SPACE   in   partnership   with   the   Cambridge school, Noida, had organized  a   Universe   in   the   School   Fair   at   the   school premises on the 13th  of February 2009. There were various stalls displaying different  aspects of Astronomy and Space Sciences. The explanations covered their relevance to our everyday life as well as the importance of Astronomy and Space Sciences as an emerging career option. The event was aimed at exposing the students and parents to the wonderful world of Astronomy and Space Sciences, a subject completely ignored by the current education system. Conducting this event portrayed the school as one of few who take additional initiatives to spread scientific temper and a spirit of inquiry among students.

Response from the school:

Some feedbacks:

“Excellent initiative to teach kids the concepts of Physics and Space sciences. I strongly recommend  for Cambridge to go ahead with this.”
(Mrs. Mehri)

“It is the best way to understand difficult concept of science in the easiest way. It should be included in the curriculum. Highly recommended.”
(Mr. Srivastava)


A response of one of the parent Mr. Deepak Bhatnagar. He gave his 1st feedback after visiting the fair. Then he had a detailed discussion about UitS. After this he gave his 2nd feedback.

This was his 1st feed back:
“There are already too many subjects. This(astronomy) should be part of science an geography. Definitely, the show which was put up was excellent. Different topics should be given to different classes and they should show the item. It should not be a separate subject.”After the detailed discussion about UitS.

This was a 2nd feed back:
“As far as it is activity oriented and explained properly with the theory portion, it's quite interesting. Basic underlying principle should be clear. Still if it is a part of projects or practicals, it could be more comfortable for the students because, they already have too less time play in the ground.

Activities Performed:

1. Welcome stall

     Points Discussed
      What is Astronomy?
      Astronomy is called the mother of all sciences, Why?
      Astronomy past, present and future
      Who we are (SPACE)?
      What we do?
      What is UitS?


2. Sun Projection

     Description
          Points discussed
          Safe viewing of the Sun
          Different ways to observe the Sun
           Concept of projection method
           Working of Reflector Telescopes
           Discuss the educational value of the activity with the parents and teachers

3. 3D posters

     Points Discussed
      How does the surface of Moon, Valley on the Mars, ISS etc look like viewing from 3D goggles?
      Concept behind 3D posters
      Various exciting facts about the images shown in the posters

4. Weigh yourself on different planets

     Points Discussed
      What does it mean by weight? Is it same as mass?
      Why the weight is different on different planets?
      How does gravity depends on the mass of planet?
      Discuss the educational value of the activity with the parents and teachers.

 5. Living in the space(Difficulties in a spacesuit)

     Points Discussed
      Difficulties astronauts face in space, while doing even a simple tasks like fastening or unfastening the bolt from the nut
      Difficulties involved living in weightlessness.
      Discuss the educational value of the activity with the parents and teachers.

 6. Movie on International Space Station

     Points Discussed
      Address to students and Parents
      Careers in Astronomy and Space Sciences
   
7. Rocket Launch

     Points Discussed
      What do we use to send satellites / astronauts in orbit around the Earth? / How did the Chandrayaan 1 went to the Moon?
      Principal or concept behind the rocket(Newton's 3rd law of motion)
      What is water rocket?
      How does it works?
      Discuss the educational value of the activity with the parents and teachers