Hari om everyone,
Here's a recap of our class activities over the past week.
We began with a grounding meditation, shifting our awareness through different parts of the body. This practice energizes us physically and calms the mind, preparing us for focused learning.
Next, we delved into learning the chanting of Chapter 5 of the Bhagavad Gita, having covered up to verse 5.
Quirky Question (QQ) of the Day: We discussed the transformation of states of matter: when solids are heated, they become liquids, and liquids turn to gas. Do you agree, or do you have a different perspective?
Our students raised intriguing points:
- Eggs: One student noted that while eggs are liquid, they become omelets upon cooking. We acknowledged this, explaining that eggs are colloids and their coagulation doesn't fit the initial claim.
- Wood: Another student pointed out that wood burns into ash rather than melting. We appreciated this perspective, recognizing it as a valuable addition to our discussion.
- Cake batter: It solidifies upon baking!
- Dosa Batter: We mused about dosa batter, which solidifies when heated. A student reminded us that it could also be considered a colloid. We clarified that it doesn't fall into that category but decided not to get sidetracked with chemistry!
This lively exchange highlighted how each participant brought unique perspectives to the discussion. It was a great reminder that while we welcome discussions, we foster a safe space for sharing viewpoints without engaging in arguments. An open mind and a willingness to listen are essential for our collective learning, because -
Mahabharata Quiz
Next, we divided the class into four teams for a fun quiz reviewing the Mahabharata. The depth of knowledge displayed was impressive! Students sometimes struggled with names, but that's perfectly normal.
They raised fascinating questions about the story's more bizarre elements, pondering how to relate those to today's world. One insightful point was: "We may not know what World War III will be fought with, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones." This highlights the cyclical nature of civilization and learning from the past.
We even discussed the miraculous births in the Mahabharata, likening it to modern concepts like test-tube babies. For instance, Veda Vyaasa miraculously incubated the lump of meat delivered by Gaandhaari into 101 pots. One hundred Kauravas and their sister, Dusshala were born this way. It has a fascinating parallel to today's scientific advancements in making test-tube babies!
Looking Ahead
Our quiz was engaging, but we had to pause to make it to assembly. We'll pick up where we left off in our next class.
In the meantime, here's something to ponder until then!
Looking forward to seeing everyone next class!
Regards,
Rashmi.
Rashmi.
