New Science Lab in Pune Sparks Curiosity for Kids
A new hands-on science lab called Researchers' World has opened at Shardashram School in Shirgaon, Pune, welcoming young learners to explore experiments.
Exciting news has arrived for young learners who love to ask questions and explore how things work! A brand-new hands-on science lab in Pune officially opened its doors on 11 November 2024 at Shardashram School in Shirgaon. This energetic learning space was created to bring scientific ideas to life far beyond the pages of an ordinary textbook.
The dedicated facility, known as Researchers’ World or Forscherwelt, was announced by Henkel Adhesives Technologies India under their CSR programme for 2024–25. It is designed especially to spark curiosity in children aged 8 to 10 years by inviting them to take on the role of active researchers.
What happened?
The bright laboratory was officially inaugurated during a special ceremony by S. Sunil Kumar, President of Henkel India, and Prakash Deole, the founder of Shardashram School. The launch event was also attended by Sanjay Naikade, the Education Officer of Maval, who joined in to celebrate the opening of this community resource.
The newly built lab can comfortably accommodate 20 children per session. Best of all, it will not serve only one school. The programme plans to open its doors to welcome students from around 40 neighbouring schools across the nearby area.
During each interactive session, boys and girls first receive clear guidance on lab safety and the correct way to handle scientific equipment. Once they understand the safety rules, the students get straight to work conducting practical experiments. As they observe the results, the young investigators record careful notes and discuss their findings together as a team.
Over the full course of an academic year, participating students will complete a structured curriculum made up of 12 hands-on science experiments. To make sure everyone receives plenty of help, Henkel staff members from Pune are volunteering their time as teachers and mentors to guide the children through every discovery.
Why does it matter to you?
Have you ever read a science chapter and wished you could see the ideas happen right in front of you? This new laboratory gives young students a wonderful chance to step away from ordinary textbooks and conduct real, exciting experiments with scientific tools.
Rather than simply memorising facts, children get to handle instruments, test their own ideas, and see science in action. It proves that you do not have to wait until you grow up to think, explore, and make discoveries like a real scientist!
Words to know
- Laboratory: A special room equipped with tools and materials for carrying out scientific tests and experiments safely.
- Curriculum: A planned regular course of study or list of lessons to be completed over a school year.
- Mentor: A helpful guide or teacher who shares knowledge and supports someone learning new skills.
- CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility): A programme through which companies use their resources to help society, schools, or local communities.
Did you know?
The global Researchers’ World programme originally started in Düsseldorf, Germany, in 2011, and it has already reached more than 130,000 children across over 20 countries!
Think about it
If you were given a chance to spend a day in a scientific laboratory, what curious question would you want to test first?
Why do you think writing down notes and sharing observations with classmates is an important part of doing science?
Quick quiz
How many hands-on science experiments will students complete in the lab over the academic year?
- 6 experiments
- 12 experiments
- 24 experiments
See the answer
12 experiments
Sources
This story was prepared by the Kids Gazette news desk with the help of AI research and writing tools, using the sources listed above.
