Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum - Educational Excursion

From Karnataka Open Educational Resources
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Educational Excursion

An educational excusion to Visweshvariah musuem with teachers and students from grades 6 and 7. This page is also intended to serve as a resource for planning similar educational excursions.

Objectives of the excursion

  1. To provide an opportunity for students to explore the application of scientific principles in real-life situation
  2. To help students understand complex scientific concepts through interactive exhibits and demonstrations.
  3. To effectively engage students in the process of learning by providing direct experience to children with concrete phenomena, materials, illustrations and visualizations.
  4. To develop observational skills among students
  5. To help children develop interest and curiosity towards science learning

Prerequisites:

  1. Objective Setting: Before the visit, clearly define the objectives of the trip. Whether the purpose is to enhance students’ understanding of industrial advancements, Science, Engineering, or History, set specific learning outcomes that can be tied to the curriculum.
  2. Permission & Approvals: Obtain permission from school authorities and parents. Ensure that you have consent forms signed by the parents for the students to participate in the trip.
  3. Museum Coordination: Contact the Visvesvaraya Industrial Museum in advance to book the visit, confirm dates, check availability of workshops, activities, events,, shows, and inquire about any educational packages or group discounts for school visits.
  4. Transport Arrangements: Plan for transportation to and from the museum. Contact a reliable transport provider, confirm timings, and make sure the bus or vehicles have enough space for all students and accompanying teachers.
  5. Teacher Supervision: Choose responsible teachers and/or volunteers to accompany the students, ensuring a favourable student-to-teacher ratio (ideally, 5:1). Assign roles for monitoring, guiding, and assisting students throughout the trip.
  6. Pre-Visit Briefing: Conduct a briefing session with the students to explain the purpose of the visit. Give an overview of the museum, its exhibits, and the relevance of the exhibits to their studies. Discuss safety protocols, and group division for the visit.
  7. Activity Sheets/Worksheets: Design activity sheets or worksheets that require students to record observations, answer questions, and reflect on what they learn. Include activities such as identifying specific machines, explaining their functions, and noting the historical context behind them.

During the Visit

  1. Arrival at the Museum:
    • Ensure timely arrival at the Visvesvaraya Industrial Museum.
    • After arrival, gather the students at a designated spot for a brief orientation on museum rules.
    • If the museum offers workshops, activities, events, coordinate with the museum staff to organize a group session. If not, divide students into smaller groups and assign a teacher or volunteer for each group.
  2. Museum Exploration:
    • Start with an introductory session where a teacher/volunteer explains the history and significance of the museum. Mention key exhibits like the working models of engines, electronics, and the science exhibits related to mechanical engineering.
    • Ensure that each group spends sufficient time exploring each exhibit, either through direct interaction with the displays or guided explanations.
    • Encourage students to ask questions, take notes, and engage with exhibits that align with their syllabus (such as exhibits related to physics).
    • Students have diverse learning styles. Some students may benefit from visual aids, others may prefer hands-on activities, while some may engage more deeply through discussion. Incorporate a variety of activities that cater to these different learning preferences.
  3. Interactive Activities:
    • Some sections of the museum may include interactive or hands-on activities. Encourage students to participate and explore the practical applications of scientific principles.
    • Assign tasks like observing how a specific machine operates or noting the types of engineering principles involved in each display.
    • Encourage students to think about the role of these technologies in the modern world. For example, how did the engineering marvels in the museum impact the daily lives of people, and how are similar technologies used today
    • Allow students to pause and discuss their observations with their peers. These discussions can be facilitated by questions such as:   a) What machine or exhibit impressed you the most, and why? b)How do you think these technologies helped in the development of industries? c) Can you think of any modern technology that has replaced or improved on what we saw?
  4. Breaks and Meals: Organize a scheduled break for snacks and refreshments
  5. Reflection: After the museum visit, gather the students in a space for a short discussion. Ask them to reflect on their learning experiences. Encourage them to share what they found most interesting and what they learned about industrial advancements.

Questions

Here are some questions you can ask children during their visit to the various galleries of the Museum to engage them in learning and reflection:

1. Hydraulics Gallery

  • What do you think happens when water flows through different pipes and tubes?
  • Can you explain how the models here demonstrate the use of water in machines?
  • How do you think hydraulic systems are used in real life, like in big machines or construction?
  • What is the role of pressure in the functioning of hydraulic systems?

2. Electronics Gallery

  • Can you identify some everyday devices that use electricity, similar to the ones in this gallery?
  • How does an electric circuit work? What happens if the circuit is broken?
  • How does electricity make our lives easier, based on what you’ve seen here?

3. Space Technology Gallery

  • What do you think the space missions and satellites shown here can teach us about Earth and the universe?
  • Can you describe how rockets are different from other vehicles you see on Earth?
  • What amazed you the most about space exploration exhibits?

4. Transport Gallery

  • How have vehicles changed over time, based on the exhibits here?
  • What are some key differences between older and modern transportation methods?
  • How does the working of an engine influence the speed and efficiency of a vehicle?

5. Mechanical Engineering Gallery

  • What are some machines in this gallery that help people in their daily lives?
  • How does a simple machine, like a pulley or lever, make work easier?
  • How do machines reduce the effort needed for tasks like lifting heavy objects?
  • Can you think of a situation where you might use one of the machines or tools displayed here?

