The Government of Jharkhand (GOJ) through Jharkhand Council on Science & Technology (JCST) is building a Regional Science Centre (RSC). This centre in located in chiraundhi village, post – Morhabadi which is adjacent to Ranchi Town. This centre in being developed by National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), an autonomous body attached to the Department of Culture, Ministry of Tourism & Culture, Government of India. This centre is spread in a campus of about 13 acres. The built up area of the RSC is around 42,000 sq. ft. spread over 2 storeys.
The Regional Science Centre at Ranchi will have two fold activites –
- Popularisation of Science through Permanent galleries and different kinds of activity oriented programmes for the local population.
- Creating a scientific temper among the people through educational and community programmes with direct participation.
This Science Centre will have permanent galleries on resources of Jharkhand, Temporary exhibition hall, outdoor Science Park, Taramandal, Educational & Training programmes, Exhibit Development Lab, Mobile Science Exhibition and other facilities.
A. Permanent Galleries:
(a) Thematic Gallery : The Centre will have one or more thematic gallery. The galleries of the centre will be on themes of scientific importance as well as social relevance. The exhibits will be mostly interactive. These will be supplemented with illustrations, photographic panels and artifacts. The gallery will be of multidisciplinary in nature and will reflect every aspect of the chosen theme in a way easily comprehensible by students as well as common people.
(b) Fun Science : A Group of interactive exhibits on Physics Science, Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Electronics, Life Science and Chemistry. Here children can play with the exhibits and learn the basic principles of science through fun and enjoyment.
(c) Frontiers of modern technology : This gallery will depict the frontier areas of modern technology, in the field of Electronics, Information Technology, Telecommunication, Biotechnology, Medical Science, Space Technology, Renewable Energy Sources etc. through interactive and fascinating exhibits.
B. Temporary Exhibition Hall :
In this hall various temporary exhibitions on important themes will be organized periodically and on different occasions.
C. Outdoor Science Park :
Science brought outside the boundary of four walls. Interactive exhibits placed aesthetically in the lush greenery of the park. Children play with them while learn the fundamentals of science. Water body, Aviary, Animalorium, Herbal and Medicinal plant corner, Picnic area for visitors etc are added attractions.
D. Taramandal :
The inflatable dome planetarium can provide an excellent way of interactive learning of astronomy. The programme will be held regularly at the centre.
E. Education and Training Prgrammes :
- The centre will hold regular education programmes like Science Demonstration Lecture, Creative Ability Programme, Sky observation through telescopes, Computer awareness programmes, Science Quiz, Science Seminars and Science Fairs, Teacher's Training Programme, Community Awareness Programme, Anti-superstition Programme, Science Film Show etc. for students, teachers and common people.
- A training hall and an auditorium will be used for these purposes.
- There will be a Model School Science Centre where students will learn the basic principles of science through experimentation in science and fabrication of science models, which can be used as teaching aids. This will supplement the formal science education imparted in the schools.
- There will also be a children's activity corner.
F. Exhibit Development Lab :
This will be used for regular maintenance of exhibits and development of exhibits and kits in future. The lab will be equipped with tools and machinery for fitting, carpentry, sheet metal, welding, electrical, electronics and painting works.
G. Mobile Science Exhibition:
The Mobile Science Exhibition (MSE) bus of the Centre will travel to schools situated in remote areas and will conduct exhibitions on relevant science and environmental topics throughout the year.
H. Other facilities :
Computer Training Room, Science Library, Conference Room, Office Store etc.