Our Schools

Ekya / April 13, 2018 Posted by : administrator

Science is both a body of knowledge and a process, and understanding both is essential not only to learn it but to also make progress.The learning of science is similar for all learners, whether children or scientists. In order to learn science, you need to do the work of science. Science links isolated facts into a coherent and comprehensive understanding of the natural world.

In most schools, science may seem like a collection of isolated and static facts listed in a textbook.  In this edition of Understanding the Ekya Curriculum, we sit down with Ms. Manisha Pandita who develops the interactive Science Curriculum at the Ekya Learning Center.

Science at Ekya

At Ekya we do it differently; we have developed a research-based,  active-learning science curriculum that is student focused.

The current research shows that in order for learning to really “stick,” students need continuous opportunities to engage in scientific thinking and practices. If students experience science as something to memorize rather than as a process, they won’t develop the skills to succeed in science careers or even in college science courses.

What if we taught football the way science is often taught? Students read about famous football matches, memorize rules and statistics, and learn about famous players. When they get to college, they would finally be handed a ball for the first time and be expected to play. Of course, they would not be successful.

Science is the same; if we expect students to be able to pursue science in college or as a career, they need many opportunities to practice.

Here at Ekya, we want our students to:

● Cultivate a mindset of interest, curiosity and scientific inquiry
● Engage in scientific practices such as building and investigating models, systems, and theories to better understand themselves and the world
● Apply interdisciplinary and collaborative skills to solve real-world problems

Science in most schools is a list of facts/topics that students should know, plus a little slice of doing science, through investigation and experimentation. This ‘doing of science’ is overwhelmed by the facts about science, and there is no clear way to connect the pieces.

Our science standards at Ekya fundamentally change this balance. The facts about science are still there but it’s on equal footing with doing science, as well as with connecting ideas across science. Our curriculum includes three essential components, called the three dimensions of science learning. These three elements of learning, are woven through every aspect of our science education.

Our curriculum has been designed to develop scientific thinking and learning by integrating three dimensions of science learning:

(1) The science and engineering practices through which scientists and engineers do their work:

Using industry standard practices, at a school level, enables students to understand that science and engineering are creative processes of developing explanations and solutions. Our students use principles of design thinking while learning science concepts in order to apply their skills in a meaningful way. The Science Curriculum focuses on design thinking as a process and not just the end-product.

(2) The crosscutting concepts that apply across science disciplines:

Through this, students learn to think like experts having been provided with a conceptual framework around which to organize their own ideas and understanding. In turn, this helps students make sense of new content and tackle novel problems and be more flexible and creative with their science and engineering ideas.

(3) The core ideas of the disciplines:

Concepts are carefully selected and organized sequentially in our curriculum. Focus on the fundamental and limited number of core ideas gives time for students to engage in scientific investigations and argumentation and to achieve a depth of understanding of these ideas.

Since a deeper understanding of concepts takes the spotlight, our students will leave school better grounded in scientific knowledge and practices than when instruction ‘covers’ multiple disconnected pieces of information that are memorized and soon forgotten once the test is over.

Making children thinkers and doers

Our science curriculum is based on current understanding of how children learn.  It is designed so that students will do science themselves, not just learn about how other people have done it or memorize facts. It is important to learn science this way because doing science requires multilayered thinking. The goal of our Science Curriculum is to focus strategically and effectively on the core science concepts that students need to understand within a scientific discipline. Our curriculum provides numerous opportunities for students to build skills and abilities with the practices of science while focusing on crosscutting concepts and developing an in-depth understanding of the concepts within physical, life, earth and space sciences.

Our Science Curriculum successfully pairs inquiry-based science methods with explicit teaching. It engages students in the practices that scientists and engineers use in their work, including problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and arguing from evidence. We interweave the development of these skills with content knowledge to empower young minds to think, work, and live together in a future that is increasingly shaped by science and technology.

