Every child is born a scientist - Daniel Florein

On 10th Oct.2013, Grade 5, celebrated the spirit of Science during the 'Science day' by conducting a wide-ranging science activities and experiments. This was part of their unit of inquiry on materials, during which the learners set-up science stations in the Grade-5 gallery to present their learning, experiments and discoveries to their schoolmates and also 60 odd visitors from Jhusmbish (students & teachers from an SMC school in Surat), who visited in rotation, participated and shared the learning of our learners.

It was a rich learning experience of showcasing the newly acquired knowledge of physical and chemical changes in materials which the learners enthusiastically displayed on this day.

The learners, during this unit on materials, had a variety of experiences through field trips, lab activities and hands on activities, which imparted knowledge, confidence and skills and were completely in-charge of their experiments and sharing their learning with the school community. They identifies experiments( in some cases), gathered the materials required and took upon themselves to pass on their learning through the newly learnt science vocabulary to their audience. They left no stone unturned in sharing their knowledge about the various changes and the processes that a material undergoes to meet human needs. The curiosity and enthusiasm was visible amongst all students; and adding fervor to this show, was the appearance of these young 'scientist' learners dressed in lab coats - aprons, safety glasses, gloves etc. for the demonstration of their experiments.:)

This learning engagement sparked various 'Aha moments', and also an event to cherish for the learners, which they will remember and build upon long after this unit is over. It was a new endeavor taken up within this unit, giving students the opportunity to display thier acquired knowledge and concretize their learning. They were risk-takers in attempting this new assignment which increased their confidence level and gave them new insights on their learning.

"Every kid starts out as a natural-born scientist, and then we beat it out of them. A few trickle through the system with their wonder and enthusiasm for science intact." - Carl Sagan.

We at fountainhead, want to preserve the scientist in every learner, and events like the 'Science Day' provide the perfect platform.

(- Ritu Chopra, Hasina Saifee & Sumaiya Saiyed)