Work begins on ₹80 lakh-worth Children's Science Park in Anna Centenary Library
In an effort to simplify concepts of science and mathematics for children, the science park will have 23 pieces of equipment for physics, mathematics, biology and other areas. The science park is expected to be opened to the public by January 2026.
In 2024, School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi had announced that a children's science park would be established in Anna Centenary Library to improve scientific knowledge among children.
'We have also taken a cue from the science park at the Kalaignar Centenary Library to understand what has worked really well for the public, and adjusted the equipment to suit the Chennai demographic,' said S. Kamatchi, Chief Librarian of the Anna Centenary Library.
Among the science instruments that would be set up are the pin wall, which would demonstrate the concept of pixels for definition of images; Anatodyne table, which shows minute details of the human body; Van de Graff generator, which explains static electricity that would make the hair stand up; and many more. The science park has been planned on the first floor of the library.
Stating that there would be text and audio explaining each display, Ms. Kamatchi said, 'In the display of augmented reality sandbox, the children would be able to make mounds to understand mountains and valleys, which would be shown through light. To explain this, audio would be played in both English and Tamil.'
Dedicated staff would be appointed to explain advanced concepts such as refraction of light. Further, to control the crowd, a registration system for slots would be established. 'This would also ensure that due attention is given to the children to best understand the concepts,' Ms. Kamatchi added.
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