From Stargazing to Stellar Education: Using Astronomy to Light Up Young Minds

Are you fascinated by the cosmos and eager to share that wonder with others? At TribesForGOOD, we offer a variety of engaging astronomy projects that ignite a passion for science and connect communities under the vast night sky.

• Artistic Astronomy Workshops: Unleash your inner artist and delve into the captivating world of astrophysics! Use astronomy as a tool to spark a curiosity for STEM in young kids.
• Stargazing Events: Organize a trip to your nearest science center or host a camping trip under the stars, to foster a connection with the night sky’s awe-inspiring beauty.
• Community Astrophysics Magazine: Dive into the fascinating world of astrophysics through our very own magazine! This online publication features articles, infographics, and interviews written in a clear and engaging way.
• Save The Skies: Light pollution is a growing threat to our ability to observe the night sky. Our Save The Skies initiative aims to raise awareness about this critical issue.

Rising To the Audience: The Seeyan Bountra Story

Seeyan Bountra, a TFG Changemaker from The Shri Ram School, Moulsari, exemplifies the transformative power of our astronomy projects. Driven by his passion for astrophysics and a desire to bridge the educational gap, Seeyan partnered with TribesForGOOD to make astrophysics accessible to students from underserved communities.

Seeyan is a budding scientific mind, preferring the entities of space to the humdrum of life on Earth (and who can blame him?). Driven by his passion for astrophysics, he was inspired to make it more accessible to students from underprivileged communities. He believes that since the laws of physics are universal, so should be their understanding. To bridge the gap between his aspiration and reality, Seeyan approached us at TribesForGOOD. Together, we assisted Seeyan in specifying and connecting with his target audience, mapping out his project plan, and finessing the content.  

It is this passion that Seeyan possesses that is vital in our country, where the rates of matriculation, particularly in the STEM field is concerningly low among students from underprivileged backgrounds. Notably, as Seeyan would find out, it is not for a lack of talent or interest, among these students. With a keen interest from global leaders in space technologies and research, the outlook for careers in astrophysics, and related areas such as astronomy and physics, is rather promising. Thus, sowing strong seeds of curiosity among our target audience is vital, so that they too may have the opportunity to pursue a career in this growing sphere of study.

During his first knowledge session, Seeyan decided to go easy on the students of the non-profit Chaitanya Kul, only to be left stumped when they’re questions exceeded his expectations and the scope of his preparation. The young changemaker had made the rookie error of underestimating his audience. Clearly, the students at Chaitanya Kul were well-versed with the fundamentals of the field.

In an alternative universe, where Seeyan is a less driven version of himself, he would’ve admitted defeat and let his bright audience remain unchallenged. But in this universe, Seeyan is his tenacious, astrophysics-loving, football-fanatic self and he wouldn’t be deterred, not by a smart audience, not even by a slight language barrier. 

For his passion project quotient, Seeyan was tasked with conducting onsite astrophysics-themed workshops under the STEM Fellowship. This time he was ready to come prepared for his audience and combine his passion for education equality and astrophysics with their needs. 

Taking into account the interest areas of the audience during his Virtual Fieldwork sessions, Seeyan curated a digital astrophysics magazine designed specifically to address and inspire their curiosity regarding the subject. This time, for his onsite sessions, he didn’t come to play, he came to win. Win his audience, that is. 

Armed with his digital magazine, whiteboard, and a painted yellow football for a sun, Seeyan’s session was met with much success. The positive reception to his magazine has made him consider taking it pan-India so that students from disadvantaged communities can engage with astrophysics through a perspective catered to them.

In collaboration with TribesForGOOD, Seeyan was able to implement his vision of cultivating an interest in astrophysics among disadvantaged groups of students. We can’t wait to see how he takes his initiative forward!

Inspired by Seeyan and want to start your changemaking journey? Apply here – Application form

Upcoming batches – July 1 / July 15 / August 15