Read more on our Understanding the Ekya Curriculum feature:

Understanding Design Thinking at Ekya Schools
Understanding the Social Science Program at Ekya Schools
Understanding Singapore Math at Ekya Schools
Understanding the Computer Science Curriculum at Ekya Schools

Explore more

Ekya / April 03, 2024

The Power of Learning with Intent: A Guide to Purposeful Education

In a world brimming with information, the art of learning has evolved beyond the mere acquisition of facts. Learning with intent, a deliberate approach to education emphasises quality over quantity, depth over breadth, and purpose over passive absorption. It’s about cultivating a mindset that transforms knowledge into meaningful action and empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern age effectively.

At its core, learning with intent involves setting clear objectives and actively engaging with the subject matter. Whether exploring a new language, delving into scientific principles, or honing a creative skill, intentionality infuses each learning endeavour with purpose and direction. As Albert Einstein aptly said, "The only source of knowledge is experience." This quote amplifies the importance of active participation and hands-on learning, highlighting that true understanding arises from deliberate engagement with the material.

Furthermore, engaging actively with the material is paramount. Embrace challenges and embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth. This proactive approach not only deepens your understanding but also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in any field.

Moreover, learning with intent emphasises relevance and applicability. Seek out opportunities to apply newfound knowledge in real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and practice. By contextualising learning within your personal or professional sphere, you enhance its significance and utility, making it more likely to stick.

In conclusion, learning with intent is a transformative approach that transcends traditional notions of education. By setting clear objectives, engaging actively, prioritising relevance, and fostering a growth mindset, individuals can harness the full potential of learning to achieve their goals and thrive in an ever-changing world. So, embark on your learning journey with purpose, and let each lesson propel you towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.

By Sweta Pradeep Rao

Senior English Educator

Ekya School JP Nagar

Ekya / April 02, 2024

Gadget-free Summer Break

With summer vacation around, I urge parents to explore various ways to facilitate children to make healthy choices during their vacation time.

Last week, when we asked our Early Years to visualise their characters and create a story, most of them came up with stories about ghosts and monsters attacking others.  When we had conversations about what gave them this idea, we understood that these story ideas emanated from their online games. While gaming per se develops specific skills and requires focus, it also stifles the imagination of young children. Since it is visually appealing, children tend to remember those images in their heads all the time.

I often see parents providing very young children (1 year to 3 year olds)  with gadgets as the means to keep children engaged and entertained. I see children watching phones in the waiting areas of clinics, hospitals, school lobbies and banks.

This brings us to a fundamental question “ Should children be engaged by parents all the time?” Not necessarily. What is likely to happen if children were not handed over gadgets at the waiting lounges? What would they do? Some of them may cry, some may throw a loud tantrum, and some may crib. If parents show resilience and allow children to settle down themselves, they will soon find ways to keep themselves engaged. Likewise, during summer vacation. What if this is a “no gadget” vacation and parents do not take up the responsibility to engage their children? What would children do? How can parents show resilience here and facilitate children to make healthy choices? I leave the readers with this thought for this summer vacation.

Mathangi R,

Head of School,

Ekya NICE Road.

Ekya / April 02, 2024

The Eye of the Storm

In the hushed embrace of an Indian evening, our journey began, a symphony of anticipation orchestrated by the hum of jet engines and the flutter of boarding passes. The promise of adventure beckoned from distant shores as we boarded our flight bound for the United Kingdom, our hearts aflutter with dreams of far-off lands and newfound horizons. But as we soared through the velvet sky, a foreboding shadow loomed on the horizon, a harbinger of the chaos that was soon to unfold. In the blink of an eye, the tranquil serenity of our airborne sanctuary was shattered by a deafening crack, a burst of purple lightning that danced across the heavens with an otherworldly fervour. The air crackled with electricity as the plane shuddered beneath the force of the storm, its metal frame quivering in defiance against the tempestuous onslaught. And then, in a heart-stopping moment of sheer terror, the heavens unleashed their fury upon us, casting our fragile vessel into a maelstrom of chaos and uncertainty. The sky darkened to a shade of ominous charcoal as the winds howled with a primal ferocity, tearing at the wings of our faltering craft with savage intent. The cabin was awash with panicked cries and frantic prayers as we clung to our seats with white-knuckled desperation, each passing moment stretching into eternity.

