New Delhi: New Delhi Municipal Council’s (NDMC) much-awaited Science Park at Tughlaq Crescent Road is finally ready and is expected to open for school students in Aug.Proposed in the NDMC 2022-23 budget, the park has been envisioned as a vibrant open-air learning space where students can explore the wonders of science through 16 large-scale exhibits, each rising up to 20 feet and creatively illustrating key principles of science and mathematics.The exhibits, developed by National Science Centre under an MoU with NDMC, include an echo tube, three types of levers, camera obscura, parabolic sound reflectors, Newton’s Third Law model, solar eclipse model, buck ball climber, laws of reflection model, interactive sundial, value of Pi installation, periscope and an inclined plane model.“All the 16 exhibits have been installed successfully. Walls have been thematically painted and the entry gate of the park is thematically designed. Benches and two 3D models have also been installed successfully. We will deploy a science guide once the park opens for students,” said NDMC vice-chairperson Kuljeet Chahal. Students from NDMC and other schools will get to explore this space, he added.Positioned centrally for accessibility, “the place will provide students with access to diverse science and mathematics exhibits, fostering curiosity and a love for learning”, said officials. Through interactive and activity-based learning in a technology-driven environment, students will engage in hands-on exploration, deepening their understanding of scientific concepts, they added.NDMC’s horticulture department has established a herbal garden, showcasing a variety of medicinal and aromatic plants for educational and awareness purposes. A conference room is being provided for showing and explaining theories of science.Two rooms will be developed later as an AI centre and immersion space based on the theme, Bharat Antariksh Station. “They will have modular fabrication, augmented reality or virtual reality (AR/VR)-enabled learning interactive zones & movie/projection area,” said an official. “They will be dedicated physical or digital spaces equipped with augmented and virtual reality tools, such as headsets, specialised screens and motion controllers, which will let students actively manipulate 3D educational simulations.”NDMC has already introduced tinkering labs in its schools, and the park will further strengthen practical and concept-based learning, inspiring the next generation of innovators, officials said.
