Science, tech and etiquette lessons for learners

Birla High School

The junior section (Nursery to Class II) of Birla High School took their learning a notch higher by organising a science exhibition at Prayer Hall on March 8. The event was a collaborative effort of the students and teachers of respective classes.

Team Nursery presented a project, The Tiny Seed, based on the sustainable development goals (SDG) related to good health and well-being, climate action, life on land as well as responsible consumption and production. They showcased the germination process of plants, educating visitors about their life cycle of plants and significance.

Their display area was decorated with vibrant craftwork on plants and their germination. Various stages of plant growth were depicted through craftwork, models and interactive displays.

The theme for Kindergarten (KG) was Be A Recycler, Be A Saviour. The Kindergarteners showcased various experiments which revolved around the theme of sustainability. Through these experiments and crafts, the boys aimed to fulfil SDG 7 or responsible consumption and production.

Class I dabbled with the Five Senses. They showcased experiments, models and craftwork on the senses of touch, smell, hearing, taste and sight. This was in sync with SDG 3 or good health and well-being. A child also came dressed as Maria Branyas, the longest-living person, who motivated guests with tips on good health and well-being.

The theme for Class II was Save for the Rest. The little ones demonstrated through simple experiments how to achieve SDG 7 or affordable and clean energy.

The exhibition was a learning experience for all the participants, encouraging students to engage in hands-on exploration, nurturing their creativity and honing their communication skills.

“The youngest minds hold the power to inspire wonder and curiosity through their exploration of science. Congratulations to our Nursery to Class II students on a remarkable exhibition showcasing their budding curiosity and creativity,” said headmistress Farida Singh.

Seth Soorajmull Jalan Balika Vidyalaya

The Primary section of Seth Soorajmull Jalan Balika Vidyalaya organised a science exhibition to mark National Science Day in their school auditorium on March 2. The theme was Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat.

The students of various classes interpreted the theme through innovative models, charts and posters. The exhibition aimed to instil a sense of pride and curiosity among the students regarding scientific achievements and the importance of indigenous technology in nation–building.

Students from Lower Nursery to Class V took part in the event. The hall sported a vibrant look as students from each class presented a range of creative displays.

The Lower Nursery tots delighted visitors with their adorable portrayal of national symbols. Dressed in vibrant costumes and armed with colourful props, the little ones depicted the national fruit (mango), animal (tiger), bird (peacock), plant (banyan tree) and flower (lotus) with enthusiasm. They also prepared short presentations and interacted confidently with the guests.

The colourfully dressed Upper Nursery kids spoke about different aspects of nature.

Class I showcased some interesting gardening techniques and how one can reuse old bottles and jars to create a green space. There was also a presentation on germination.

Class II took up the issue of climate change. The exhibits explored global warming, its causes and effects on nature, particularly on endangered and extinct animal species.

Class III students showcased an array of models and charts on resource depletion.

Class IV showcased different aspects of environmental degradation. The exhibits covered topics such as types of pollution, their causes and methods of pollution control.

Class V students curated an exhibition on sustainable development, presenting thought-provoking exhibits that delved into renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy, rainwater harvesting techniques, the significance of afforestation and models depicting smart city concepts and green space.

The exhibition served as an eye-opener for many, highlighting the positive impact of technology in a rapidly changing world.

"The exhibition hall buzzed with excitement as visitors explored a diverse array of science models, crafted by the diligent students. The exhibition emphasised on the importance of resources, energy conservation, waste management practices, ecological sustainability and many more. The exhibition was a collaboration among the students, teachers and the parents," said primary principal Annu Singh.

Don Bosco School, Liluah

Young sports enthusiasts of Don Bosco School, Liluah, took part in an inter-house football tournament on February 1. The meet was for students of Class IX.

Each team sported 13 participants for the meet. There were a total of six matches that were played under the supervision of games teacher Arup Kundu. Two points were awarded for the house that won the match and one point if they were part of a tie.

The spectators had a lot of fun as they supported their favourite team. Exciting matches followed. The audience saw sparks of talent in the players many of whom have dreams of taking football up as a career.

Finally, Vechhi (blue) House topped the scoreboard with six points followed by Magone (yellow) 4, Rua (red) 2 and Savio 0 points.

Players of Vechhi House were jubilant as they went up to get the champion's trophy while Magone got the runners-up cup.

