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Ekya / November 26, 2019 Posted by : administrator

What comes to the mind of a child when we say ‘Chemistry’? Formulas, equations, chemicals, laboratory and a text heavy chapter? Chemistry is so much more! Starting with the air we breathe and the matter we are made up of, Chemistry is present everywhere.

 Chemistry is often referred to as the central science as it is one branch of Science which connects to all other branches. It can provide answers to any questions related to all that is ‘matter’ and even what is not ‘matter’. From cooking in the kitchen to the science of building good roads, the invention of plastic, construction of buildings and manufacturing of rockets, knowledge of chemistry is required everywhere.  

 

It is this aspect of Chemistry that is brought forth by the Ekya Chemistry program. We make the teaching-learning process more meaningful and impactful, with students experiencing the journey from ‘what they are learning’ to ‘why they are learning’. 

Our aim at Ekya is to make Chemistry a subject that children can understand, appreciate and apply. The main focus of the Chemistry program at Ekya is to:

  • Make Chemistry relevant beyond the classrooms (What gives colours to fireworks?)
  • Develop the confidence to question, assess and make scientifically sound decisions (Is it wise to replace all the plastic bags with paper and cloth bags?)
  • To develop leaders with capabilities to analyse, reason, strategize and collaborate to find solutions to real life problems. (Can a material as strong and light as plastic and as easily biodegradable as paper be built?)
  • Instill the habit of self-learning and making the students responsible and self-reliant

Therefore, the standards of Chemistry learning at Ekya are deliberately set high where the learning program, facilitated by the teacher, helps the students find the path to achieve those standards. 

Middle School Chemistry focuses on the following:

  • Design and conduct fair tests, to help students identify and control variables and understand why these processes matters. 
  • Help students build a foundation of reasoning skills, which are applicable across many disciplines.
  • Provide multiple opportunities to develop models and investigate properties of matter at the particle level. 
  • Provide opportunities to understand  cause and effect relationships to identify, test, and explain chemical changes. Students investigate the principles of solubility, density and matter and identify substances based on their unique characteristics.
  • Provide design challenges that teaches students about the application of chemical changes in real life.  Students arrive at the understanding about the criteria and constraints for their design challenges.

In high school, students are exposed to multiple learning experiences to ensure the development of both concepts and skills.

  • The young minds are ignited with the spark of curiosity in the beginning of the topic which sets the rhythm for the rest of the learning process.  
  • The concepts are explored and experienced through discussions, hands on activities, skits, experiments, research projects, data analysis and much more.
  • Evidence based questioning, discussions, arguments and reflections are encouraged. (Debates on topics like Is biodegradable waste harmless to us? What about the methane it adds to the atmosphere?)
  •  Students get first-hand experience of the real life applications of Chemistry through lab projects, design challenges and field trips.
  • Students are updated with the latest developments in the field of Chemistry ( So, what is happening in the field of Nanoscience now? And why should we study that? )
  • Children are able to evaluate their progress and understanding  through multiple ways of assessments that cater to the individual strengths of different students.

 

On the journey to achieve our goals at Ekya, chemicals are used as magical objects that bring the concepts alive. Chemical formulae and equations are transformed into a language that every child understands and automatically rely on when dealing with the subject. The content heavy textbooks are transformed into a resource, and the student’s understanding is used as a tool to develop new ideas and innovations.

    Our children don’t just study Chemistry but actually work, learn and innovate with Chemistry. This lays the foundation for not just the chemists that will stand out in future employment scenario but also for chemists who will be instrumental in developing solutions to pressing issues of the future.

