Students from SPN College in Jalandhar recently organized an educational planetarium programme that captivated more than 250 schoolchildren from across the region. The event successfully blended theoretical knowledge with practical astronomical observations.
College Students Lead Educational Initiative
The programme was conceptualized and executed by students pursuing their Bachelor of Education degree at S.P.N. College, Dhilwan, located in Jalandhar district. Under the guidance of their faculty members, these future educators designed an immersive learning experience for younger students.
Dr. Rakesh Kumar Verma, the college principal, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in fostering scientific temperament among young minds. He noted that hands-on experiences with astronomy can significantly enhance students' understanding of complex scientific concepts.
Interactive Learning Sessions
The planetarium programme featured multiple engaging sessions that covered various aspects of astronomy and space science. Students participated in interactive demonstrations that explained celestial phenomena in an accessible manner.
One of the highlights was the telescope observation session, where children had the rare opportunity to view celestial objects directly. This practical component complemented the theoretical knowledge shared during indoor sessions.
The participating schools included Green Land Senior Secondary School, Cambridge International School, and Shiv Jyoti Public School, among others. Teachers accompanying the students praised the programme for its educational value and innovative approach to science education.
Building Scientific Curiosity
Organizers designed the programme specifically to ignite interest in astronomy and space sciences among school-aged children. The sessions were tailored to be age-appropriate while still challenging students to think critically about the universe.
College faculty members observed that such outreach programmes benefit both the participating schoolchildren and the college students who organize them. The B.Ed. students gained valuable experience in educational planning and science communication.
The event concluded with positive feedback from all participants, with many schoolteachers expressing interest in future collaborations. The success of this planetarium programme demonstrates the effectiveness of peer-led science education initiatives in inspiring the next generation of scientists and astronomers.