Kallol Ghosh of Magone House got the Man of the Tournament award.

The top scorers were Gladwin George Peter and Flavian Minj of Vechhi House and Abhirup Das of Magone House.

Debraj Lahiri of Vechhi House, Debarchan Neogi of Rua House and Aranyak Biswas of Magone House were also praised for their performance.

After the matches, the participants had an enjoyable photoshoot session as well.

“The football tournament aimed to inculcate virtues of teamwork through a sport. It was a tremendous success,’’ said principal Fr Sanjay Manohar.

St Augustine’s Day School, Barrackpore

St Augustine’s Day School, Barrackpore, got a new robotics and AI lab on March 19. The lab, named T.I.E (Think, Innovate and Explore), was inaugurated at a grand ceremony. The guests included CEO of the school Amitava Chowdhury, president Janet Gasper Chowdhury, principal Shweta Ray and other guest principals and heads of other institutions, coordinators, teachers, students and parents.

The ceremony began with the CEO, president and the school principal cutting the ribbon to officially inaugurate the T.I.E Lab. It marked the beginning of a new era of innovation and exploration in the school.

A prayer song followed. The guests and other visitors were then invited on a guided tour of the newly inaugurated lab. Led by teachers and a team of enthusiastic students, visitors got an overview of the state-of-the-art facilities and equipment in the lab.

Guests checked out the robotics kits and cutting-edge AI software that promised to turn the lab into a hub of creativity and innovation for students of all age groups.

The highlight of the event was the live demonstration by robotics teachers and Class XII students. With precision and finesse, they showcased the capabilities of various robotic prototypes, programmed to perform myriad tasks. From autonomous drones to humanoid robots, the live demonstration had it all and left the audience impressed.

"I am happy to have created this opportunity for my students in school. We have named it T.I.E lab which stands for Think-Innovate-Explore. We want to create a generation of students who will be thinkers exploring things for innovation. AI and robotics will provide my students with hands-on experiences that will foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills amongst them," said the principal.

Shri Shikshayatan School

The junior section of Shri Shikshayatan School organised a Holi celebration at their auditorium on March 14.

On the occasion, students of Class V hosted a special inter-section dance competition on the festival of colours. The students showcased their talent as they grooved to many popular songs on Holi.

Emcee Aradhya Bhattacharjee and Swadrita Ghosh Chowdhury of Class V welcomed headmistress Poushali Mukherjee, teachers and the judges to the auditorium. They also spoke about the significance of the festival and the beauty of spring when nature is at its best.

Finally, the main programme began. Students in bright costumes performed on various fun-filled songs both in Hindi and Bengali. The girls performed to popular numbers such as Bosonto eshe gache, Phagun hawai hawai, Rang saree, Phagun er o mohonai.

The students enjoyed the performances thoroughly. They were graceful, packed with energy and full of enthusiasm. The dances showcased hard work. Some also used colourful props to jazz up their performances.

The celebrations ended with the students greeting each other.

"To help in the holistic growth of our students, we believe in empowering them. As we prepared to welcome spring, our students of Class V choreographed the show all by themselves! And what a beautiful collage of creativity it was! Understanding the potential of each child and creating opportunities for them boosts their confidence and self-esteem," said the headmistress.

Heritage Academy High School

Students of Heritage Academy High School celebrated Holi on their school premises on March 22.

The junior section (Preparatory to Class IV) took part in the celebrations, spreading cheerfulness and happiness in the process.

Through the event, the students learnt important lessons such as maintaining good conduct and following the path of truthfulness and honesty. The celebration also fostered inclusivity and social harmony and provided a platform for artistic expression and creativity.

The children of the junior section were overjoyed to find their classrooms beautifully decorated with various handmade paper crafts. More surprises were waiting for them. Books had been replaced by colours and craft setting the mood of the day.

There were plates filled with gulal in shades of red, blue, yellow and purple waiting for the children. Besides, the kids were offered colourful sweetmeats that made their day. The Holi colours used were organic and natural, free from harmful substances.

The students took permission before smearing colours on their friends, thus learning the value and importance of consent. The teachers arranged all the decorations and were part of the celebration as well. "The Holi celebration at Heritage Academy High School emphasises on strengthening interpersonal bonds, promoting an inclusive space and fostering cultural assimilation,” said administrator Sourya Sadhan Bose.