Botanical Garden Becomes 'Open Classroom' for School Children, Learning from Nature

Botanical Garden: A Living Classroom for Students

The developing IRE Jungle Botanical Garden in Narsingarh is now a lively outdoor classroom for school students. Recently, students from Pragya Sagar Public School undertook an educational visit to the botanical garden.

This excursion provided students with practical insights into various rare and unique trees, plants, birds, and biodiversity. It was a unique experience that extended beyond the confines of their traditional classrooms.

Expert Guidance and Interactive Learning

During the visit, Punit Upadhyay, the developer of the Botanical Garden, offered detailed explanations about diverse native and exotic tree species. He elucidated the medicinal, ecological, and scientific significance of these plants in a simple and engaging manner.

Upadhyay emphasized the importance of nature conservation, stating that the botanical garden is more than just a collection of plants; it's a vital medium for environmental education, biodiversity conservation, and connecting future generations with nature.

Bird Identification and Conservation Focus

The program included interactive sessions where students learned to identify various wild, urban, aquatic, grassland, and predatory birds using flashcards and pictures. To enhance engagement, a quiz was conducted.

Students who answered correctly were awarded organic medals inscribed with "SAVE OUR EARTH" and "WE CAN SAVE OUR EARTH," further igniting their interest in environmental protection.

Practical Horticulture and Seedling Techniques

Children were distributed star gooseberry fruits and taught the method of growing plants from their seeds. Additionally, students observed the entire process of seed germination, seedling preparation, and transplanting into growing bags at the IRE Jungle Nursery.

This hands-on experience is expected to inspire them in future gardening and planting endeavors.

Environmental Expert Insights and Student Engagement

Aditya Solanki, a teacher from the school, highlighted the utility of vermicompost, kitchen gardens, and organic farming, assigning relevant projects to students focused on environmental conservation.

Environmental expert Ram Gupta discussed the adverse effects of global warming, climate change, and increasing pollution. He motivated students to play their part in addressing these critical environmental issues.

Appreciation and Educational Value

Preeti Upadhyay welcomed the school family and students, while Diksha Chauhan expressed gratitude to all guests and organizers. The school management lauded such activities, recognizing these outdoor excursions as effective means to foster scientific thinking, environmental sensitivity, and a sense of responsibility among students.