Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre, commonly known as VASCSC, was established in the 1960s by the eminent space scientist, Vikram Sarabhai in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
VASCSC was started to give quality science education and to try new ideas and method for teaching science.[1] It started out as the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad's "Group for Improvement of Science Education (GISE)" in 1963.
In 1966, the Community Science Center (CSC) started operating as a separate workspace at its present site. After the founder passed away in 1971, it was renamed "Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCSC)" to honor him.
Mandate and Role
The centre works towards popularising science and mathematics education among students, teachers and the public.[2][3] Its mandate is to stimulate interest, encourage and expose the principles of science and scientific method and also to improve and find innovative methods of science education. It is located opposite Gujarat University. VASCSC is open to all members of the community.[4]
encourage students, teachers, and the general public to: • understand the basic concepts of science and STEM education; • acquire scientific knowledge and insights as much as possible through the process of inquiry through experiment, audio-visual media, and other means; • be able to solve problems;
stimulate interest in the principles of science and scientific method among students in elementary and secondary schools as well as colleges by providing them with the necessary encouragement and exposure;
be concerned with the role of education and ways to improve science education in relation to the individual and the community at large; and help
clarify the social implications of science and technology.
For a small annual charge, students, people, and organizations can become members of the Vikram A. Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCSC), which has a centrally placed STEM library. Members of the library enjoy discounts on purchases from the Center's Science Shop and have access to resources for all age groups. The Center's operating days are when the library is open.
Members can email the library at library@vascsc.org with questions. To obtain their membership card and make the payment, prospective members can download the Library Membership Form, fill it out, and come to the Center.
Subscription to Vigyan Drashti
The Gujarati biweekly science wall magazine Vigyan Drashti is produced as an eight-page, full-color newspaper. It includes science pictures, puzzles, crosswords, exercises, experiments, articles, and fascinating scientific information. The magazine is frequently used by both private subscribers and schools as an educational ool in Gujarati. Every year, six volumes are released.
Mahatma Award 2023 for Social Good and Impact[9][10]
HCL Grant 2020 finalist, selected through a competitive nation-wide process, received grant for a project to be carried out in the following year[9][11]
Times of India Social Impact Award 2011 for Education[9]
National Award for Outstanding Efforts in Science and Technology Communication from Dept. of Science and Technology, NCSTC, Govt. of India (2008)
National Award for Best Efforts in Science Popularization among Children’ from Dept. of Science and Technology, NCSTC, Govt. of India (1994)
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