A Harvest of Creativity: Personal Project Day
Personal Projects are a Celebration of Self-Directed Learning
Every monsoon it rains personal projects at Prakriti.
It is a process that stimulates learning over three months on areas which individual learners are passionate about. They undertake a self enquiry with the help of a mentor, develop a skill and and create a product that the community can learn from.
Here is glimpse of assorted projects, more will follow in upcoming posts:
Superpowered Science: Unveiling the Secrets of Superhero Abilities
Avyakt Jha, a ninth grade learner, decided on a fascinating project that bridged the gap between the fantastical world of superheroes and the realm of scientific possibility. His project, titled "The Science of Superheroes," explored how extraordinary abilities could be explained and achieved through scientific principles.
Avyakt's journey into the world of superhero science was driven by his insatiable curiosity and a desire to understand the underlying mechanisms behind these extraordinary feats. He posed thought-provoking questions such as, "How could super speed be achieved?" and "What mutations might enable individuals to possess superhuman strength?" Through meticulous research, experimentation, and exploration, he uncovered the equations and concepts that could theoretically bring these fantastical powers to life. His project showcased the power of inquiry and the scientific method, demonstrating how curiosity, questioning, and experimentation can lead to groundbreaking discoveries. His work effectively communicated to everyone that science is not merely a subject to be studied in textbooks, but a powerful tool that can be used to explore and achieve the unimaginable.
As Avyakt's mentor, I was truly impressed by his innovative and insightful project on the science of superheroes. His ability to connect the fantastical world of superheroes with real-world scientific principles was truly remarkable. Avyakt's project demonstrated the power of curiosity, inquiry, and the scientific method. It's a testament to the endless possibilities that science offers and the incredible potential that lies within each of us.
-Mentor (Tripti Kumari)
Coral Reefs in Crisis: A Learner's Perspective
Navya Sharda, a Grade 8 learner, delved into the pressing issue of coral bleaching. In her project, she paints a vivid picture of the underwater world, where coral reefs, once a vibrant tapestry of color, are now facing a silent crisis.
Coral reefs, composed of tiny polyps and symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae, are essential for marine ecosystems. However, rising ocean temperatures due to climate change are disrupting this delicate balance. When the water becomes too warm, the zooxanthellae are expelled from the coral, causing it to lose its color and become bleached.
Bleached corals are more vulnerable to disease, predation, and starvation. The loss of coral reefs can have devastating consequences for marine biodiversity and coastal communities. They provide critical habitat for a diverse array of marine life and protect coastlines from storms and erosion.
Navya emphasizes the urgent need to address this issue. Navya's research highlighted the significant impact of human behaviors, particularly the use of certain sunscreens, on coral reef health. Her work emphasized the importance of choosing reef-safe sunscreen alternatives that do not contain harmful chemicals that can contribute to coral bleaching. Her project also led her to discovery of organizations like WWF/Coral Reef Rescue & NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program that are working towards the same. Her project serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of coral reefs and the urgent need to take action to preserve them.
Navya was always brimming with enthusiasm during mentor meetings, eagerly discussing her latest research endeavors. She would share details about her studies, including the magazines and books she had been exploring. Her passion for the project was evident, and she often required minimal guidance, demonstrating a self-directed approach to her work.
-Mentor (Umesh Pal)
South Indian Culinary Adventure: A Taste of Tradition
Govind, a seventh grade leaner with a deep appreciation for South Indian food, embarked on a personal project to delve into the intricacies of this regional cuisine.
His love for the flavors and aromas of South Indian dishes inspired him to explore the ingredients, cooking processes, and diverse range of dishes that characterize this culinary tradition. His project was a comprehensive exploration that involved both theoretical research and hands-on experience. He meticulously researched the ingredients used in South Indian cuisine, delving into their origins and properties. Additionally, he immersed himself in the cooking process, learning traditional recipes from South Indian families and mastering the art of preparing dishes like dosa and lemon rice. His project also incorporated elements of science and math. He conducted a survey to gather insights into people's perceptions of South Indian cuisine, analyzing the data using statistical methods. He also explored the scientific principles behind fermentation, a crucial process in South Indian cooking, by experimenting with making dosa batter and setting curd.
