Buddy learning

Buddy learning is known to promote inquiry and learning and we follow the best of practices and look forward to make learning an interesting and exciting experience.We not only indulge in inquiry but we do teach and share the findings of our inquiry!Our exhibitioners went onto share their knowledge in organic and recycled micro gardening.

Yes, when our kids were successful in growing plants in egg shells, they were more than happy to share their knowledge with UKG kids who are currently inquiring about plants in their UOI.

Recycling Machine Model

Another interesting day and yet another interesting work by grade 5 kids. They made a look-a-like model of the commercial recycling machine.

They actually did a great job working on it!

Pizza Statistics!

Today we did a small  3D presentation, showing the statistics of how many people are starving without food.
 Of course we did get the idea from the pinterest... but it sure had an impact..

See you tomorrow!

Microgardening

Yes! and we did with recycled food waste-Egg shells,home made compost and organic seeds-Tada!!!

This idea of micro-gardening popped up when we researched for some ways to use or recycle the food waste and then we came by with this idea.We also found out that egg shell supplies natural nutrients for the plants to grow and also it speeds up the process of germination.

So we decided to experiment with it and collected all materials and went on to use completely organic and mostly recycled items.The base is an egg shell with the carton. Instead of soil, which would actually be heavy and as the chances are high for the shell to crack we decided to go with compost only. Then we added few seeds of organic mustard, fenugreek and tomatoes too!

We couldn't believe our eyes this morning! we sowed it day before yesterday and this morning they were already sprouting. But we didn't click today. Will soon update those pictures! Updated!

We are on a Spree!

Today was an exciting day as we went on a trip to purchase items. To brief about it, our survey reports showed us serving size plays a major role in minimizing food wastage in our cafeteria. We also found that second servings in particular are wasted because of the excessive amount served.
Hence after a brief discussion with the cafeteria manager the team decided to make some alterations in the serving size by changing the size of the serving ladles.

So, the team went on a trip to purchase (small sized) ladles that would suit the needs. As impulsive shoppers we climbed up few shops to find the ladles that would suit our needs and after a lot of discussions and bargains found what we want ! hooray!

This was a good opportunity for children to involve in real life money transactions. They used their communication skills along with persuasive techniques and went on to bargain with the shop keepers for the best rates. It  was actually a satisfying sight for a mentor to see the children use the skills in real life. They handled the money, made the transactions and calculated the expenditures.

Wait! We are inquisitive and even when we have another task at hand we don't forget our mission- We didn't miss to notice the food wasted at the supermarket for cosmetic purposes.

And we did have our share of feeds but.. in a healthy way...

We came back with a lot of excitement and reported the same to our IB PYP co-ordinator and our Correspondent,who are the constant supporters and motivators of all our trials and activities. They were sure as happy and excited  just like us !

Keep visiting for further action !

Displays

For the past three days we are working on charts and displays that reflect our understanding and which also supports in taking responsible actions.

We  did a chart portraying the recycling of vegetable waste into compost  in a small scale.

Then we did a photo collage showing various recycling processes.

We also did a picture collage projecting the effects of food wastage.

By the way, our composting process is on right track and we are mixing the contents now and then to facilitate air circulation and we are adding water to maintain the moisture.

We are working on few other projects too.
Will update soon.

Recycling- Organic Composting

Today we were into recycling the uncooked food waste i.e., the vegetable peels, fruit shavings and green stalks etc.,

We started off the process by collecting materials like  garden soil, vegetable peels from our cafeteria,dried leaves and sour curd too..

The Process-Assembling:

1.We cleaned the bucket thoroughly and started spreading layers of vegetable peels in it.
2.Then we added a layer of dried leaves.
3.A small bowl of sour curd was added to speed up the fermentation process.
4.Finally a thick layer of garden soil was added.
5. Then a little water was sprinkled over it.

Finally the bucket was kept in a place which was airy and had enough temperature to enhance the growth of microbes that will boost the fermentation process.

The process will be repeated for a week and within a month we are expecting a bucket full of ready to use environment friendly enriched "BROWN GOLD-THE ORGANIC COMPOST"

Videos and Reflections

Hi all,
Its been 4 days since we posted. We had a little looong weekend. Now back to our routine.
Yesterday and today was about reflections. The prompts were from different sources like videos and survey forms.They watched videos on recycling and other initiatives by NGOs and individuals around the nation to prevent food wastage.

They reflected in the cause and effect graphic organizer and also discussed in the group about possible action that could be taken.

Surveys and Datas...

Today’s post is gonna be a little long as it is about 2 weeks’ research that includes collection, organization, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data in various forms.

It was about the likes and dislikes in food variety that is catered in our school. It was quite interesting to see the responses as the exhibitioners conducted the survey for the entire PYP population in our school.

It was a huge task but they planned well. They first came up with survey forms that included favourite snack, favourite lunch and the food that is wasted the most. Then they requested the homeroom teachers of the respective classes to fill. They also personally went onto fill some forms in some classes.

The results from all the classes were collected and the kids sat down to analyse and organize the details. They also ranked the food based on number of likes and dislikes.

Finally they presented their data through bar graphs, pie charts and pyramids. It was actually an eye-opening activity for us as it gave us a direction to further precede the inquiry and it gave us a lot of hope for critical thinking too!

Reflection through Action !

Today we were collectively working on analysing a bunch of data which will be discussed in the posts to come!
Meanwhile I really liked the way the children took up the issue personally and they started taking action from self. It all started from home....

I am glad that they have got the essence and have started taking action...

Nutrition Plate

Today’s task was more of a reflection. It was a reflection of the children’s understanding or the extract/essence that they have got from yesterday’s guest lecture.

(Illustration by a team member which was a precursor/inspiration to make this plate)

They made a 3-d clay model of a balanced diet plate, which they use for meal planning in restaurants.

This also showed how much have to be consumed/served in each food group like carbohydrates, proteins and fats which in turn will avoid excess food consumption that affects health or will prevent food wastage.

Excellent work by our kids- We are proud of them!

Guest Lectures Galore !!!!

It was time for our students to inquire and hear it from the field experts. Hence we had our guest speakers in to enrich our students’ knowledge. AND it is always nice and reliable to get it from a trustworthy source.

We had Mr. Antony Babu, who has a strong background in catering and hotel management was gracious enough to share his knowledge with our children  about food pyramid, how a nutritious plate of meal is planned upon in a large scale at restaurants and cooked food recycling. It was a pleasure to watch children get curious and inquisitive and they did jot down the key points during the lecture.

We had Dr. Hariharan who discussed about the effects of pollution- especially the disposal of waste (food) irresponsibly. Children were all ears and we had some interesting activities too.

Yes! The children are working on presenting results graphically too. Will post about it soon!

Recording and Analysing Data

 Hi All! It was a bright and busy Monday here and I hope you had a good one too. Today I am going to post about a small research which we were conducting for a week or so.

It was about the quantity of food wasted at our own cafeteria. Our champs prepared a record log to collect the data about food wasted at our cafeteria.

Then their field experience made them realize the practical difficulties in using the form and they  reworked on the form and revised it.It was about categorizing the food varieties to find out which was wasted the most.

 They recorded the data for a week and have summed the results.

 Through this activity they have worked and reworked on a log which was an example of meta cognitive skills and it laid a base for their research skills too.Tomorrow they are planning to present their findings graphically. Will soon post it here!

Comix it is....

Today was about trials and errors and we did have a lot of fun because we were making  comic strips online, which will be used as awareness posters in the later part of the inquiry.  Thanks to http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/Comix/#.(Not a sponsored post)

we are off to something interesting tomorrow! will post about the responses and reflections tomorrow.