The Science Express, an Indo-German collaborative effort, is on at platform no. 13 of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and will be open till April 8 between 10 am and 4 pm. Compartmentalized knowledge — in a very literary sense — is what describes the train best. An all-white fully air-conditioned train, the Science Express, a distinctive high-end science exhibition on train, presented an extensive report on the current cutting edge research in science and technology while giving enthusiasts an opportunity to experiment in the lab and find out certain things for themselves.

The train has 12 coaches displaying multimedia science exhibits containing more than 300 large-format visual images, over 150 video clips and multimedia exhibits developed by Max Planck Society, Germany whereas the13th coach has two sections; one displaying Indian achievements in science and the other has the BASF’s Kids’ Lab giving the children the opportunity to have a hands on experience in chemistry. Right from a tiny skeletal specimen of a mouse embryo to technologies of the future, the exhibition covered topics ranging from the smallest unit of creation to the existence of the universe.

The project is managed by the Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre in partnership with the Max Planck Society, the Government of India and BASF chemical company.

Having travelled 41 destinations already, it enlists various fascinating insights into the world of micro and macro cosmos, the limits of science and technology in India, and tomorrow’s technologies — bio technology, nanotechnology, neuro electronics and quantum computing. Few of the topics covered are the big bang model, cells — the building blocks of life, global challenges, technologies of the future etc. On display were also a range of opportunities available for those interested in pursuing a career in the related fields.

Children from various schools accompanied by their teachers and parents attended the exhibition. Most of the young minds seemed besotted by the presentations. “The exhibition is extremely interesting and I have learnt a lot from it. The videos and the interactive multimedia are visually attractive and have increased our interest in the subject,” exclaimed Akaash Sharma, student, Sir J J Fort Boys High School.

“I am extremely impressed with this innovative venture. It is an attractive way of teaching children. Such efforts should be encouraged and be treated as complimentary to the text books. My children have actually understood certain facts which have helped open a whole new dimension of thinking,” said Jagruti Gale, a parent who was present at the exhibition. A few teachers and students though were dissatisfied with the project staff and facilities. “There is a need for adequate personnel to man the displays in order to ensure explanation of complex processes. Certain interactive equipment too was being handled by students themselves. Students had to satisfy themselves with just the visual presentations even when certain phenomena demanded explanations,” remarked a teacher accompanying the students.