Organized by iMaven Astronomy Academy with an inspiring blend of creativity, enthusiasm, and academic excellence, a grand Astronomy Camp and Felicitation Ceremony was held at Translam Academy, Mawana under SkyBridge program for the Astronomy students of the academic year 2024-25. This event marked a significant milestone for the Astronomy Academy, infusing fresh energy and zeal into its community of talented young space explorers.
Astronomy Camp: Soaring with Knowledge and Creativity
The day began with an engaging Astronomy Camp, where students participated in a variety of activities designed to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos and ignite their passion for space. Under the expert guidance of iMaven Astronomy, these activities provided students with opportunities to embrace creative thinking and draw inspiration from the infinite expanse of the universe, while nurturing their interest in mathematics and science. The camp featured the following sessions:
Moon’s Various Phases:
Students explored the different phases and cycles of the Moon, gaining insight into its dynamic nature and understanding its effects on Earth.
Space Stories:
Enthralling tales of space not only sparked the imagination of the young explorers but also illuminated the scientific principles behind various cosmic phenomena.
Star Navigation:
Participants navigated the night sky, successfully identifying Polaris (the North Star) and appreciating its significance in celestial navigation.
Space-themed Artwork and Models:
Students showcased their creative talents by crafting vibrant artworks and models. Exhibits included models based on rocket launches, lunar missions, satellite deployments, and spacecraft, which captivated the audience. Winners for the first ( ) and second ( ) prizes were announced.
Poster Making Competition:
Nav Batra from Class 8 secured the first prize, while Dhananjay from Class 8 received the second prize.
Estimation Activity:
In this innovative exercise, students estimated the width of a river, blending mathematical skills with astronomical measurement techniques.
The objective of all these activities was to spark a deep and enduring interest in space, encouraging students to continually soar high in their quest to uncover the universe’s mysteries, while also cultivating their passion for science and mathematics.
Excellence Awards Distribution and Felicitation Ceremony
The highlight of the day was the Felicitation Ceremony, during which the outstanding achievements of students and facilitators were duly recognized. Dr. Amit Kumar Singh, Founder of iMaven Astronomy, personally distributed certificates and medals, applauding the hard work and dedication of all the participants. The awards were distributed as follows:
Cadet Rank:
Sixty students were honored with the Cadet rank, reflecting their foundational knowledge and enthusiasm.
Super Cadet Rank:
The following students were awarded the Super Cadet rank:
Vansh Agarwal – Class 6 (Platinum)
Sanyam – Class 6 (Pearl)
Aadhya Chaudhary – Class 7 (Pearl)
Abhinav – Class 7 (Pearl)
Arpit Rastogi – Class 7 (Pearl)
Abhiraj Tyagi – Class 8 (Pearl)
Gurpreet – Class 8 (Platinum)
Siddhanshi – Class 8 (Platinum)
Sonali – Class 9 (Platinum)
Aastha Sharma – Class 9 (Pearl)
Devanshi – Class 9 (Pearl)
Ojas Papneja – Class 9 (Daffodil)
Sapna Rani – Class 10 (Pearl)
Nandini Agarwal – Class 10 (Pearl)
Diya – Class 10 (Platinum)
Pratham Tyagi – Class 11 (Science Stream)
Lieutenant Rank:
The following two students were honored with the distinctive Lieutenant rank:
Yashika Kheda – Class 6 (Platinum)
Dhananjay – Class 8 (Platinum)
Additionally, Course Facilitator Mr. Utkarsh Rastogi was awarded the Lieutenant rank in recognition of his dedicated contribution.
Furthermore, Mr. Jitendra Som, Public Reach Manager of iMaven Astronomy Academy, presented medals and mementos to the following members:
Course Coordinator, Mrs. Anchal Chaudhary
Course Facilitator, Mr. Utkarsh Rastogi
Course Facilitator, Mr. Ankit
Dr. Amit Kumar Singh also expressed his heartfelt gratitude by presenting a school certificate and memento to the Principal of Translam Academy, Mr. Dheeraj Arya, acknowledging his tireless support and significant contribution to the success of the program.
Soaring Towards New Horizons
In his address, Mr. Dheeraj Arya, Principal of Translam Academy, emphasized that the Astronomy Camp and Felicitation Ceremony was not merely an event but a transformative experience that rekindled the passion and enthusiasm for space among the students. The astronomy activities, creative sessions, and the spirit of exploration instilled a renewed zeal for learning and discovery in every participant. He affirmed that the academy will continue to provide an excellent environment that seamlessly integrates academic excellence with innovative exploration, promising a bright future for all aspiring astronomers.
