NASA Workshop

Around forty students of classes IX and X were given the opportunity to attend a workshop conducted by scientists from the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) on 30th January, 2016. The workshop was held at the National Science Centre (NSC) in Delhi. The session started with an interaction by Mr. Sam Gibbs, one of the scientists. The session was an interesting one and made many of us sit up and think. We were shown numerous videos and experiments which demonstrated the phenomena of science in our everyday lives and helped us to understand the working of devices better. He connected a transistor to an electrical appliance and used it to turn the appliance on and off, thus proving that a transistor could be used in place of a switch. In fluid dynamics, a vortex is a region in the fluid in which flow rotates around an axis line. This was demonstrated very effectively by hitting a fluid with hard plastic cups so vortex rings were formed. Other experiments with laser beams, optical fibers and microprocessors were also demonstrated to help convey concepts better.

Ms. Hader Paul, another scientist, came next. She spoke to us about astronomy. Being a member of the NASA crew, who had travelled to the moon and Mars, she was able to share many personal experiences while in space. It was particularly interesting to hear her account of day to day existence in a spacecraft! Finally, a treasure hunt was organised for the students who attended the workshop. The students were split in groups of ten and were handed passports (consisting of clues and hints). They were allotted half an hour for the hunt and were free to search the entire centre. The clues were highly thought-provoking but we did manage to get to the end. A stimulating session, indeed! We hope to have more such sessions in the future too. Pallabh Roy.