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Ekya / March 26, 2024

The Hot Garlic Soup Inspired by ‘The Last Leaf’ by O. Henry

Sue and Johnsy, two young artists, shared a small flat on the third storey of an old house.
Johnsy fell ill in November. She was diagnosed with pneumonia. She would lie in her bed, gazing out of the window. Sue sent for the doctor. The doctor said to Sue, “Johnsy’s condition is not so serious yet. It seems she is unable to recover because she has lost the will to live.”
Sue became extremely worried for Johnsy’s well-being and mental health. She tried to make Johnsy interested in the things around her, but Johnsy never replied with more than a noncommittal hum.
One day, Sue was painting when she heard Johnsy counting backwards. Sue looked out of the window and saw an old ivy creeper climbing on the brick wall. The ivy was shedding its leaves in the strong gust of the wind.
“They are falling faster now,” whispered Johnsy. “Three days ago there were so many leaves. Only five are left now.”
“It is autumn,” said Sue, “and the leaves will fall.”
“When the last leaf falls, I will die” said Johnsy with finality. “I have felt this for the last three days.”
“Oh, that’s nonsense,” replied Sue. “Why do you believe your fate is tied to those old ivy leaves?”
“Human life is fleeting, just like those ivy leaves,” said Johnsy. “I got sick just as the ivy started shedding its leaves. It must be an omen. The last leaf will fall, and I will slip into slumber forever.”
Sue sat on Johnsy’s bed, kissed her and said, “You are not going to die. Plenty of people fall sick in autumn, and they recover soon enough. Do you want some soup?”
“I don’t want any soup. My time is almost up, I’m sure of it,” murmured Johnsy.
Sue decided to change tactics. She was not going to give up on Johnsy.
“It is true that human life is somewhat fleeting, but that’s exactly what makes life valuable. Do you not want to see what life has to offer before you slip into slumber? Will you not miss the cool breeze waking you up, the warm embrace of sunlight? Do you want to give up the feeling of the paintbrush gliding over the canvas?” Sue quavered.
“Look beyond the ivy to that tree over there,” Sue continued. “Even that tree is shedding its leaves, but it is also growing new leaves. It is going to live for many more years, just like you.”
Johnsy contemplated for a while. Then, she looked out of the window and smiled.
“Perhaps I will have some hot garlic soup. You made me realise that life is worth living after all.”
Written by Aahana,
from grade 9A

Ekya / March 22, 2024

Importance of Literature in a Classroom.

"Literature is one of the most interesting and significant expressions of humanity" - P.T.Barnum

We as humans are social beings. We can't imagine our lives to be solitary. Literature facilitates us to understand and communicate with one another in society. It helps us explore the world around us and is a medium to express our views and experiences. So it is of vital importance that the students are introduced to literature at a young age.

Literature is necessary for students as it helps them to develop imagination, improves vocabulary and language skills and even enhances creativity. Literature helps them understand the world outside their home and school.

It is disheartening to see that literature is often not put on the same pedestal as other technical subjects like Math or Science. where it shouldn't be the case.

Literature includes different types of texts like stories and fables, myths

and legends, poetry and drama or even informational texts that help them explore other subjects. It prepares students to read and understand the real world.

There are one too many benefits of including literature at a young age. It is like an exercise for the brain, keeping an individual mentally active and stimulated.

Exposure to cultures from different countries brings in a sense of respect and tolerance, a feat possible through literature. It motivates one to appreciate different lives and their ways and also to graciously disagree with something that may not be right. The different characters the students are introduced to become a source of inspiration. They start to imagine themselves in varied situations. they learn different solutions to problems they come across.

More importantly, reading is fun and literature develops an inclination toward reading and makes them self-learners.

It can be concluded that literature is a gateway to nurturing a child’s life skills more than any assignment or task

can ever do.

Written By:

Shruthi Prakash

English Educator - Primary

Ekya Schools BTM Layout

Ekya / March 22, 2024

A Day to Remember: Juniors Bid Goodbye to Seniors with a Spectacular Farewell Party.

As the academic year draws to a close, emotions run high at our beloved school. The time has come for the juniors to express their gratitude, love, and affection for their departing seniors.

And what better way to do this than by throwing an unforgettable farewell party?

The air was buzzing with excitement as the juniors meticulously planned every detail to make it a night that their seniors would cherish forever.

The audio-visual room was transformed into a place of nostalgia and celebration, adorned with decorations to welcome the seniors. Each performance was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and dedication. Each video played, spoke volumes about the memories shared and the bonds formed throughout their academic journey, blanketing the atmosphere with a mix of joy, laughter, and a hint of bittersweet anticipation.

Our seniors were all dressed up to the nines for the occasion with the girls in a blue and white saree and the boys in black suits.

But how did all of this come to be? I am a grade 11 student and let me take you through behind the scenes of this event and how we prepared for this event.

  • Many girls formed a group and decided to dance to “Paint It Red” and “All Is Well”. Everyone’s efforts are to be appreciated as they come up with new steps and formations. Well-coordinated teamwork led to an amazing performance that got everyone cheering.

