Field trip to Anthargange by Grade 4 on 17 June, 2016

Date: 17 June, 2016, Friday

Grade: 4

Anthargange is situated in the Kolar district of Karnataka in the Shathashrunga range, about 70 km from Bangalore. The mountains at an altitude of 1712 meters from sea level with rocky boulders, small caves and dense plantations are one of the best getaways for trekking and rock climbing.

As a part of our inquiry process for the Unit – Who we are, we decided to do this trek with the grade 4 s. Our purpose was to make links between how our body systems are interdependent on each other to perform a function and understand the connection between exercise, nutrition and physical well-being.. We also wanted students to reflect on strategies that we use to manage and face challenges to help us develop new strategies to cope with adversity.

We all set out with excitement on the morning of 17^th June in a bus at around 6.30 a.m. Ms. Kavita and her group of mountaineers were with us to guide us and help us through the trek. When we got to the base of the Anthargange hill, there was more excitement to see monkeys on the steps of a beautiful old temple. Students though a little worried and scared, were enthusiastic to climb the hill. When we got to the first point at the top, we walked through the amazing farm land. We took short water breaks and managed to get to the summit in one and half hours. It was a great feeling for all of us to reach the summit and see the breath taking view of the Kolar district.

Mr. Kunal our expert in the fieldtrip and Ms. Vandana discussed the objectives of the fieldtrip and made connections to the concepts in the unit. It was an interesting discussion that led to an overall understanding of how the systems are interdependent on each other.

Students pulled through very well during the trek. On the way back, we rested for a while, had lunch and came down the same path. It was great to see courage, independence and empathy in our students which brought out the PSPE objectives.

Discussion (with Ms. Vandana and Mr. Kunal) when we reached the summit based on the PSPE outcomes and learning outcomes of the unit - (some discussions.. There were many more)

An achievement and satisfaction in going up to the summit. Yes we did it!

A glimpse into history....

Field Trip Date: 4th to 7th November 2015

                 Grade: 4

“The use of travelling is to regulate imagination with reality, and instead of thinking of how things may be, see them as they are.” – Samuel Johnson

To explore the characteristics of the past civilizations and to understand that the present is connected to the past, the grade 4s went on a field trip to Hampi.

Hampi (UNESCO world heritage sites) is a small village in northern Karnataka, situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.Today the site remains as the ruins of Vijayanagara Empire

En route to to Hampi, we stopped to explore the Chitradurga fort which was a part of the Vijayanagar Kingdom.We also watched the sunset at Tungabadra reservoir situated few kilometers before Hospet.

On the first day we visited the Royal Enclosure of Hampi which was once the seat of power of the earstwhile king. The area is packed with numerous palace bases, underground temple, aquatic structures and the likes.We also saw the ruins of the Krishna temple where we noticed the bazaars and the step well tank. Our little explorers found broken pieces of pots which date back to as old as 500 years. We then visited the Hazararama temple, whose walls unfold the story of Ramayana.We visited the beautiful Virupaksha temple which is the oldest shrine still in active worship. Our day ended with the climb up the Hemakuta hills where we watched the spectacular lights of the temple come on as the day transformed into an even more beautiful night.

On the second day we visited the Vithala temple, famous for its fascinating musical pillars and magnificent stone chariot. We also visited the Tungabhadra River flowing at the back of the temple where the famous pioneer of Carnatic music, Purandaradasa sang..This was followed by a visit to the Lotus Mahal and the elephant stables influenced by Islamic architecture brought in by the Bahamanas.The evening ended with the trek to the Mahatunka hills from where our inquirers soaked in the unbeatable splendour of the entire kingdom that once ruled on the banks of the mighty river.

The trip left the Grade 4 with lasting memories of enduring learning and understanding different cultures.