Bhubaneswar: The Regional Science Centre in Bhubaneswar, in partnership with the JSW Foundation, initiated a Mobile Science Exhibition (MSE) program on Sunday, designed to deliver experiential science education to students in rural and underserved regions of Odisha.
The MSE van was launched by Sibani Mohanty, Additional Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology and Secretary of the Odisha Bigyan Academy, along with Kapil Jain, head of the Regional Science Centre.
After the flag-off ceremony, the specially designed van set off from the RSC to reach seven targeted districts: Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Kendrapara, Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, and Jajpur.
This initiative is anticipated to benefit over 60,000 students, especially those enrolled in government and disadvantaged schools.
The exhibition, titled ‘Science in Everyday Life’, aims to enhance accessibility to science education by bringing interactive learning experiences directly to schools in remote locations, transcending the limitations of traditional science centers.
The MSE is outfitted with 20 interactive scientific models designed to engage students, allowing them to participate in activities, observe scientific phenomena, and grasp the underlying principles.
The exhibits address practical concepts relevant to daily life, such as sound intensity, height and distance measurement, water footprint, electrical circuits, gravity, temperature effects, and alternative energy sources.
Information is presented in both Odia and English, supplemented with audio features to ensure inclusivity for students from various backgrounds.
During the launch, Kapil Jain highlighted that this initiative is crucial for democratizing access to hands-on science education and nurturing curiosity and a scientific mindset in students. He stated, “Science is not confined to textbooks and laboratories but is an integral part of everyday life. Through the mobile exhibition, students in underserved areas will get an opportunity to learn scientific concepts through direct interaction and hands-on experiences.”
The partnership with JSW Foundation is expected to enhance the outreach of science communication and education throughout Odisha.
As the MSE travels through the selected districts, it will host interactive sessions, science demonstrations, and engaging science shows for students.
This initiative represents a significant advancement by the City RSC in promoting inclusive, participatory, and experiential science education, ensuring that students in remote and underserved communities have the chance to interact meaningfully with scientific concepts.
