Prayosha District Community Science Centre (DCSC) in Dang–Ahwa, Gujarat, is a pioneering initiative dedicated to popularizing science among school children and the wider community. Recognized and affiliated by the Gujarat Council on Science & Technology (GUJCOST) under the Government of Gujarat’s Department of Science & Technology, Prayosha CSC serves as a district-level hub to foster scientific curiosity, hands-on learning, and innovation among learners, particularly school students. It operates on multiple fronts to make science accessible, practical, and relevant to the local tribal and rural communities in southern Gujarat.
Objectives and Vision
Prayosha CSC’s core mission is to promote scientific temper and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education through experiential learning. The Centre aims to:
- Bridge theoretical school science with real-world applications.
- Nurture curiosity and research attitude among students.
- Provide enriched, interactive science programs aligned with school curricula.
- Develop capabilities of teachers through regular training.
- Engage communities in science awareness and problem-solving.
- Inspire innovation in areas like robotics, space science, AI, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability.
Programs and Activities for School Children
Prayosha CSC conducts a variety of scientific programs tailored especially for school students, including:
- Science Exhibits and Demonstrations: Interactive displays explaining physics, chemistry, biology, and earth sciences in an engaging manner.
- Hands-on Workshops and Maker Labs: Opportunities for students to experiment with robotics, electronics, coding, and simple machines.
- Mobile Science Camps: Outreach programs bringing science activities and demonstrations to remote schools and villages.
- Competitions and Science Fairs: Platforms for students to present projects, innovations, and experiments with mentorship for competitive events.
- Teacher Capacity Building: Training sessions help teachers adopt activity-based pedagogy and innovative science teaching methods.
- Special Focus Camps: Summer science hobby camps and astronomy nights invite children to explore specific themes deeply.
Hands-on Learning and Curriculum Alignment
The Centre’s activities are closely aligned with school syllabi across subjects:
| Subject Area | Activity Examples |
|---|---|
| Physics | Simple machines, electricity, motion demonstrations |
| Chemistry | Separation techniques, polymers, chemical reactions |
| Biology | Human body systems, ecosystem studies, health hygiene |
| Earth Science | Water cycle, climate studies, disaster preparedness |
| Computer Science | Coding fundamentals, algorithms, sensors, AI basics |
| Mathematics | Measurement, data visualization, estimation |
Each module includes clear learning objectives, safety instructions, and assessment tasks, enabling schools to integrate them smoothly.
Latest Updates and Initiatives (2025)
In 2025, Prayosha CSC continues to expand its reach and impact with the following recent initiatives:
- Launch of the Summer Science Hobby Camp 2024 aimed at rural schools, culminating in student exhibitions and skill development activities.
- Participation in the National Children’s Science Congress, highlighting local innovations and encouraging scientific creativity.
- Enhanced collaboration with GUJCOST to focus on cutting-edge themes like space science, AI, environmental conservation, and rural innovations.
- Introduction of mobile science units that conduct science activity camps across diverse tribal and rural schools, overcoming geographical barriers.
- Engagement in the PRAYAAS 2025-26 scheme by NCERT promoting research attitude among young students through year-long projects and mentorship (through awareness campaigns and supporting local schools in applying).
How Prayosha CSC Supports Science Promotion
Community-Centered Approach
- Programs are designed considering the unique geographic and socio-economic context of the Dang tribal belt.
- Strong focus on inclusion by targeting rural and tribal government schools, girl students, and marginalized groups.
- Encourages solving local problems like water quality testing, waste management, and forest fire alerts through science.
Collaborative Network
- Connects schools, panchayats, NGOs, farmers’ groups, universities, and government departments.
- Provides mentorship for students to enter state and national science competitions.
- Acts as a knowledge hub where students become presenters, innovators, and peer mentors.
Safety and Accessibility
- Age-appropriate exhibits and well-trained facilitators ensure safety.
- Many outreach activities and events are free or offered at nominal cost, with concessions for government schools.
Quick Summary: How Prayosha CSC Advances Science for Children
- Who: School children primarily from Dang district, including tribal and rural areas.
- What: Hands-on labs, workshops, mobile camps, competitions, and teacher trainings.
- Why: To enhance scientific curiosity, research attitude, and STEM skills.
- Where: Prayosha CSC campus in Ahwa and local outreach locations.
- When: Programs operate throughout the year, with special events aligned with school calendars.
- How: Experiential learning, curriculum integration, mentorship, and community involvement.
Bulleted Highlights
- Affiliated to GUJCOST and governed under Gujarat’s Dept. of Science & Technology.
- Focuses on popularizing science using practical, low-cost experiments.
- Runs mobile outreach labs bringing science to remote schools.
- Hosts annual science hobby camps and children’s science congresses.
- Offers teacher training to improve science education quality.
- Involves students in solving actual community challenges.
- Promotes cutting-edge themes including AI, space science, robotics, and environment.
- Safety-first approach with supervised activities.
- Most events are free or nominally priced to ensure accessibility.
- Supports mentorship and participation in state-level science events.
Conclusion
Prayosha CSC represents a vibrant model for district-level science education and outreach that marries hands-on science with local needs. By equipping school children with experiential knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities to innovate, it is nurturing a scientific mindset among the next generation in Dang district. The Centre’s emphasis on inclusivity, curriculum alignment, and practical applications makes science approachable and exciting for children, ultimately contributing to a scientifically empowered community.
