Objective
One of the major objectives of
this unique classroom-on-wheels is to nurture curiosity amongst our youth and encourage
them to pursue higher studies and careers in science. This flagship venture of
National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC), DST, also attempts
to develop scientific temper amongst the masses. Further, it strives to take
modern research out of the lab and reveal just how relevant science is to
everyday life. The visitors of this state-of-the-art exhibition can learn how
science enables the society to face the global challenges of the 21st
century.
Journey
so far
The inaugural edition of the ‘Science Express’ was flagged off from
New Delhi on 30 October 2007 by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and Chancellor
of Germany. Since then, it has been showcased in over 220 locations across India. The exhibition,
which has created several records, received overwhelming response at all the
halts. So far, over 63 lakh visitors, mostly students, have enjoyed learning
about cutting-edge research in science, explained through interesting
audio-visual exhibits and interactive tools.
Science
Express - Phase IV
The Science Express is currently traveling in its fourth phase
scheduled till 16 June 2011, during which it would travel to 57 locations,
mostly not covered earlier, traveling
across the length & breadth of the country and covering about 18,000 kms. At each of the
locations, it would halt generally for 3-4 days, during which students as well
as general public would visit the exhibition. The itinerary (schedule) of the Phase
IV is attached.
The
exhibition
This sparkling white, fully air
conditioned train, showcases more than 300 large-format visual images, over 150
video clips and multimedia exhibits, which deals extensively with cutting-edge
research in science and technology. In the 12 exhibition coaches, most of the exhibits
have been developed by MPS, Germany
while some indigenous exhibits have been displayed besides brief sketches of
those great Indian scientists whose contribution is unparalleled. Through
these, the visitors would explore a wide gamut of issues in science in a
fascinating manner and delve into the mysteries of our world; groundbreaking
discoveries, emerging issues, cutting-edge science and future-oriented
technologies. The coaches have exhibits on the following:
- On the way to the Big Bang - Climate Change
- Nanocosmos - Global challenges
- Building blocks of life - Spaceship earth
- From ‘gene to organism’ - Our home in the cosmos
- Architecture of the mind - The universe
- The world of senses - Science and technology in India
- Technologies of future - The Joy of Science
One coach showcases India’s
glorious legacy and achievements in IT, Biotech, Space, Nanotechnology, and so
on and also future programmes in S&T besides film shows on innovations,
inventions, discoveries and topical issues.
Additional
attractions of Phase IV
A
dedicated coach on
‘Climate Change– Cause, Effect and Mitigation’, sponsored by HSBC, under the
‘Earth Sciences Forum’, its joint initiative with DST, has been redesigned and
updated. It was introduced in the last phase, along with several related
platform based activities, has been quite popular amongst the visitors.
Panels on Indian
scientists and their contribution in various disciplines of science
To celebrate the
‘International Year of Chemistry – 2011; Science Express is showcasing details of
the Periodic Table and elements on the window panes of the coaches. The
visitors can learn many features of each element while waiting on the platform.
Exhibition on ‘Water’
from Nestle and Swiss Embassy.
Working models like
‘Your age on other Planets’ and ‘Mouse movement motion sensor’.
Management
of ‘Science Express’
Vikram A Sarabhai Community
Science Centre (VASCSC), Ahmedabad has once again been entrusted by DST with
the task of coordinating & managing the ‘Science Express’ across India.
A well trained & highly motivated team of Science Communicators of VASCSC aboard
the train explain & interprets the exhibits, answer queries and facilitates
the visitors.
How to visit and
participate
The
exhibition, open to all, is primarily targets high school and college students.
Students are encouraged to visit this exhibition in large numbers and take
advantage of this innovative endeavor. More information is available on the
website www.sciencexpress.in.
For visit to the exhibition or
any queries, please send an email to sciencexpress@gmail.com
or contact the Project Coordinator aboard the train (mobile: 08690444407).
The students can conduct
hands-on experiments in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Maths in the ‘Joy of
Science Lab’ of VASCSC in the Coach No.13. High school students can participate
in the ‘Joy of Science (JOS) Lab’ in small batches of up to 20 students, by prior
registration. For participating in the JOS Lab, please send an email to vascsc.jos@gmail.com or contact the Lab in-charge (mobile: 09428405408).
