The Impact of COVID-19 on Visitor’s Footfall at National Science Centre, New Delhi: An Educational Resource

This study examined the effects of lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on student visitor’s footfall at National Science Centre, New Delhi, and its impact on educational activities for school children in particular as well as for public in general. This study attempted to explore opportunities and challenges that the science teachers were experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic in the lockdown period. It further discusses the effectiveness of the tools, resources, and support system devised and deployed by the National Science Centre, New Delhi, and how these have now been accepted as the new normal in non-formal free choice science education. The study devised and offered a solution through ‘blended learning’, a concept that is fast gaining pace in the Indian context. In simple terms, it is a hybrid form of teaching and holistic learning that involves both classroom and online learning, both structured and free choice learning. The last part of study showed to what extent the issues of the teachers were addressed impacting the overall learning experience.