SAIIER Annual Report 2014-2015: Deepanam Life Science Lab

Concert of Hindustani music		"Edible Weeds and Naturally Growing Plants in Auroville"
Deepanam Life Science Lab

Introduction

The Entity::Life Science Lab at Deepanam School has been a place of activities and classes, as well as a place where children are free to come and observe the various live specimens – insects, fish, amphibians and reptiles. The aim of the Life Science Lab is to inspire students to learn firsthand from their natural environment. We aim to encourage investigation and discovery of outdoor surroundings. Here in Auroville we live in a special environment which is not to be neglected or taken for granted; the Life Science Lab and its activities sensitize students towards care of nature and awareness of how human ignorance can threaten our fellow species.

Description of project

Deepanam School students relate with the Life Science Lab in two ways:

Through Life Science classes, focused on the study of animals
Through individuals choosing to come and help in the maintenance of the Lab.

There are always several chores to be taken care of which invite the participation of the children. There are 15 aquariums, some of which are marine and some fresh water, which need regular cleaning and maintenance. They contain fish and invertebrates, most of which were collected from our local coastal areas.

In our terrariums and outdoor pit we often have reptiles which were found or rescued in Auroville. These are kept for a short time and then released. This gives the children a unique opportunity to learn about these misunderstood creatures.

The approach taken at the Life Science Lab is based on individual students’ interest and need for self-discovery. We avoid making any rigid course so as to encourage students to be able to experience the common study of animals in different ways.

Near the end of the year the Deepanam team together with all the students put up an exhibition on some common wildlife of Auroville. We pooled together all the student projects on Life Science done over the previous months. This exhibition focused mainly on common snakes and birds, but also included studies of insects, bats and amphibians. Many groups of students from other Auroville schools and Outreach schools visited the exhibition and the Lab. The Deepanam students were happy to realise their own knowledge on the subject and share with students from other schools.

Outcomes

The most evident achievement is that most of the students in Deepanam have a fluent understanding about the local reptiles, and know that not all snakes are poisonous and dangerous. The students in fact find great joy in learning how to handle snakes and lizards. The most common attitude about snakes, that they are evil or are creatures to be killed, is challenged here! Children are intrigued and curious to discover by themselves that these are pretty sweet and lovely friends, who have an important role in Nature.

Other projects, like learning about the different sorts of scorpions and spiders, have similar outcomes. Bird-watching and learning about the most common birds found at school is most enjoyable to children, who take this knowledge wherever they go and keep an eye open for discovering more.

Reflections

For a few years now we have been observing that some students with learning issues enjoy working in the Life Science Lab. When given a responsibility they are capable of carrying it out with great focus and concentration. Here in the Lab children can choose to identify a role for themselves and individually follow it with a sense of responsibility. Activities of this sort are much needed in education, so as to help children discover on their own their true capacities and interests.

Conclusion

The Life Science Lab is open to all schools to visit and learn about the various specimens and ongoing projects. For the students in Deepanam School it is a constant opportunity for learning and self-discovery.