  • Meanwhile, my batchmate, Lara,  and a few teachers were preparing to sing songs dedicated to the seniors. Lara sang a melodious rendition of “When You Believe” and the teachers sang a medley of songs which got the seniors singing along as well!

  • The boys planned on dancing to the song “Galti Se Mistake” and their performance was full of creativity and humour. The choreography was inspired by the original music video of the song and they worked hard together and taught each other the steps. This performance got everyone giggling and cheering so loud!

  • It did not end with the students, even the teachers chose to step into this grand celebration. They danced on a variety of songs and each song made the seniors hoot louder. Even though they had a very busy schedule they would still take time and dedicate it to the dance practice during after-school hours. Huge kudos for their coordination and effort!

  • Mohana and Arshia came up with a very engaging script which had the attention of the audience. A small game was organised for the students where they had to write something good about one of their batchmates. Everybody put their hands together and made 32 crowns of appreciation for their seniors. A video of the seniors was made including photos and videos of their dearest memories. Last but not least, our teachers also prepared a video message for the seniors bidding farewell and wishing them the best for their future endeavours.

The day finally came. The 10th of February came. It was the day - the day for which we had been preparing for days. The graduation.

The place was set, the background screen was ready, the mic was ready and the sound system was ready. Our seniors came one by one and the auditorium was filled with chatter until the anchors came in and the event started.

After a few minutes, the head boy gave a heartfelt speech, followed by the chit game of affirmations then Lara’s beautiful performance.

The girls donned black kurtis and sunglasses and danced to “Paint It Red”, which got a round of applause. The seniors loved the “Galti Se Mistake” dance by the boys for its creativity and comedic execution and what made it better was the shorts with shirt and tie combination. The dance finale was to the song “All Is Well” which got the audience cheering for the dancers with lots of enthusiasm.

Then a video filled with the memories of the seniors was shown which made most of them emotional. The dance which everybody was eagerly anticipating started - it was our beloved teachers who completely rocked the stage with their amazing performance.

Then a few teachers gave a very emotional message followed by songs dedicated to their students. The event came to an end with video messages by the teachers,  a crowning ceremony and high tea.

In conclusion, the event was successful, and enjoyed by all the students - juniors, seniors and teachers. It wouldn’t have been possible without everyone’s contribution and teamwork. It was an emotional roller coaster for everyone and a day which will never be forgotten.

Written By:

Stutee Samantray

(Grade 11, Ekya BTM)

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Field Trip to Kathalaya

Stories play a vital role in the growth and development of children. The stories they hear and the characters they get to know can become like friends. Who doesn’t remember the wonderful stories that we heard from our grandparents when we were young? Our Montessori field trip today to Kathalaya was an enriching experience for the kids as they got to hear  2 beautiful stories from renowned story teller Mrs.Geeta Ramanujam and her team. The children were mesmerized by the beautiful facial expression and voice modulation of the story tellers listening attentively with pin drop silence. They were transported to the enchanting world of stories for full one hour. The children clapped and cheered at the end of the session and were seen sharing the absolute fun they had!  

Fundraiser@ Ekya School ITPL

The students of Ekya ITPL over the past few months have been collaborating to make a range of products in order to raise money for a good cause. Sankara Eye Hospital has been conducting operations free of cost for the past few years which inspire us to donate for the same.              The students have been working hard on various products ranging from lip balms, body scrubs, t-shirts to paper mugs, mud pots and colorful tote bags, perfumed candles, dreamcatchers, chocolates.   The zeal and enthusiasm of the students encouraged us to work harder to produce reliable and useful products through recycling and upcycling.  Our wonderful students put up a variety of food stalls too. From chaat corner - pani puri to fresh fruit juices, salad counter, sumptuos cholle puri, cupcakes, delicious chocolates, healthy sandwiches and salads, we had it all…. Students attending Saturday Clubs and After School Activities put up a great showcase. The club display included Visual Art Club, ICT, Junior Masterchef, Rangmanch Theater club, Basketball club, Cricket Club, Football Club, Dance club, Math Club, Film Making- Bioscope Club. After school Activities included display for Chess, Basketball team and Mass Coaching, Skating, Karate, Fitness Dance, Keyboard.

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