Villoo Poonawalla Foundation

Saare Tare Zameen Par Trust

STZPT is a non-profit organization. At STZPT, our mission is to make a profound impact on rural education through our immersive and experiential learning approach. Through Saare Tare Zameen Par Trust, our science outreach program, we bring the wonders of astronomy, science, and math directly to the doorsteps of underprivileged students.

Spark of Curiosity

Spark of Curiosity is one of the most appreciated programs of STZPT. It is a whole academic year engagement program that provides Immersive and Experiential learning along with fun activities that ignites the spark of curiosity among students.

Our Goals

Importance of Rural Education

Education in villages isn’t just about reading and writing—it’s about creating opportunities, reducing poverty, and shaping strong, self-reliant communities.

Importance of Science Education

Science opens up a child’s mind to how the world works. It builds curiosity, critical thinking, and the confidence to solve everyday problems.

Schools in Rural India

With over 87% of India’s schools in rural areas, our villages form the backbone of the nation’s education system—yet many still need basic support and infrastructure.

Challenges in Learning Science

Without proper labs, teachers, or tech, many rural schools struggle to teach science. Most students can’t visit city science centres, making hands-on learning a distant dream.

STEM & SPACE Exploration Report

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

In the Academic Year 2024-25, the Spark of Curiosity project targeted 4283 students across 13 schools in Pune. The program sought to bridge the gap in educational resources and opportunities between rural and urban areas, with a focus on empowering students with hands-on learning experiences.

SCHOOL SELECTION AND ROAD MAP:

We selected 13 schools in the Pune region for Spark of curiosity Program. On the basis of school interest and criteria, we started working on these schools. These schools located in four blocks of Pune, such as Bhor, Khed, Shirur, and Haveli.

TARGETED STUDENTS (BENEFICIARIES) :

We selected 13 schools in Pune region for spark of curiosity Program. On the basis of school interest and criteria we started working on these schools. These schools located in four block of Pune such as Bhor, Khed, Shirur and Haveli.

Block Name	No	Village	School Name	7	8	9	10	Total
Haveli	1	Manjari	Annasaheb Magar Vidyalaya, Manjari	63	78	79	55	275
	2	Theur	Chintamani Vidya Mandir, Theur	120	128	99	91	438
	3	Wadaki	Nutan Vidyalaya, Wadaki	61	119	85	80	345
	4	Uruli devachi	Samata Vidyalaya, Uruli Devachi	165	117	169	156	667
Shirur	5	Vadhu	Sharadchandraji Pawar Madhyamik Vidyalaya	116	132	139	123	510
	6	Sanaswadi	Z.P. Primary School, Sanaswadi	65				65
	7	Kendur	Sardar Raghunathrao Dhawale High School	93	128	120	97	438
	8	Sanaswadi	Madhyamik Vidyalaya, Sanaswadi	151	232	295	317	995
	9	Kendur	Z.P. Primary School, Kendur	11				11
Khed	10	Shiroli	Z.P. Primary School, Shiroli	46				46
	11	Donde	Bhairavnath Vidyalaya, Donde		85	92	115	292
	12	Shiroli	Adarsh Vidyalaya, Shiroli		29	29	32	90
	13	Alande	Appasaheb Bandal Vidyalaya, Alande		31	43	37	111
			Total	891	1139	1150	1103	4283

INAUGURATION EVENT – 29 NOV 2024

Event Location: Sharadchandraji Pawar Madhyamik Vidyalaya Vadhu, Pune.
Chief Guest: Mr.Satish Maneshinde, Senior Advocate.
Guests of Honor: Mr.Shivprasad Khened, Former Director, NCSM.
Smt. Leena Bokil, NASA Honeywell Speaker.

Event Highlights:

Science Kit Distribution
Captivating Mobile Planetarium Show
Engaging Mini Science Fair.
Knowledgeable Address by the Guest of Honor.
Felicitation of all mini science fair participants

PROGRAM ACTIVITIES AND IMPLEMENTATION

Distribution of Science Kits:

Input: Comprehensive science kits containing a diverse range of educational materials, including DIY experiments, models, and instructional guides, were procured.

Output: Each participating school received science kits tailored to the curriculum and grade level, enabling students to conduct practical experiments and investigations.

Outcome: Students gained firsthand experience with scientific concepts and developed critical thinking skills through hands-on exploration.

Regular Visits to Schools:

Following the inauguration, our dedicated science teachers commenced their regular visits to the school, adhering to the teaching schedule developed during the first quarter. They conducted a series of hands-on learning activities using the science kits. The students well-received these activities, making it easier for them to comprehend complex science concepts from their syllabus. The enthusiasm and engagement observed among the students were highly encouraging.

Input: A trained science educator was deployed to conduct regular visits to partner schools.

Output: Teacher facilitated interactive learning sessions, demonstrations, and experiments to supplement classroom instruction.

Outcome: Students received individualized attention and support. leading to improved academic performance and confidence in STEM education.

Mobile Planetarium Shows:

Immersive and awe-inspiring planetarium shows transported students into the vastness of the universe. The cosmic journey not only aligned with their curriculum but also ignited a passion for astronomy and space exploration.

Input: Portable planetarium equipment was utilized to create immersive astronomy experiences for students.

Output: Mobile planetarium shows were conducted in each school, allowing students to explore celestial phenomena and astronomical concepts.

Outcome: Students developed a deeper appreciation for astronomy and gained insights into the wonders of the universe.

Quiz Competition - 'Kaun Banega Saupati':

Interactive quiz competitions served as a fun yet effective method to reinforce learning. Covering a spectrum of subjects, these quizzes encouraged healthy competition, critical thinking, and a deeper engagement with academic content.

Input: Quiz competition materials, including questions, prizes, and certificates, were prepared.

Output: The quiz competition was organized, engaging students in friendly competition and intellectual challenges.

Outcome: Students demonstrated their knowledge and understanding of SľEM topics, fostering a spirit of healthy competition and academic achievement

Mini Science fair :

On the occasion of National Science Day, we organized a mini science
fair, Students inspired by hands-on learning activities brought up a few ideas for science demonstrations.

ASSESSMENTS:

As part of our ongoing evaluation process, we conducted a pre-assessment test for all students. This questionnaire aimed to gauge their baseline knowledge of general applied science. ľhe results will serve as a measure of improvements as we progress with the program.
A similar assessment will be conducted at the end of the program to assess the learning outcomes and the overall success of our efforts.

Input: Pre and post-assessment tools were developed to measure students’ learning outcomes and progress.

Output: Assessments were administered before and after the program to gauge the effectiveness of the interventions and identify areas for improvement.

Outcome: Data analysis revealed significant gains in students’ knowledge, understanding, and retention of SľEM concepts, validating the impact of the Spark of Curiosity program on academic achievement and learning outcomes.

PROGRAM AND OUTCOMES:

Increased student engagement and participation in STEM education.
Enhanced academic performance and achievement in science and
mathematics.
Improved attitudes towards learning and greater enthusiasm for exploring scientific concepts.
Empowerment of teachers with new instructional strategies and
resources for effective teaching.
Strengthened partnerships with schools, communities, and corporate stakeholders in support of educational initiatives and social impact projects.

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