Govind's passion for cooking was evident throughout his project. He dedicated countless hours to sourcing authentic South Indian ingredients, visiting family friends to learn traditional recipes, and practicing his culinary skills. Despite initial concerns about the quality of his food, Govind's hard work and dedication paid off. His creations were met with enthusiasm and appreciation, and he was thrilled to share his aha moment as people asked for more of his delicious dishes.
As Govind's mentor, I was incredibly impressed by his dedication and passion for this project. His exploration of South Indian cuisine was more than just cooking; it was a journey of discovery. He not only learned about the flavors and techniques but also developed valuable life skills like research, problem-solving, and perseverance. I'm confident that his passion and dedication will continue to drive him toward even greater culinary achievements.
-Mentor (Shraddha Goel)
Raagas and Rhythm: A Musical Journey
Avneesh, a sixth grade leaner, embarked on a personal project to delve into the rich tapestry of Hindustani classical music. With a keen interest in the subject, he dedicated himself to researching famous musicians, traditional Indian instruments, and the intricate nuances of Raagas.
Avneesh's dedication to his project was evident in the quality of his final presentation. He meticulously crafted a display board, trifold info brochure, and lapbook that were both informative and visually appealing. To complement his written work, Avneesh also prepared a musical performance, showcasing his vocal abilities and his newfound skills on the Mohan Veena.
Avneesh's dedication to Hindustani classical music was impressive. He learned and performed complex pieces at a young age, showing his talent and hard work.
I'm so proud to see his hard work and dedication to Hindustani classical music. His talent is clear, and I'm excited to see where your musical journey takes you. I encourage him to explore different aspects of Indian classical music. This could include learning to sing, playing additional instruments, or deepening understanding of Raagas.
In Avneesh I see the potential to become a great musician.
-Mentor (Soumya Vaidya)
Shaking Things Up: Earthquake Project
Adhya Agarwal, a fifth grade learner with a budding interest in scientific inquiry, embarked on a personal project to explore the fascinating world of earthquakes. This was Adhya's first independent project, and she initially faced a steep learning curve.
Through extensive online research, she delved into the complex science behind earthquakes. She learned about seismic waves, the Richter scale, and the devastating impact that earthquakes can have on communities around the world. Armed with this newfound knowledge, she set out to create a working model of a seismograph, a device used to measure the intensity of earthquakes.
As her mentor, I can attest to Adhya's incredible resilience. There were moments when the complexity of her earthquake project seemed to overwhelm her, and she questioned her abilities. But her persevered. Through our regular phone calls and online meetings, I was able to provide the support and encouragement she needed to push through her doubts and fears. It was a privilege to watch her grow and develop a deeper understanding of the topic.
-Mentor (Ritu Martin)
World War II Odyssey: A Young Scholar's Exploration
Fourth grade learner Viaan Bhardwaj embarked on a personal journey through the tumultuous events of World War II.
Initially unsure of where to focus, he delved into the topic with a curiosity that rivaled the most seasoned historians. Inspired by his fascination with planes used during the war, Viaan initially proposed a project centered around aviation. However, as he delved deeper, his focus expanded to encompass the entire history of the conflict, from the Treaty of Versailles to the Munich Agreement.
Through extensive research and careful consideration, he developed a comprehensive presentation chart. The chart explored the causes, impact, and technological advancements of the war, providing a clear and informative overview of the conflict. His presentation, a culmination of his efforts, served as an inspiring moment for his classmates, teachers, and visiting parents.
Viaan's journey showcased his ability to overcome initial confusion and transform his curiosity into a meaningful learning experience. His dedication to research and his ability to create a well-structured presentation demonstrated his potential as a young scholar.
-Mentor (Saurabh Shukla)