Introduction of aeromodelling in ATL for schools

I have been very interested in aero modeling since childhood.  My journey in aeromodelling spans from crafting elementary aircraft to piloting remote-controlled aviation models. I learnt that aeromodelling helps in building troubleshooting and a creative approach as one works out ways to fly the model. I have encountered many challenges in my pursuit of learning and tried to find a solution in the Atal Tinkering Lab at my school. I realized that schools are not offering aeromodelling learning. I have persevered to get the required resources and guidance to resolve my challenges. Whenever I’ve showcased my projects, it’s become evident that there’s a significant eagerness among many kids like myself to embrace this, provided they are allowed to explore and learn. Hence I took the proposal to Atal Tinkering Lab, Niti Ayog for initiating aeromodelling learning in various schools associated with it to facilitate this fascinating branch of science in school children like me. Upon discussing my proposal there, I realized that aeromodelling is considered a cost-intensive learning and thus largely inaccessible to many students. 

I then reached out to Entrepreneurship & Rural Development Centre (ERDC), Chandigarh with a proposal to build a course to promote aeromodelling learning for schools that are present in rural areas. My goal is to open the eyes of educators and children to the wonders of physics and mechanics involved in it, encouraging them to explore and experiment. 

I have successfully created the course framework along with the concerned authorities and prepared the bill of materials required.  Fortunately, I got few opportunities to conduct one day training sessions for school students. The most notable amongst these was the one I conducted at IIT Ropar in collaboration with ERDC for school children. I received an enthusiastic bunch of 30 – grade 9 and grade 10 students. My session with school students at IIT Ropar allowed me to guide them on the importance of brainstorming, problem-solving, and collaboration. 

If I can inspire a few to become passionate innovators, I’ll feel that I’ve truly made a meaningful impact.