Sindh will set up six modern science education centers and fund free, observation-based study visits for public school students across the province.
New Science Centers at Divisional Level
The Sindh government has announced a major push to strengthen science education by establishing six modern science education centers at divisional level and launching a formal system of observation-based study visits for public school students. Officials say the aim is to move beyond textbook-only learning and give students regular, practical exposure to scientific ideas in real-world settings.
Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah said the new centers will be set up in six divisions across the province as dedicated hubs for hands-on science learning. These facilities are expected to host experiments, demonstrations and interactive exhibits that help students see how scientific principles work in everyday life.
The minister noted that the province has already begun efforts to promote science education, including the successful organisation of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) competitions. He described the new science centers and structured study visits as the next phase of this drive, designed to turn isolated events into a regular, planned part of the school experience.
Partnership with Magnifi Science Center in Karachi
As part of the initiative, Syed Sardar Ali Shah visited Pakistan’s first interactive science museum, the Magnifi Science Center in Karachi, which has been established by The Dawood Foundation. He was received by the center’s Chief Executive Officer, Fawad Soomro, and briefed on different sections and exhibits.
During the visit, officials highlighted that Magnifi Science Center is a modern, interactive facility where scientific concepts are presented through engaging displays, experiments and real-life simulations rather than static textbook diagrams. Students can touch, test and explore various installations to better understand topics such as physics, biology, chemistry and environmental science.
The Sindh government and The Dawood Foundation are now working to deepen their cooperation. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to be finalised by the end of February, which will create a formal framework for regular study visits from public schools to the Magnifi Science Center.
Observation-Based Study Visits and Annual Calendar
The education minister stressed that observation-based study visits are essential to connect public school students with science in a meaningful way. He said that in the modern era, textbook education alone is not enough; it must be supported by hands-on and experiential learning opportunities that allow students to observe, question and experiment.
Under the new plan, an annual calendar will be issued to schedule free study visits for public school students to Magnifi Science Center and other learning sites. These visits will be organised division-wise so that students from different districts get equal access over the course of the year.
The calendar will not be limited to science museums alone. It will also include visits to heritage sites, cultural centers and important national heritage locations across Sindh. Officials believe that combining scientific, cultural and historical exposure will help students build a broader understanding of their society and environment while keeping learning interesting and memorable.
Funding and Expected Impact on Students
The Sindh cabinet has already approved funding to support the new initiative. According to officials, Rs 30 million has been earmarked for the current fiscal year, while up to Rs 60 million will be provided in the next financial year. A formal mechanism for annual payments is being set up so that schools can send students on visits without facing financial barriers or uncertainty about costs.
The education minister said the investment is designed to give public school students the kind of exposure that has traditionally been more accessible to students in private schools. By opening up interactive science centers and structured visits to a wider segment of the population, the government hopes to spark scientific curiosity, critical thinking and creativity among young learners.
Teachers are expected to play a key role by linking these visits back to the curriculum, assigning follow-up projects and encouraging students to reflect on what they observed. Over time, the combination of classroom lessons, competitions and field-based learning is expected to make science feel more relevant, enjoyable and achievable for students in Sindh’s public schools.
