On Tuesday, the Centre has launched a web portal ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ having activity-based support material such as quizzes, puzzles, etc for school students on Mission Chandrayaan-3. It has been developed by NCERT under the aegis of the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education.
The Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, launched the portal in New Delhi. Additionally, he unveiled 10 specialized modules on Chandrayaan- 3, providing a holistic understanding of its scientific, technological, and societal dimensions, as well as highlighting the emotional journey and teamwork of the involved scientists. Further modules are in the pipeline, covering 14 diverse topics such as women empowerment, COVID-19 vaccination, India's G20 Presidency, and more.
Through this initiative, NCERT aims to ignite the curiosity of current Indian school-going students in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through interactive activities inspired by the legacy of Chandrayaan-3. These activities intend to equip students with skill sets that foster innovation and critical thinking. Additionally, several more creative activities are in the pipeline for future development, catering to the needs of the students.
‘Apna Chandrayaan’ Portal Includes
It has a set of colouring books, online quizzes, jigsaw puzzles, picture builders, and inspiring stories in the form of graphic novels on Chandrayaan-3.
For the Foundational and Preparatory levels colouring sheets, dot-to-dot activities, colour coding with instructions etc. have been prepared that will develop observation and awareness among the students.
There will be online interactive quizzes for the Preparatory, Middle, and Secondary levels including explanatory feedback for responses. Digital certificates will be issued for all those who score more than 70%, and the first 1000 winners will receive age-appropriate books.
Jigsaw Puzzles and Picture Builders for the Foundational, Preparatory, Middle, and Secondary levels have also been developed. Also, there will be inspiring stories in the form of graphic novels depicting events that shaped ISRO’s journey up to Chandrayaan 3.
10 Special Modules Released in Multiple Languages
10 special modules were released in multiple languages for the stakeholders on the success of Chandrayaan-3 that will motivate Indian youth to venture more and more into science and technology.
These modules offer a comprehensive overview of its various facets – including scientific, technological, and social aspects, as well as the emotional journey and team spirit of the scientists involved.
The content is rendered in an interactive and engaging manner, enriched with graphics, photographs, illustrations, activities, challenging questions, and more, spanning across all five stages and covering Classes I-XII of school education. The content is rendered in an interactive and engaging manner, enriched with graphics, photographs, illustrations, activities, challenging questions, and more, spanning across all five stages and covering Classes I-XII of school education.
These modules have been crafted with a mindful approach towards the relevance of themes for different stages, featuring stories, cases, quiz questions, and activities, designed to motivate self- paced learning among students and encourage teachers to guide their students through the suggested pedagogy of experiential learning. A digital format of the modules will also be available on the NCERT website.
While addressing the event, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan described the success of Chandrayaan-3 as one of the most significant achievements of the 21st century that has inspired the children of the country the most. He suggested the development of the APP of the web portal to make it more accessible facilitating self-learning among students.
Chandrayaan-3 has ignited confidence among students and inspired them to understand technology, which will help in developing scientific temperament among them, he mentioned.
He also appreciated Dr. Somanath for inspiring the students and making them brimming with confidence. He also informed that Prime Minister has requested Dr. Somanath to take the Chandrayaan-3 stories to the children of the country and setting up of orbital space station, development of next-generation launching vehicles, etc.
Chairman, ISRO, and Secretary, Department of Space, Dr. S Somanath in his address, thanked the Government for the initiative to take the Chandrayaan stories to the young students of the country. Addressing the children, he emphasised, India completed the Chandrayaan 3 Mission by using indigenous technologies. He requested the students to watch the launch of Gaganyaan on 21st October 2023 at 0800 hrs.
Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, informed how the suggestions by the Minister resulted in the development of the age-specific modules on Chandrayaan3. He also informed that more such modules will be developed on India’s other major achievements making it a series. Shri Kumar also mentioned that new puzzles, questions, etc. will be added and this will run till 23 August 2024. He added that this content will be translated into all 22 Indian languages with the help of technology. Young minds now have limitless possibilities to learn with the help of NEP2020, he highlighted.
