Mumbai: Seth Jugglilal Poddar Academy Grade 6 Students Create Their Own Museum, Showcase ‘Zoographia’

In Mumbai, Grade 6 students from S. J. Poddar Academy (ICSE) have embarked on an innovative educational journey by creating their own museum as part of the school's Think Museum Project. This project is a collaborative effort between the school, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), and Citi through the Museum on Wheels initiative.

The first exhibition, crafted by Grade 6 Division A, is titled "Zoographia – Taso se Tasveer Tak." This exhibition delves into the animal kingdom, exploring it through the lenses of art, culture, and history. The students played an active role in the entire process. They conducted research, determined the theme and message for their exhibition, designed and manufactured objects to be displayed, and managed the logistics of assembling and showcasing the exhibits as a museum. They took on various roles, including research, curation, creation, and presentation.

The project is not a one-off event but a planned initiative across all Grade 6 divisions. Each division will be responsible for creating its own museum. "Zoographia" uniquely combines elements of animals, art, and history. The students approached the subject from multiple angles, linking the topic with art, culture, and historical contexts.

The research process involved gathering information, developing ideas, crafting objects, and working collaboratively to build the exhibition around a unifying theme. This project also provided students with a platform to present their work and elucidate the thought behind their exhibits.

The Think Museum Project is being conducted in partnership with CSMVS and Citi under the Museum on Wheels initiative. This program brings museum-based learning into school settings, providing students with a hands-on, immersive educational experience.