Beginning today, students from schools across the country get a chance to display their innovative prowess and knowledge of astronomy and space science, through a series of video podcasts.
The initiative by city-based organisation is in the form of a contest for students between class 6 to class 12 and is part of promotion for Digital India campaign.
Students are encouraged to choose an innovative topic, and develop it with speech and expression and upload it online for the contest the runs till the end of August.
Contestants are required to upload the videos ranging between two minutes to four minutes each on social networks like YouTube and Facebook using hashtags #ThinkShootUpload #SPACE, and #DigitalIndia.
They are also required to post a link on the SPACE website.
"Some of the videos include a student who builds a water rocket and explains the principles and the science which go into its making, the projectile motions involved and end the podcast by showcasing the launch of the rocket," says Monica Sangwan of SPACE.
Another example Sangwan cites is about a student attempting to explain the concept of the creation and phenomenon of a 'Black Hole' and its effect, through a demo model.
"The videos are required to be self explanatory and educative for others," says Sangwan.
Students will be judged on basis of three categories - popularity or maximum number of likes and shares on social media, the most creative video, and the most innovative topic.
Winners, set to be announced in the first week of September, will get prizes that include binoculars and a trip to 'Astroport Sariska', an astronomy and space experience centre located in Alwar, Rajasthan.
It is said to be the first retreat in India which offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy night star gazing. It also has an integrated astronomy research and development lab for astronomy enthusiasts.
