Science museum goes mobile

KOZHIKODE: The Central government is planning to popularise science education through the network of science museums established around the country.

Studies have found that science museums with their exhibits comprising working models and replicas, touch screens, planetariums, charts and group activities inspire more interest in science than classroom learning, said G.S. Rautela, director-general of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), which manages 27 science museums and has built 18 museums, now operated by State governments.

Mr. Rautela said 22 mobile science centres were operating across the country. He said mobile science centres were being equipped with telescopes, portable planetariums and live demonstrations of scientific experiments. They have also been mandated with identified talented students in rural areas. �In an ideal situation, every district should have a mobile centre. Our country is so huge that we are faced with a paucity of trained staff, but ultimately we will reach everyone.