In a bid to promote and enhance science education among people of all ages in State, District level Science Centre will be set up by Chhattisgarh Regional Science Centre (CGRSC) at Kosamnara village of Raigarh district in State. Shirish Singh, In-charge Project Director of the Chhattisgarh Council for Science and Culture (CGRSC), speaking to The Hitavada said that this initiative follows the successful establishment of the first State-level Science Centre at Saddu in Raipur city. The State government has allocated three acres of land for the Raigarh Science Centre, with a funding of Rs 3.57 crore sanctioned by the District Mineral Foundation Trust Raigarh. The Science Centre’s architectural blueprint outlines a total indoor floor area of approximately 450 square meters. This will include 100 square meters for exhibit display halls, 100 square meters for a temporary exhibition cum multipurpose hall with activity areas, and 250 square meters for office and an innovation activity hall.

 

Singh emphasised a two-pronged approach to the Science Centre’s development. Exhibits will be designed chronologically, with a focus on state-of-the-art technologies, incorporating digital interactive displays, videos, holographic projection, immersive effects, virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed augmented reality. A distinctive feature of the Science Centre will be the fun science gallery, consisting of interactive exhibits covering a range of scientific disciplines. This gallery aims to serve as an out-of-school science learning tool and support curriculum learning independently, making science education enjoyable for students. The gallery will boast 20 exhibits, featuring engaging displays like Tornado, the Gravity Well, Bicycle Blower, Transfer of Momentum, and many more. Additional facilities such as a cafeteria, souvenir shop, toilet blocks, and a ticket collection point are also planned.

 

The primary objective of the Science Centre is to promote and enhance science education for individuals of all ages. It aspires to make science accessible, interesting, and engaging by providing interactive exhibits, workshops, and demonstrations. The Centre will play a crucial role in supporting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning initiatives in schools and colleges in the Raigarh region. Singh stressed that Science Centre aims to develop critical thinking skills among visitors by presenting scientific concepts, encouraging questions, data analysis, and drawing conclusions based on evidence.