THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Nearly 15,000 school students across Kerala are developing functioning weather models. These students are participating in ongoing Little KITEs camps. Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE) organizes these camps.
The Little KITEs initiative is the technology arm of Kerala’s general education department. It represents India’s largest student Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Network. The network has over 2 lakh members .
Camps Underway
Sub-district camps have started across Kerala. A total of 14,804 students are participating. These students are learning scientific methods for modern weather determination. They also study how weather forecasting centers operate, an official statement said.
Students were selected from over 2.08 lakh members in 2,248 school units . This selection followed preliminary school-level camps. The selected students attend two-day sub-district camps. These camps are held at 225 centers across the state.
The camps focus on developing prototypes of weather monitoring instruments. This involves programming. Students also create digital content through animation.
Programming Weather Systems
Students design systems to predict weather conditions. They analyze inputs like temperature, pressure, wind speed, and humidity. K. Anvar Sadath, Chief Executive Officer of KITE, stated this.
Participants use robotic kits previously provided to schools by KITE. They construct functioning models of essential weather station equipment. This includes building a temperature gauge. It uses LDR sensor modules, servo motors, and Arduino components.
Students also develop digital anemometers. These measure wind speed. They create wind vanes to determine wind direction.
Animation and 3D Modeling
In the animation sessions, students use OpenToonz software. OpenToonz is a free, open-source 2D animation program. Students create animated short films. They employ techniques such as rotate animation, in-between frame animation, and lip-syncing. Tweening and special effects are also taught.
The camps additionally cover 3D model creation. Students use Blender software for this task.
Future Technology Expansion
KITE CEO K. Anvar Sadath delivered the introductory address online. He announced advanced robotic kits will be available in all schools. These kits will be distributed starting January 2026 . The new kits can create complex systems. This ranges from moving robots to smart weather stations.
The Little KITEs program aims to foster innovation and technical excellence. It equips public school students with advanced skills. Areas include Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), and animation. The goal is to transform students from technology consumers into creators.