Karachi’s first science gallery opens its doors to visitors

FDSK and Suparco exhibit their scientific articles and machines at the gallery.

KARACHI:

With informative and exciting scientific articles and machines on display, Karachi’s first Interactive Science Gallery opened its doors to the public on Friday at the Pakistan Maritime Museum.

Pakistan Naval Chief Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila and Foundation for Diffusion of Scientific Knowledge (FDSK) Chairperson Dr Attaur Rahman inaugurated the gallery which houses scientific articles and machines of FDSK and Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco).

There are multiple attractions for those visiting the gallery, including Archimedes Screw Left, Gyroscope, Wind Generator and Solar System, but what caught the attention of the younger crowd was the Anti-gravity Mirror which gives a flying image of a man. Some children were also seen measuring the amount of current in their hand through a machine on display.

Sameer Khan, who had just completed his Matriculation, gave a briefing to the children and other visitors about a dummy submarine and its operations. “All the projects displayed here are interesting and informative but I liked the Orchestra and the machine through which I can measure current in my hands the most,” said Khan.



Mirza Zeehsan, a supervisor at FDSK, told The Express Tribune that people, especially children up to the age of 15 years age, were welcome to enjoy the gallery.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Admiral Sandila extended his gratitude to FDSK for choosing the maritime museum as the venue for the gallery and hoped that children would get to learn from the gallery.

“We should tell our children that there is no elevator to success - you have to go step by step and eventually climb to the top,” he said, also announcing a contribution of Rs0.5 million from the Navy fund for the scientific centre project of the FDSK. Dr Attaur Rahman also urged to spread scientific education, stressing on the need for construction of science centres across the country. “Success comes through education and advancement in science and technology,” said Rahman. “The interactive science gallery is a commendable effort to establish a facility where students can experience the science exhibits firsthand and easily understand the scientific principles that affect our lives in many profound ways.” He shed light on the importance of investments in the science sector and invited the armed forces to support scientific research centres.

Suparco Chairperson Major General (retd) Ahmed Bilal also appreciated Rahman’s efforts in promoting science and technology in the country.

Talking about institutes which offer education in space science, he said that a decade ago there wasn’t even one such centre. “Now we have successfully launched space education and space sciences departments in selected major universities of the country,” said Bilal.

In her welcome speech at the inauguration, FDSK Managing Trutee Samiya Illias said that she wanted every child in Pakistan to have a place where learning was a delightful and interesting activity. “I wanted our children to have a place which breeds thoughts and ideas. Some talented and wonderful people from all walks of life gathered and helped us in completing our first project,” Illias said. “We hope that the FDSK interactive science gallery will set in motion a nation-wide effort to establish multiple science centres and museums.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 25^th, 2013.