude towards all that happens around us is of utmost importance as a society’s advancement is based on knowledge, skills, and resources and above all, how we use them sustainably and not taxing the environment around us.
Science and technology is an everyday word that we hear but mostly we do not understand it so well. The result is that a lot of things are spread in the name of science without the basic analysis and process of critical thinking, and experimentation resulting in a lot of pseudo-science getting spread. And sadly, technology plays a major role in spreading such fake concepts/messages as well.
Children, though learn science, it is detached from everyday life and moreover, technology is not understood the way it should have been but rather as a black box robbing children of its curiosity, upscaling and developing the product further or upgradation, making youth unable to be an entrepreneur or to think of as one. When they come across real-time projects with industry or even societal applications, they are facing more difficulties.
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