The students of Environmental
Systems and Societies (Grade 12) were taken on an educational trip to Garh
Mukteshwar (Uttar Pradesh) from 13th to 14th December. We visited the Ganges near the village Uccha.
Being pollution free, the stretch of Ganges near this place is very rich in
diversity. On the way to the Ganges (From the village) students got a chance to
see and appreciate many different kinds of birds. Sighting river dolphins
coming to breathe out of the river left everyone surprised, happy and eager to
see more of them. 
The area provided an excellent
field study site. Some abiotic components of the river like pH and temperature
were measured to see if they varied as the distance from the land increased.
Samples of water and soil were also collected from different locations and
carried back to school for further analysis of many other parameters. On the
way back to the village, students also visited a place where Jaggery was made
from sugarcane. They discussed the economics of a small scale factory and how
renewable resources were used. They also tasted the freshly made Jaggery and a
few students learnt to eat sugarcane! Students performed experiments based on
diversity of different plants in the two big gardens near the fort.
We stayed at Ucchagaon fort where
the students had a lovely time. The warm welcome at the fort left each one of
us mesmerized. The bonfire and the local songs in the evening were a memorable
experience for all. An absolutely clean
Swimming pool containing natural fresh water was something difficult to
believe. Overall it was such a wonderful and enriching experience for the
students that they were really looking forward for its extension. I thank the
school authorities for giving me an opportunity to take my students on the trip.
Poonam Shokeen
