"Samudra Manthan: Exploring the Depths of Knowledge and Responsibility in Indian Education"

The vastness of the oceans and the mysteries of the sea floor have always captivated the human imagination. At our Cambridge Board School in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India “MSS World School”, which currently caters to students from KG to Grades 7, we have embraced this intrigue by designing an interdisciplinary module, “Discovering the Oceans and the Sea Floor.” This module integrates concepts from Environmental Science, Geography, and Space Science, fostering curiosity and critical thinking among students.

Our pedagogic approach combines classroom learning with hands-on activities, encouraging active participation and real-world application of concepts. Through interactive lectures and multimedia resources, students explore topics such as ocean currents, marine ecosystems, and the geological features of the sea floor, including mid-ocean ridges and deep-sea trenches. Practical activities, such as constructing ocean floor models using clay and creating simple simulations of ocean currents, allow students to visualize complex phenomena.

Field trips form an integral part of our program. For instance, a visit to a nearby coastal area enabled students to observe tidal patterns and collect samples for further examination. These experiences are supplemented by laboratory activities where students analyze salinity, temperature, and other physical properties of water, fostering a deeper understanding of oceanographic processes.

One of the highlights of our module is the incorporation of technology. Using digital tools and virtual reality applications, students embark on virtual dives to explore coral reefs and hydrothermal vents, bringing the wonders of the deep sea to the classroom. Additionally, collaborative projects, such as creating a digital presentation on marine conservation, instill teamwork and research skills in our students.

This initiative aligns with our school’s commitment to holistic and inquiry-based learning, inspiring young minds to engage with environmental issues and appreciate the interconnectedness of Earth systems. By nurturing a sense of wonder and responsibility, we aim to cultivate future stewards of the planet.

The “Discovering the Oceans and the Sea Floor” module not only enriches our students’ understanding but also provides a platform for them to present their findings to peers and the community. We look forward to sharing our innovative teaching practices at the GIFT workshop in Vienna and exploring opportunities for international collaboration with educators and researchers.

This abstract is intended to contribute to the EGU meeting’s objective of fostering pedagogic exchange and will serve as the basis for a visually engaging poster presentation. Post-conference, the poster will be showcased at our school to highlight these educational activities for colleagues, parents, and students, thereby celebrating the dynamic learning environment we strive to create.