There is a lot of talk these days about school textbooks and revamping course curriculum from those conscientious objectors of our educational system. I would rush to agree.

For instance, how often does a lay accountant use trigonometric equations to calculate the height of a tree given the length of its shadow and the angle of the setting sun? Or for that matter, how does an intimate knowledge of the French Revolution make your paycheck look any better?

I must confess I secretly use the elements of science in my daily life – though I am professionally far removed from all slaves to oscilloscopes. Having calculated the coefficient of friction of different objects, I have now mastered the art of holding a cell phone between my ear and shoulder even as I grapple a pen and notepad, all this while crossing a street in rush-hour traffic.

Over the years, I have instinctively learned to position myself at the exact distance between that hotel showerhead and my unclad person to get the water hitting me at the desired temperature so I don't scream out in startled pain.

Over time, you consign what would be useless textbook lore to oblivion and train your senses to use formulas gained from life's experiences. Gone are the days when I fought with atmospheric pressure and an airtight pickle bottle precariously held between the thighs as I twisted at the lid till my wrist sprained. I know that a slight nick on the lid will let air and pressure do the rest. 
 
These days, I eagerly offer to help out anyone who could be pulled out of their misery by simple household laws of science.

Amrita, my nine year-old, is just exploring the world of science in her school. Her simple piggy bank – a jar with a screw-on lid that holds her life savings – got stuck tight one day.

Explaining the laws of physics especially how cold shrinks objects and heat expands them, I immersed the lower part of the jar in ice-cold water, wrapping the lid with a scalding hot towel. With a little effort, the lid unscrewed to her uncontained amazement.

“Do I still have all my money left in the jar or has the ice water reduced some of this?” she enquired querulously.