Kendriya Vidyalaya Sanghtan, Hyderabad region, conducted astronomical telescope making workshop from July 2 to7 at Kendriya Vidyalaya No 1 Uppal. Forty students from Ernakulam region of Kendriya Vidyalaya took part.
20 telescopes were made with the help of an experienced team of five members namely Dr Arvind C.Ranade, Vigyan Prasar Noida, Vikram Singh Rawat, Vigyan Prasar Noida, Tushal Purohit IUCAA Pune, Anil Dhiman telescope maker, Bhopal, Mr.Mukesh Satankal telescope maker, Bhopal. These telescopes will be carried back to the 20 schools of participants giving an opportunity to the children of their school to view stars and planets.
Dr E Prabhakar joint Commissioner (training) Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan inaugurated the workshop along with P.Srinivasa Raju, Principal at K.V No.1 Uppal.
The children prepared the telescope by finding the focal length of a concave mirror to be used as an objective and a convex lens was used as an eyepiece. The children had an amazing experience when the saw Jupiter with its three moons, Saturn with its rings and the bright Venus with their self-made astronomical telescopes.
Sr. Scientist Dr Arvind C.Ranade was the chief guest on the valedictory function. He emphasized on developing scientific temperament and interest in astronomy among children. He reiterated the need for children to grow up as responsible citizens for the development of our country.