Kozhikode: The Regional Science Centre and Planetarium on Tuesday celebrated a very special National Science Day. The water rocket-making and launching workshop of the Science Centre this time featured the specially abled students from Karuna Speech and Hearing Higher Secondary School in the city. As many as 28 boys and 12 girls from fifth till ninth standards participated in the one-day programme conducted in the Planetarium premises. “This year’s theme for National Science Day was ‘Science and Technology for Specially Abled’ and we thought the best way to celebrate this year’s Science day is not just by inviting them to see the Planetarium exhibits but getting them involved in science-related activities,” Regional Science Centre and Planetarium Director V S Ramachandran said.
The students were given a class on the history of rockets, the science involved in the rocket and also on how to make a water rocket using bottle, paper and maida. As many as 10 rockets were launched by the students. “We are very happy to get this opportunity and we thank everyone at the Planetarium,” said Raheema Sherin, a student of eighth standard. “When the organizers invited us, we thought it was just to see the programmes at the Planetarium. But we were so happy when our students were given the task of making the rockets.,” said Litty John, a teacher.
“Parents actually questioned us as to why we were taking the students with exams around the corner, however, after the programme, all of them were very happy to see the joy on the students’ faces,” added Leena Louis, another teacher. The Planetarium officials lauded the efforts of the students. “We are conducting water rocket launching for years and students from Karuna understood the concept and making them quickly,” said Justin Joseph, a Planetarium employee.
