June 20, 2023
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Sri Aurobindo had opined in his ‘A system of national education’ –  “….chemistry may be started by interesting observation and experiments without any formal teaching or heaping on the mind of formulas and book knowledge”. At Mirraloke, chemistry is introduced along similar lines. On 19th June (2023), conducted by Dr. Saikat Kumar Basu, eminent environmentalist and agriculture scientist, Executive Research Director, PFS, Alberta, Canada, such a session was held with experiments showing reaction of chemical reagents on the daily food we eat like different fruits, vegetables and eggs resulting in change of colours owing to the degrees of sugars proteins starch and alkaline elements present in the items. This session on chemistry in everyday life was attended with apt attention by the children as well as team of guides at Mirraloke. A model curriculum of introduction to chemistry in everyday life is been drawn up to be implemented henceforth to arouse  interest of the children in the subject in future.

LThis specially designed workshop for the kids to introduce them first time to the joys of exploring science included:

1. Basics of food and nutrition: carbohydrate, protein and fat.
2. Dry and wet live chemical analysis of egg white(for protein), fruits and vegetables (proteins and carbohydrates) and fry nuts (fats) such as Milton’s test, Barfoed test, Biuret text, Xanthoproteic test,  Fehling’s test etc.
3. To have basic understanding of elementary pH scale via colour change demonstrations on plant saps and juices.
4. Understanding and exploring simple natural fossil preparation in plants and animals.
5. Lastly, understanding simple aspects of plant and animal cell and photosynthesis in plants.
6. BioArt- by making creative products out of leaves found in the school garden and campus.

This integrated workshop of introduction to science to kids with joys of artwork and storytelling was attended by children, guides and a few guests. The workshop rolled around among shouts of cheers and joys of the kids excited exploring thrills of science with great enthusiasm.

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