World Astronomy Day to be Observed by CBSE Affiliated Schools

In order to make students aware of the multiple facets of the colorful universe, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has instructed its affiliated schools to observe World Astronomy Day on 14 May 2016. The school heads are asked to conduct various activities and competitions on the day like space quiz, poster making and group discussions, to explore more about the astronomical universe among the students.

Additional Director of CBSE, Sugandh Sharma, in a circular issued to all the school heads said, “The CBSE requests all school heads to take this opportunity of making their students a part of this day, by participating in various activities that further help them in familiarizing with multiple facets of Universe and coming closer to it. The day may be observed in their schools on any day of the week closing on 14^th May, 2016 or within first fifteen days after opening of their schools (as the schools might be closed on 14^th May, 2016).”

In the circular, the activities were divided into three categories depending on the class of the students in the schools in primary, upper primary and secondary & senior secondary level. The primary level activities include poster/model making of a solar system, identifying different constellations and their relation with Zodiac signs. In the upper primary level, the students would have to undergo space quiz collage making on the life of an astronaut of Indian origin. The senior and senior secondary level students would have to undergo a seminar on ‘Exploring the Universe’, exploring information about astronomical heritage monuments in India.

The circular by Sharma further concluded saying, “We live on earth and it is just a small part of the Universe and the Universe is much vast beyond that. Many of its areas are yet to be explored and a continuous study and research is going on in various fields associated with it. Astronomy is related to the study of celestial bodies. World Astronomy Day, 2016 is to be observed on 14 May 2016. It is an occasion that may be utilized to provide an opportunity to our students to explore Universe in their own way.”