CBSE Students and Teachers Get Exclusive Chance to ‘Shadow the Scientist’ in Innovative STEAM Learning Program
In an effort to provide high school students and educators with immersive experiences in scientific research, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the participation of CBSE-affiliated schools in the “Shadow the Scientist” (StS) program under the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) experiential learning initiatives.
The ‘Shadow the Scientist’ Program Overview
In response to the Ministry of Education’s letter (DoSE&L, Ministry of Education) dated January 8, 2024, CBSE informs schools about the unique opportunity presented by the StS program, initiated by the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of California Observatories, Santa Cruz. This program allows high school students to step into the shoes of scientists, shadowing researchers and gaining invaluable insights into the world of scientific exploration.
Adapting to the Times: Virtual Observing Nights
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the faculty of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of California Observatories, Santa Cruz, took innovative steps to continue the StS program. They invited groups of students and educators to virtually join observing nights on telescopes like Keck Observatory, Subaru, and Lick Observatory/Shane.
The StS astronomy Zoom sessions prioritize real-time communication, offering participants a firsthand experience of authentic scientific research. Students and educators engage in exciting activities, including:
- Connecting with actual scientists and engineers to observe problem-solving processes.
- Understanding the passions and academic and career journeys of professionals in the field.
- Gaining insights into underlying scientific principles.
- Understanding the technical aspects of research equipment, such as telescopes, spectrographs, and cameras.
Exclusive Opportunity for CBSE-Affiliated Schools
The University of California has extended an exclusive opportunity for students aged 15-17 and teachers from 1000 CBSE-affiliated schools to participate in the first phase of the Creating Equity in STEAM (CrEST) program. This unique initiative is offered to schools free of cost, promoting accessibility to quality STEAM education.
Express Your Interest and Join the Program
Schools with high-speed internet connectivity are encouraged to express their interest in participating by completing the Google form available here on or before February 29, 2024. The final dates for the StS sessions conducted via Zoom will be communicated to the participating schools.
This program represents a groundbreaking opportunity for schools to embrace real-time experiential learning in astrophysics. By encouraging participation, CBSE aims to ignite a genuine interest in the field among students, fostering a new generation of scientifically curious minds.