Mangalore, Sep 29, 2014, DHNS:
It houses galleries on biodiversity, frontiers of technology and fun science
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate Pilikula Regional Science Centre on October 1, said District-in-Charge Minister Ramanath Rai.
Addressing a press meet here on Monday, he said that the centre was conceptualised, designed and developed by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) with the active support of Department of Science and Technology of Karnataka government at an estimated cost of Rs 8.50 crore with the cost being shared on 50:50 basis.
The State government has also released Rs 2.50 crore for providing basic infrastructure facilities. This is the 45th science centre in India. Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Shripad Naik will attend the programme.
The centre is characterised by two-pronged methods of communication—exhibits and activities. Built up in an area of approximately 4000 square metre, it houses three permanent galleries titled biodiversity, frontiers of technology and fun science.
A temporary exhibition hall displays the exhibition ‘planet under pressure.’ 3-D film facility, inflatable dome planetarium, an air conditioned auditorium equipped with audio visual aids, science demonstration corner, creative ability centre, library, telescope for night sky observation and an open air science part with interactive exhibits are other added attractions.
MLA J R Lobo said that the biodiversity gallery is first of its kind in India. The amazing biodiversity of life of Earth and its interaction with the surrounding ecosystem plays a crucial role in the sustenance of natural resources. The gallery begins with the evolution of life forms, types of ecosystems and the diverse life that exists in soil, water and air.
A walk through the section of Western Ghats gives the experience of rich flora and fauna of the region along with interactive exhibits on endangered species. Sections like ‘why biodiversity matters?,’ ‘how biodiversity works for us?’ ‘role of microbes in our life’ and many more interesting facts can be learnt by interacting with the gallery exhibits.
The gallery on frontiers of technology deals with recent trends in technology and talks about development in the field of science and technology and its impact to change our life style. The gallery gives an overview of the cutting edge technologies in the areas of information and communication, space, biotechnology, and nanotechnology.
Exhibits on how energy fuel cells and solar cells can power cars of the future, how to design hybrid cars and even a ride in the rapid transit subway train will interest all. The fun science gallery is spread over an area of 600 square metre.
The gallery will provide an opportunity for visitors to interact, explore and experience various aspects of science. Here visitors can interact with the pendulum creating chaos, objects defying gravity, optical gadgets creating illusion, rolling balls doings acrobatics, lights producing colour shadows, mirror producing crazy images and manymore, he said.
The science park is spread over four acre with interactive exhibits that merge with lush green landscape. The science park exhibits are designed in such a way that they navigate the visitors to discover science through fun and play. The science park also has a prehistoric section consisting of real size models of prehistoric animals including dinosaurus.
Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim, Pilikula Nisargadhama Executive Director Prabhakar Sharma among others were present.
Courtesy: Deccan Herald