Deep Learning
Deep Learning is an outreach initiative of TIFR Hyderabad with schools of the Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TSWREIS). It began in 2017 with visits of the TCIS Outreach team to a few neighbouring schools of TSWREIS to conduct teaching sessions aimed at supporting meaningful, laboratory-based science learning. From the academic year 2017-18 volunteers from TCIS and University of Hyderabad have been visiting the schools regularly on weekends. Through the teaching sessions we assess gaps in students’ understanding and address these through examples, demonstrations and arguments. Some sessions are conducted in the science labs so that students experience hands-on, experimental science.
As part of the Deep Learning initiative, low-cost paper microscopes called “Foldscopes” are introduced in a few TSWREIS schools on a pilot basis. Reports of our foldscope initiative are here. Some of the curriculum-based microscopy activities and project ideas for students are here. Independent foldscope work done by the TSWREIS teachers and students is uploaded by them here.
In 2018 we have started a Meet a Scientist program, conducted in face-to-face mode in one of the local TSWREIS schools and, in distance mode over the TSAT network reaching remote schools in Telangana State. Apart from popular talks in the scientist’s area of specialisation, this program is devoted to addressing students’ questions.