Sandarbh - Issue 79 (January-February 2012)

 Table Of Contents

1. A Library Programme In The Mountains by Usha Mukunda Translated by Shivani Bajaj [Hindi PDF, 251 kB][English PDF, 636 kB]
   An appeal to help set up a library in a school in the Kumaons found the author eagerly packing her bags. She recounts how she organized and stocked a library with the help of teachers and students in the small school. She made the library an attractive, welcoming place with the help of fun activities and games.
   
   
2. Why Does A Chilly Burn And A Peppermint Chill? by Sushil Joshi
   [Hindi PDF, 221 kB][English PDF, 58 kB]
   We percieve a variety of stimuli such as heat, cold, pressure and burning. Find here details about our sensory receptors, their distribution and how they work. Read also about the how temperature can affect our sensations, for example a sensation of heat can switch to pain. Finally, discover why a peppermint at room temperature can make our mouths feel cool!
   
   
3. We Cannot See Atoms - Then How Do Scientists Know So Much About Them? from Sawaliram
   [Hindi PDF, 64 kB]
   This question from a nine-year old is answered by Sushil Joshi. He first describes early ideas and assumption about atoms. He then explains how using logic, reasoning and some simple experiments scientists including Dalton were able to describe the properties of atoms. However, the larger scientific community was convinced only when atoms were split to study their properties.
   
   
4. First a Research Question, Then the Research Animal and Research Methods by Raghavendra Gadagkar Translated by Sushil Joshi[Hindi PDF, 192 kB]
   This is the final part of an article by evolutionary biologist Raghavedra Gadagkar published as a series over three issues.
   Reflecting on the pursuit of science in India, the author describes his research strategy as he strongly feels that only by discussing such matters openly will scientists be forced to think about such topics. He is unabashed about his approach to his work as well as his love for Ropalidia marginata, a wasp that he has been studying for decades.
   
   
5. The Science, Art And Writing Initiative by Anne Osbourn  Translated by Jaijeet
   [Hindi PDF, 175 kB][English PDF, 16 MB]
   Treated as separate subjects in schools, the author here describes the Science, Art and Writing (SAW) programme that brings together these seemingly disparate fields of study. Using scientific images as a starting point, children discover new ways of understanding the world around them by experimentation, art and creative writing.
   
   
6. Tiny Hands Learn How To Write by Mohammed Umar[Hindi PDF, 267 kB]
   A challenge that many primary school teachers face is in getting young children interested in learning how to write. Based on observations of his three-year old, the author thinks that the best way to do this may be by allowing children the freedom to let their experiences guide them, rather than forcing a specific method on them.
   
   
7. When Children Swear by Madhav Kelkar[Hindi PDF, 53 kB]
   As a student in middle school, when a classmate abused him a young boy responded by thrashing him. Their teacher did something shocking to help him understand that he could deal with abusive language merely by refusing to get instigated. An unforgettable incident from Dr. Nitin Jhadav's childhood that makes us think about how to deal with and discourage verbal abuse amongst children.
   
   
8. Bolivia's Mining Industry by Domitila Chungara Presented by Madhav Kelkar[Hindi PDF, 650 kB]
   The article begins with an introduction to Bolivia and continues with a description of the life of the author in one of the mining towns. It ends with updated information on the mining companies as well as conditions in the mines and mining towns. Questions interspersed in the article link information presented to the Indian context.
   
   
9. Dr. Manmohan Kapoor Alias Mannu by Pramod Upadhyay and Shashi Sexena Translation of  a follow-up register by Tultul Biswas[Hindi PDF, 301 kB]
   In remembrance of Mannu, one of the pillars of the Hoshangabad Science Teaching Programme (HSTP). A chemistry professor with a deep commitment to education, teaching and students, he had a zest for life and cut a popular figure. Much of this changed once he retired. Also presented here are pages from the diary he maintained during a six-month stay in 1974 while associated with HSTP.
   
   
10. Schoolgatha A story by Raghunandan Trivedi[Hindi PDF, 423 kB]
    The arrival of a nautanki (a travelling show) in a village reveals the hypocrisy of teachers in the local school. Narrated with a pleasing rhythm, the story is by an author who was known for his unique style of writing that was both rich and lucid at the same time.
    The editorial team took the decision to publish this article after much deliberation. Some felt that this story portrays government school teachers in an unduly harsh light and stereotypes them. Please do write to us and let us know what you think.
    
    
11. An Endless Train Of Millipedes by Kalu Ram Sharma[Hindi PDF, 284 kB]
    With the arrival of the rains, millipedes emerge in the thousands from under the ground. Some interesting features including a brief description of their morphology and life-history are given here.

Letters To The Editor