And then, as if mocking our feeble attempts at control, the plane tilted almost 180 degrees, its nose plummeting towards the earth with a sickening lurch. Time seemed to stand still as we hurtled towards the ground, our fate hanging in the balance as the world spun wildly out of control. But just when all hope seemed lost, a glimmer of salvation emerged from the chaos, a beacon of light amidst the encroaching darkness. With a mighty roar, the engines surged to life once more, their thunderous symphony drowning out the cacophony of the storm as we clawed our way back from the brink of oblivion. As the storm clouds parted and the sun cast its golden rays upon the horizon, we emerged battered but unbroken, our spirits buoyed by the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. And though our journey had been fraught with peril and uncertainty, we emerged from the crucible of the skies stronger and more resilient than ever before. For in the crucible of adversity, we discovered the true measure of our strength, our courage, and our unwavering determination to defy the odds and chart our course through the tempestuous seas of life. As we touched down on solid ground once more, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the world around us, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul.

Arjun Narasimhan Kuppuswamy

Grade 8C

Leave a Comment

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sound and Light Show at Ekya ITPL – Stories from Our Schools

To be alive in this beautiful, self-organizing universe -- to participate in the dance of life with senses to perceive it, lungs that breathe it, organs that draw nourishment from it -- is a wonder beyond words.

- Joana Macy

True to this quote, Ekya School ITPL put on a tribute to the human senses, in the form of a Sound and Light show. As part of the Open Day, organized in November, the Sound and Light show organized by our students had an innovative twist, combining the influences of Mathematics, History, Art and Architecture. India is an amalgamation of various cultures, the beauty of which is clearly evident in the numerous architectural marvels present in our country. Math and architecture being intricately linked, and each of these well-constructed structures clearly display notable mathematical concepts. Through the Sound and Light show, the students showcased these concepts associated with famous landmarks like the Nachiar Kovil, the Konark Sun Temple and the Taj Mahal, also highlighting the rich culture of the lands where these structures exist. Enthralled by the visuals before them, the audience got to learn more about the mathematical concepts behind each structure through informative presentations. On display were the various dance forms of Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Kathak and Sufi, presented with the corresponding landmark and the state it belonged to. Members of the audience were treated to shadow performances, using their sense of sight to perceive the movements of the dances with live background music played by students. Being transported to another dimension, where music, dance and art brought alive the essence of incredible India, this was a unique experience that turned out to be truly memorable and enthralling for everyone present. Fundraising for 20 Eye Surgeries – How students of Ekya ITPL raised Rs. 30,000 for eye surgeries at Sankara. Bangalore’s Garbage Crisis – How Grade 4 students of Ekya JP Nagar used Design Thinking to find solutions to the city's problems.

Life – Poem by Trishikha Kiran Rao

On this feature of Poets of Ekya, Trishika Kiran Rao from Grade X, Ekya School JP Nagar pens her thoughts on life and its journey of ups and downs.

If only life was simple Without its ups and downs, A smooth, normal journey, Never tumbling to the ground. Only filled with good things With an abundance of happiness Sans double-crossing and cheating, A world filled with kindness. However, one day it struck me As I sat deep in thought What kind of life would this be Without everything its got? What is life without tears? One with nothing to learn One where mistakes aren't corrected One with no success to earn. One with no special bonds, Where everyone hides their fears. For the true colours of a person comes to light Only when he shows the world his tears. What is life without hope? One with nothing to look forward to, One with nothing to wake up to, One with nothing left to do. One with nothing to fight for, With no reason to move on Because a person living without hope Is as good as gone.   Trishika Kiran Rao Grade X Ekya School JP Nagar

More poems from our young poets

Find A World Beyond Boundaries

Enquire Now