“What we grow. What we eat. What we throw.” This idea came alive at PM Shri Government High School, Ramagondanahalli, where students presented their work as part of Food for Thought, a Science and Maths Celebration of Learning .
The event, held on Saturday, brought together agriculture, waste management, sustainability and classroom learning under one theme. Instead of a regular exhibition, students showcased projects that were developed through observation, surveys and real-life experiences over several weeks.
Students exhibit their green innovation.
One of the key highlights was a four-week waste audit conducted by students under the theme “Our Waste, Our Responsibility.” Explaining the activity, Anjali, School faculty lead at PM Shri Government high school, Ramagondanahalli said, “For four weeks, students collected bins from each grade at the end of the day. They segregated the waste into paper, plastic and other categories, measured the weight and recorded the data. It helped them understand their responsibility towards waste and how each grade contributes differently.”
The students later compiled the results to identify which grade generated the most and least waste. Through this process, they applied mathematical concepts such as measurement, comparison and data analysis, while also learning about segregation and responsible disposal.
Panel discussion and play on environmental conservation.
The principle of reuse was reflected across the event. Chart papers used in previous programmes were flipped and reused instead of being discarded. Students also created bowls, paperweights and decorative items using recycled paper prepared through paper mash, showing how waste can be transformed creatively.
Agriculture formed another important part of the celebration. Students displayed models showing the journey of farming from early tools to modern irrigation systems and AI-based technologies. Before beginning their projects, they were taken to a farm to observe real-life practices and interact with farmers.
Muktha, a science teacher at PM Shri Government high school, Ramagondanahalli, explained the thought behind the theme. “We wanted students to understand how science and maths are interconnected and how different topics are interdependent. Agriculture, nutrition and waste management are all linked. We first took them to a farm without giving them fixed topics. They observed, asked questions and then connected what they saw to what they were learning in class.”
Students also conducted a sun-mapping activity while planning a school garden. By taking photographs at different times of the day, they studied sunlight patterns to decide what kind of plants should be grown and where. A permaculture workshop further helped them learn how to reuse garden waste and make compost.
Students present model on remote sensing for precision farming.
Muktha added that the preparation was gradual and carefully planned. “We have been working on this for nearly two to three months. We made sure the projects were integrated into regular lessons so that students’ academic learning continued smoothly. Instead of rushing, we spent a few hours regularly guiding the students so they could understand the concepts clearly.”
The event demonstrated how classroom lessons can move beyond textbooks when students are encouraged to observe, question and apply their knowledge. By combining science, maths and sustainability, Food for Thought showed that responsible habits and practical learning can go hand in hand.