Team Science Express solicits cooperation
from all the concerned departments, media, institutions and individuals in
giving wider publicity to this prestigious exhibition on wheels, so that a
large number of visitors are benefited and make the programme a grand success.
Please
Note:
The exhibition is primarily for students
of Standard IX and above.
There is no entry fee for the
exhibition.
Not allowed on the Science Express:
Items like mobiles, cameras, bags, match-boxes, cigarettes, beedis, tobacco,
water bottles, any liquid, and any sharp pointed objects.
Venue: Railway station of the
respective city
Timing: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
|
Science Express - Biodiversity Special
Schedule (5 June 2012 – 22 December 2012)
No. | Station | Exhibition Dates |
1 | Delhi Safdurjung | 05 - 07 June 12 |
2 | Patna | 09 – 10 June 12 |
3 | Rangiya | 12 – 13 June 12 |
4 | Mariani (Jorhat) | 14 – 16 June 12 |
5 | Dibrugrah | 17 – 20 June 12 |
6 | Dimapur | 21 – 22 June 12 |
7 | Kamakhya (Guwahati) | 23 – 26 June 12 |
8 | Siliguri | 27 – 29 June 12 |
9 | Malda Town | 30 June – 03 July 12 |
10 | Howrah | 04 – 05 July 12 |
11 | Dhanbad | 06 – 09 July 12 |
12 | Ranchi | 10 – 13 July 12 |
13 | Rourkela | 14 – 17 July 12 |
14 | Sambalpur | 18 – 21 July 12 |
15 | Cuttack | 22 – 25 July 12 |
16 | Berhampur | 26 – 29 July 12 |
17 | Visakhapatnam | 30 July – 02 Aug 12 |
18 | Vijayawada | 03 – 06 Aug 12 |
19 | Nellore | 07 – 10 Aug 12 |
20 | Chennai Central | 11 – 15 Aug 12* |
21 | Kudal Nagar (Madurai) | 16 – 19 Aug 12 |
22 | Kanyakumari | 20 – 23 Aug 12 |
23 | Ernakulam (Cochin) | 24 Aug 12 |
24 | Kozhikode | 25 – 28 Aug 12 |
25 | Madgaon | 30 Aug – 02 Sep 12 |
26 | Hubli | 03 – 06 Sep 12 |
|
No. | Station | Exhibition Dates |
27 | Bellary | 07 – 10 Sep 12 |
28 | Khadki (Pune) | 12 – 15 Sep 12 |
29 | Mumbai CST | 16 – 19 Sep 12 |
30 | Habibganj (Bhopal) | 21 – 24 Sep 12 |
31 | Madanmahal (Jabalpur) | 25 – 28 Sep 12 |
32 | Nagpur | 30 Sep – 03 Oct 12 % |
33 | Kazipet | 04 – 07 Oct 12 $ |
34 | Secunderabad | 09 – 19 Oct 12 |
35 | Sewagram (Wardha) | 20 – 22 Oct 12 |
36 | Durg | 23 – 25 Oct 12 |
37 | Bilaspur | 26 – 29 Oct 12 |
38 | Gaya | 31 Oct – 02 Nov 12 |
39 | Gorakhpur Cantt | 03 – 06 Nov 12 |
40 | Lucknow | 07 – 10 Nov 12 |
41 | Haridwar | 11 – 12 & 14 Nov 12 |
42 | Chandigarh | 15 – 18 Nov 12 |
43 | Ambala Cantt. | 19 – 21 Nov 12 |
44 | Udhampur | 22 – 25 Nov 12 |
45 | Ferozpur City | 26 – 28 Nov 12 |
46 | Bhatinda | 29 Nov – 01 Dec 12 |
47 | Delhi Cantt. | 02 – 05 Dec 12 |
48 | Durgapura Jaipur | 06 – 09 Dec 12 |
49 | Bhagat Ki Kothi (Jodhpur) | 10 – 13 Dec 12 |
50 | Barmer | 14 – 17 Dec 12 |
51 | Ahmedabad | 19 – 21 Dec 12 |
52 | Gandhinagar | 22 Dec 12 |
|
Note :
*15 Aug: Holiday – Independence Day
% 02 Oct: Holiday – Gandhi Jayanti
$ 08 Oct: Technical Holiday for Maintenance
@13 Nov: Holiday – Diwali Festival
The schedule is subject to change.