ISRO launches a space science education portal for youngsters
The Indian Space Research Organisation, better recognised as ISRO not just conducts historic space missions such as Chandrayaan I, II and III and Mangalyaan, but also launches ground-breaking products once in a while. Remember ‘Bhuvan’ the indigenous alternative to Google Maps/ Google Earth that was introduced last year? Yes, that’s right, it’s the multi-purpose and user-based satellite application platform that enables people to locate and track destinations/ places through 2D or 3D representation of Earth, especially India.
And now, ISRO has unveiled yet another product, this one meant for teaching space sciences to the young generation. Called ‘Antriksh Jigyasa’, which literally translates to ‘Space Curiosity’, it has been designed as a knowledge and information-extensive portal for students aged between 12 and 30 years. Here, they can attain space education and even explore space technology at large. Moreover, this platform will enable students to find out the applications of space science in the field of STEM learning. Interested individuals can even get themselves registered on the official portal for online space courses.
It is an open-source, user-friendly platform wherein once can access innovative and new-age e-learning content on “all things space.” The portal also has a section called ‘SkyPicks’ where budding space scientists can present their imagination, creativity and originality on subjects such as astronomy, astrophysics, in the form of photographs, videos, drawings and sketches. It even has monthly themes, such as ‘Think like a Space Scientist’ for November wherein the best monthly submission will be rewarded.
Sources cite that since its launch in mid-November this year, as many as 600 candidates have enrolled who can now access 113 knowledge repositories, 42 video sessions, 7 online courses and tutorials and four other knowledge partners (keeps rotating), such as the IITs and the NITs.
Some of the notable sections of Antriksh Jigyasa are: Space Varta, Shiksha Gagan, SPARK, Space Quiz and Antriksh Navacharare. As the name suggests, Space Varta means ‘Space Voice’ wherein students will have live sessions with ISRO scientists where they will share the theories behind various space and scientific concepts, their applications in real-life, how to implement them, alongside success and outcome stories of iconic space missions. It’s an interactive and engaging section of Antriksh Jigyasa.
Shiksha Gagan on the other hand is a ‘Massive Open Online Course’ dedicated to school students and professionals. It is an active learning virtual platform offering self-paced digital courses and learning resources by simply registering on to the ISRO e-CLASS Learning Management System. In order to receive course completion certificates, participants would need to abide by course guidelines and finish the whole thing within a span of 90 days. Some of the notable courses include: remote sensing technology, geographic information system among others.
Similarly, Space Quiz is a quiz-based section having event-based quizzes with specific themes and topics. On the other hand, Antriksh Navacharare is a programme as part of which young innovators can submit their unique ideas, research outcomes, models, software, tools and techniques in the form of short description and a problem-solving statement and in turn compete against their peers.
SPARK, in contrast, is India’s first virtual space museum with 3D technology and comprises of not only a museum, but also theme park, theatre, observatory, garden with life-sized rockets, a café, a playground among other attractions.