Rural Students Explore Space In New ‘Astronomy Labs’
Nirmal district administration has launched “Astronomy Labs” in four government schools to spark students’ interest in science through hands on, real time learning
Update: 2025-07-21 16:44 GMT
ADILABAD: The Nirmal district administration has launched “Astronomy Labs” in four government schools to spark students’ interest in science through hands on, real time learning. Rural and remote pupils are benefiting from these labs and are now dreaming bigger about their futures.
The labs have been established at ZPHS Bhosi (Tanoor mandal), ZPHS Soan (Soan mandal headquarters), ZPHS Ponkal (Mamada mandal), and the KGBV school in Nirmal Rural. With prior permission from their headmasters, students from other schools and mandals may also visit these facilities to deepen their scientific understanding.
Collector Abhilasha Abhinav spearheaded the initiative this academic year. Each lab is equipped with digital tools and features interactive modules on satellites, space imagery, the Solar System (including the sun, moon, and stars), Newton’s laws, solar and lunar eclipses, telescopes, and even human anatomy. The goal is to provide practical experience that complements classroom theory and inspires students to set ambitious goals.
Physical science teachers Rajagopal and Sai Krishna at ZPHS Ponkal note that the labs help students grasp complex concepts in physics, chemistry, and biology more easily. School assistant Vandana at ZPHS Bhosi adds that wall mounted maps and charts make lessons more engaging than traditional lectures, fostering enthusiasm for topics from planetary science to rocketry.
District education officer P. Ramarao explains that working models are on display for students to operate themselves, creating an immersive “planetarium like” experience. SSC student Sanjana from Ponkal attends lab sessions twice weekly and says she loves seeing Newton’s laws in action. Seventh grader Vandana also enjoys exploring new concepts through the lab’s hands on activities.