On 20 April 2023 some of our students from Classes IX and X were invited to visit the Chinese Embassy and experience a virtual interaction with astronauts at the recently launched Tiangong Space Station, a permanently manned space station built by China. A leaflet outlining the details about the space station was provided to each student, making the “Talk with Taikonauts” doubly interesting. The hosts conducted a brief educational quiz and awarded prizes to the winners, which of course was very exciting. They then linked up with students from different countries via an online meeting, including from Russia, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, etc. The Taikonauts (who were in the space station) responded enthusiastically to the students’ queries. Our students’ learning was facilitated by the simultaneous translation of the conversation into English.
Following this, the students from TIS,VV presented a thoughtfully composed performance. They were then led to the dining room where an array of delicious Chinese dishes had been laid out; a treat which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The students also received lovely mementos to take home. All of them were impressed with the huge and impressive building, the eye-catching flower displays, the calligraphy and of course the unique chance of an interaction with the Taikonauts.
