The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram, in collaboration with Arsha Space School, Mysuru conducted a three-day residential IIST@Schools programm at the V-LEAD campus, held in commemoration of a landmark birth anniversary of Aryabhatta. Aimed at sparking scientific curiosity and encouraging STEM education, the programme featured expert talks, hands-on demonstrations, and interactive sessions led by IIST faculty members, alumni, students and research scholars, and was attended by 110 students from classes 7 to 9. The programme was inaugurated by Dr BN Suresh, Chancellor, IIST. He underscored that democratizing access to space education, especially for the underprivileged students is not merely an aspiration, but a national priority. He commended the Government’s sustained outreach efforts aimed at enhancing access, equity, and quality in science education, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The session was presided over by Dipankar Banerjee, Vice Chancellor, IIST. The opening remarks were delivered by Kuruvilla Joseph, Pro Vice Chancellor. Adding a unique dimension to the programme, Prashanth Balakrishnan. Nair, the designated Astronaut, Gaganyaan Programme interacted virtually with the students, offering insights into satellites, human spaceflight, and the expanding frontiers of India’s space sector.Denny Amritagiri, Chairman of Arsha Space School, extended a warm welcome to the guests and the gathering. The vote of thanks was proposed by Lekshmi V Nair, Associate Dean (Student Activities and Outreach).Following the inauguration, Prof. Dipankar Banerjee, Vice Chancellor, IIST, in his talk captivated the audience with a highly inspiring talk on the Sun and India’s solar mission, Aditya-L1. Drawing from his own research and experiences in solar physics, Prof. Banerjee simplified complex scientific concepts to make them accessible and engaging for the school students.  His passionate narration about the of the journey of Aditya-L1 and its scientific goals complemented by engaging pictures and videos, sparked curiosity and excitement among the young audience. He established an excellent rapport with the students, encouraging them to ask questions and think beyond textbooks. In his address, he also underlined the critical role of scientific outreach and community engagement in nurturing a culture of innovation and inquiry among school children. Prof. Kuruvilla Joseph delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking motivational talk. Using compelling examples from the lives of Nobel Laureates and other eminent scientists, he underscored the transformative power of dedication, curiosity, and resilience. His words struck a deep chord with the students, instilling in them a renewed sense of purpose and confidence in their ability to overcome challenges and pursue excellence through persistent effort and lifelong learning.The academic sessions, spread over three days, offered a rich and immersive experience. A major highlight of the camp was the immersive module on model rocketry. Students were introduced to fundamental principles through a powerful blend of theory and hands-on experience. They designed and built both solid-fuel and water rockets, transforming abstract concepts into tangible learning.

The experience culminated in live launches of water and solid rockets, along with a static fire test that vividly demonstrated the working and performance of rocket motors. This experiential approach not only deepened technical understanding but also sparked excitement and aspiration towards aerospace engineering. Other sessions included topics ranging from the hands-on demonstrations in optics, Vedic Mathematics, where students were introduced to the ancient Indian techniques for rapid calculations, and delved into mechanical engineering concepts through interactive experiments and models. A session on Lunar Rhythms and Sky Watch, guided by expert astronomers, provided a glimpse into the wonders of the sky. The programme also introduced students to lunar exploration through the Chandrayaan programme, along with engaging sessions on different types of rocks, immersive virtual reality experiences, and interactive demonstrations on visualizing the structure of an atom. A cultural programme by the students enriched the overall experience adding joy and camaraderie to the academic engagement. The valedictory session served as a reflective closure, gathering feedback from students and faculty, and celebrating the success of the program. IIST@ Schools, organized in collaboration with Arsha Space School, was a resounding success. It effectively sparked curiosity, promoted scientific thinking, and ignited a passion for learning among participating school students.