Govt school to get solar-powered STEM lab

Mangaluru: A state-of-the-art STEM Lab and solar-based UPS system, funded by the JSW foundation, designed & implemented by IEEE India Philanthropy, will be inaugurated at Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat Govt Model Higher Primary School Panjimogaru on April 10. School headmistress Vani said that the initiative transforms the traditional classroom by replacing textbooks with hands-on experience. The new lab features a wide array of interactive models covering: Physical Sciences: Magnetism, light, sound and simple machines, Biology & Chemistry: Anatomical models of the heart and brain, alongside chemistry learning kits and Electronics: Practical demonstrations of circuits, motors and wave motion. To ensure learning never stops, the project includes a solar-powered backup system currently supporting three classrooms, providing uninterrupted power regardless of grid stability. The project extends continuous support to ensure optimal utilisation of the installed facilities. "This facility allows our students to truly experience science by touching and seeing concepts in action," the school administration shared, expressing gratitude to JSW Foundation and IEEE for empowering the next generation of innovators. The bilingual school has a strength of 350 students, from LKG to Class 7 and nine teachers including HM and PT Teacher. The school also has a smart class. However, the new science laboratory will primarily benefit students of Classes 6 and 7. The school will soon be upgraded into a Karnataka Public School and the lab will be beneficial to high school students, Vani said. She earlier approached JSW Foundation for tracksuits for the students, which were duly provided. Upon learning that the school was also in need of a science laboratory, JSW extended its support by facilitating the same. They also assured to provide teachers training.