He concluded with an inspiring message to the students:
“Keep your eyes on the skies, for the universe is boundless!”
The Astronomy Club at Translam Academy recently conducted an enlightening session where students explored the wonders of the night sky. This engaging session introduced students to the iconic constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, along with practical guidance on identifying the Pole Star in the northern sky.
Objective
The primary goal of the session was to help students understand the significance of constellations in astronomy and teach them how to locate the Pole Star using prominent celestial patterns. The activity aimed to develop students’ observational skills while deepening their appreciation for the cosmos.
Learning Process
During the session, students were guided through the following key points:
Understanding Ursa Major: Students learned that Ursa Major, often known as the Great Bear or the Big Dipper, is one of the most recognizable constellations in the northern hemisphere. They discovered how the seven bright stars in the Big Dipper form a distinct pattern resembling a ladle or a plough.
Exploring Ursa Minor: The instructors then introduced Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Dipper. Students observed how this constellation appears smaller yet plays a vital role in celestial navigation.
Locating the Pole Star: Students were taught a simple yet effective technique to find the Pole Star (Polaris) using Ursa Major. By following an imaginary line extending from the two pointer stars in the Big Dipper’s bowl — Dubhe and Merak — they successfully identified Polaris, the brightest star in Ursa Minor.
Significance of the Pole Star: The session also covered how Polaris remains nearly fixed in the sky due to its alignment with Earth’s rotational axis, making it a crucial reference point for navigation.
Practical Observation
To reinforce their learning, students were encouraged to observe the constellations during a clear evening sky. Guided by their instructors, they successfully identified Ursa Major, traced its pointer stars, and located the Pole Star with confidence.
Student Insights
Students found the session fascinating, with many expressing newfound interest in stargazing and celestial navigation. One student shared, “Learning to spot the Pole Star felt like unlocking a cosmic secret. It’s amazing how these ancient constellations still guide us today.”
Conclusion
The Astronomy Club at Translam Academy continues to foster curiosity and inspire students through hands-on learning experiences. By connecting theoretical concepts with real-life observation, students gained valuable knowledge that deepens their understanding of the universe.
We look forward to more exciting explorations as our young astronomers continue their cosmic journey!
At Translam Academy, students from the Astronomy Club had an exciting and educational session focused on the practical applications of estimation in real life. As part of their learning experience, students participated in an engaging hands-on activity where they successfully estimated the width of an imaginary river without crossing it, using the principles of mathematics and congruent triangles.
Objective
The primary objective of this activity was to help students understand the significance of estimation and demonstrate how mathematical concepts can be applied to solve real-world problems. The exercise was designed to enhance students’ analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and teamwork.
Methodology
The students were introduced to the concept of congruent triangles, a fundamental principle in geometry. The instructors explained how congruent triangles maintain identical shape and size, enabling indirect measurements with precision.
To estimate the width of the imaginary river, students followed these steps:
Selecting Reference Points: Students identified two points, Point A on one side of the river and Point B directly opposite it on the other side.
Creating a Parallel Baseline: A parallel baseline was marked on the same side of the river as Point A.
Measuring Distances: Students measured a fixed distance along this baseline to establish a third point, Point C.
Aligning Sightlines: A fourth point, Point D, was located such that the line from Point D to Point C was parallel to the imaginary riverbank, ensuring alignment with Point B.
Using Congruent Triangles: By establishing two congruent triangles (one on each side of the baseline), students applied mathematical ratios to calculate the estimated width of the river.
Results
The students calculated the river width using the formula derived from corresponding sides of congruent triangles. The results were impressively close to the intended target measurement, showcasing the accuracy achievable through mathematical estimation techniques.
Learning Outcome
This engaging activity not only reinforced students’ understanding of geometry but also encouraged critical thinking and creative problem-solving. By combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, students gained valuable insights into how mathematics can be used beyond the classroom.
Student Reflections
Many students expressed excitement about the activity, noting how practical applications like this help them better grasp mathematical concepts. One student remarked, “It was amazing to see how geometry can solve real-world problems so effectively.”
Conclusion
The Astronomy Club at Translam Academy continues to inspire students through innovative learning experiences that connect scientific principles to everyday life. This activity demonstrated that mathematics is not just about numbers on paper but a powerful tool for understanding and exploring the world around us.
We look forward to more such insightful sessions as we continue to nurture curiosity and foster a love for learning in our students.
