Cotton Hill School gets astronomy lab

T'puram: Students at Cotton Hill Girls Higher Secondary School can now observe planets and stars up close, as an astronomy lab has been set up at the school. The lab aims to facilitate discussions about space exploration and foster interest in astronomy and planetary science through interactive learning experiences.
Funded by the non-profit organisation Nafo Global, the astronomy lab was inaugurated by VSSC director S Unnikrishnan Nair.
The lab features LED walls explaining ancient astronomical techniques and zodiac signs, 3D models to understand the characteristics of the Moon and Mars, models of artificial satellites, rovers, PSLV and GSLV rockets, Chandrayaan, telescopes for observing stars and planets, 3D visualisations of the solar system, solar and lunar eclipses and numerous experiments. The lab is equipped with educational tools to make science learning easier for students.
A school official said that the aim is to ensure that students will have an awareness of science and astronomy.
"The idea is to instil an interest in science and astronomy. They will be seeing the planets and will later be able to study the subjects in the future." The project is part of a govt move to instil scientific temper among those studying in the govt schools.