6. Automobile Engineering Gallery

  • How do you think the design of a car has changed to make it safer and more efficient?
  • What are the different parts of a car that help it move and function?

7. Electromechanical Gallery

  • How do electrical and mechanical systems work together in the exhibits you see here?
  • Can you think of an example in real life where electrical and mechanical systems interact?
  • What would happen if one part of the system (electric or mechanical) failed?

8. Science Demonstration Area

  • What did you learn from the live demonstration today?
  • How did the experiment show the relationship between different forces like gravity or friction?
  • Can you explain what happened in the demonstration and why it’s important to understand these principles?

General Reflection Questions for Any Gallery:

  1. What is the most interesting exhibit you’ve seen so far? Why?
  2. How do you think these technological advancements are helpful in everyday life?
  3. What new thing did you learn today that you didn’t know before?
  4. How does this visit make you think differently about science and technology?

Post-Visit:

  1. On the following day of the excursion, conduct a debriefing session in school to consolidate learning. Revise the key concepts that were observed and discussed during the museum visit.
  2. Ask students to share their observations or experiences from the trip. Collect feedback from the students through a questionnaire or a class discussion. Ask them what they enjoyed most, what they learned, and what could be improved for future visits. Students can draw their favourite exhibits or write/share a creative story imagining how the technology might evolve in the future.
  3. Teacher Reflection: Reflect on the effectiveness of the trip in achieving educational objectives. Were the students engaged? Did the museum visit provide a tangible link to classroom content? Use this reflection to plan future field trips or activities.


Through an open process of interactions and discussions with relevant inputs from teachers, a spirit of curiosity and engagement with science is sought to be built.

About Museum

History of the Museum

The Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum (VITM) in Bengaluru was inaugurated in 1962 to honor the legacy of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, a prominent Indian engineer, statesman, and scholar. The museum is dedicated to showcasing his contributions to science, engineering, and industrialization. It features interactive exhibits that highlight various technological advancements and scientific principles, particularly in fields like hydraulics, mechanics, and electricity. Established to inspire curiosity and innovation among students, the museum serves as an educational hub, combining learning with fun through hands-on displays and live demonstrations.

Key Features of the Exhibition Hall

  1. Engineering Gallery: This section focuses on mechanical and electrical engineering, with models and working displays of engines, turbines, gears, and other machinery. It helps students understand how these machines work in the real world and their historical significance in industrialization.
  2. Electronics Gallery: The exhibits in this section explore the basics of electronics, circuits, and electrical engineering. Students can engage with models of telecommunication systems, transistors, and more. This is a great place for students to learn about how everyday devices work, from radios to mobile phones.
  3. Aerospace Gallery: This area showcases models and exhibits related to aviation and space technology. Students can learn about the history of flight, space exploration, and the mechanics behind various aircraft and spacecraft.
  4. Automobile Gallery: Focused on the evolution of the automobile, this section features working models of engines, car components, and the history of automobile manufacturing. It provides insight into how the automotive industry has transformed over time.
  5. Transport Gallery: This section covers the history and development of transportation, including models of various vehicles like trains, cars, and other modes of transport. Students can learn about the innovations that have revolutionized global travel.
  6. Computer and Information Technology Gallery: With displays related to the evolution of computers, IT systems, and their applications, this section gives insight into the digital age and the technologies that drive the modern world.
  7. Hydraulics Gallery: This section demonstrates the principles of hydraulics with models and interactive exhibits that allow students to understand the science behind water management, pressure, and how hydraulic systems work.
  8. Fun Science Gallery: An interactive section that explains basic scientific principles in a fun and engaging way. This gallery is designed to make learning enjoyable for children, with hands-on activities and models that demonstrate concepts like gravity, magnetism, and motion.
  9. Robotics and Automation: This exhibit showcases the advancements in robotics and automation technology, with working models that highlight how robots perform tasks in various industries, from manufacturing to medical fields.
  10. 3D Theatre: In addition to physical exhibits, the museum also features a 3D theatre that offers educational films about space, engineering, and scientific discoveries. This immersive experience is a hit with children, as it combines learning with entertainment.

Available Shows and Activities for Children:

  • Live Demonstrations: The museum offers live demonstrations of scientific principles, such as mechanical motion, water power, and electrical circuits. These shows are designed to be engaging and educational, making complex concepts easy for children to understand.
  • Science Shows: The museum hosts interactive science shows that explain the workings of machines, forces, and other scientific phenomena in an entertaining and accessible way. These shows are especially suitable for younger students, with simple language and visual aids.
  • Workshops: The museum organizes workshops on topics like robotics, space science, and model building. These are often hands-on and allow students to experiment with basic scientific tools and materials.
  • 3D Shows: Some exhibitions include 3D shows that bring to life various scientific concepts, offering a fun yet educational experience.
  • Taramndal Shows: For children interested in astronomy, the museum offers planetarium shows, explaining celestial bodies, stars, and space exploration.

The video provides a glimpse of the museum : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGEQUIHlFUU

Retrieved from "https://karnatakaeducation.org.in/KOER/en/index.php?title=Visvesvaraya_Industrial_and_Technological_Museum_-_Educational_Excursion&oldid=42327"