Attend this session on nuclear science at Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum

A still from the movie Oppenheimer. Pic courtesy/Instagram

The release of the movie Oppenheimer has led to a renewed interest in not just the scientist, but also nuclear energy. Adding to the buzz, Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum is coming up with an interesting science session called Get To Know Nuclear. This online session that's being conducted in collaboration with the STEAM Academy is about nuclear science and its various environmental impacts; the science behind atomic power; and understanding nuclear terms like radiation, isotopes, fission, and fusion.

"In these times of climate change, there is a strong urge to go the nuclear way and stop burning fossil fuels. So it is important to talk about nuclear energy from the technological, and also the sociological point. The word nuclear has become the buzzword, thanks to the hit film Oppenheimer. We are going to share quintessential details of nuclear science with the students," says Dr AP Jayaraman, a nuclear scientist and founder of the STEAM Academy.

Tasneem Zakaria Mehta and Dr AP Jayaraman

The museum believes it is critical for young learners to cultivate awareness and an understanding of this field of science as nuclear science today is employed in numerous fields including nuclear energy production, medical imaging, materials research, and advanced technologies. "Within this session, we will also spotlight notable scientists such as Homi Bhabha, Raja Ramanna, R Chidambaram, and Anil Kakodkar; all of whom played pivotal roles in the advancement of atomic science in India in the 20th century," shares Tasneem Zakaria Mehta (below), managing trustee and director of the museum. This free session will be conducted in English and Hindi and has been tailored to suit students studying in grade six to eight, roughly children between the age group of 11 to 13. This is also the time when similar science topics are introduced in schools. The session will be conducted by Dr Jayaraman and Jasvinder Kaur, a biotechnologist.

"Our science sessions are incredibly popular among schools, NGOs as well as adults. We consistently host two monthly sessions, one conducted in English and the other in Hindi or Marathi. Through the sessions, we aim to cover not only contemporary and pertinent topics, but also amalgamate understanding of art and science through the unique collections in the Museum," says Mehta, adding that empowering teachers and offering access to the museum's collection for educational reasons is critical, and will go a long way in assisting educators.

Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum on August 24 (English) and August 25 (Hindi); 11 am to 12 pm
Register: education@bdlmuseum.org
Grade: 6 to 8