Activities of the DNA club 2008-09

Jaycee English Medium High School, Hattikeri

Inauguration of the DNA (Department of biotechnology Natural resources Awareness) Club

March, 08  30/03/08

The DNA club was inaugurated on 30^th March, 2008 after the completion of the school final examination before the commencement of summer vacations. The coordinator spoke to the students about the aims and objectives as well as the conditions for joining the club.

 Mr. K. G. Satyanarayana, the Asst. conservator of Forests, Ankola who inaugurated the club spoke about the biodiversity of the western ghats along with a slide show. In the second part of the talk he spoke about the characteristics and significance of the Mangrove forests. With the help of the projector he highlighted denudation of the Mangrove forests and the steps taken for their conservation. He also promised to involve the students in the propagation of the trees, when they expressed their desire to do their bit for conservation.

Over fifty school students (from VII to X) volunteered to join the club. Tentative schedule for the year was planned and the program was concluded.

CELEBRATING WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY MEANINGFULLY

July, 08  08/07/08

The DNA club members coordinated with the forest department officials and planned a tree planting program as part of the World Environment Day (5^th June) celebrations. Over five hundred saplings belonging to different local species were planted in a nearby plot of vacant land just beyond the school. Sixty seven high school children and six teachers participated in digging the pit, carrying the saplings to the required spot, planting it and fastening it to a pole to keep it erect. After three hours of strenuous work the students visited a forest nursery where the ACF explained the economic importance of some of the plant species being propagated there. He also briefed the students about the method of propagation.

The ACF was so happy with the students’ response that he arranged for tea and snacks at the nursery for all!

MANGROVES

July, 08  30/07/08

Mangroves or tidal forests which once covered 60% of our shoreline are today vanishing at an alarming rate and raising fears that they would be totally extinct in near future. Usage as fuel, expansion of agricultural areas, aqua culture, harbour construction and housing projects have put the mangroves at risk. Several species have become locally extinct on many shores.

 

Mr. Silva explaining at the Museum at Marine Biology P.G. Centre, Karwar

Having given a brief introduction to Mangroves, the DNA members were taken to Marine Biology P.G. Centre at Karwar. Dr. U. G. Bhat, the director of the centre spoke to the students about the scope of marine biology and how it could be pursued as an interesting and meaningful profession if they developed an interest.

 Later a research scholar, Cajy De’Silva, who was working on Mangroves for his doctoral thesis spoke to the students on how Mangroves play a significant role in stabilization. The students also visited the centre’smuseum where Mr. Silva acted as a guide.

 Growing along the shorelines, Mangroves form a barrier between land and sea thereby protecting the shoreline from high waves and erosion. They also act as natural filters and help remove a wide range of pollutants from water. They are called as flood buffers and help stabilize the climate by moderating the temperature, humidity, wind and even tsunamis. They are especially adapted to withstand salinity, low levels of oxygen and wave action and can grow in poor soil. India has the best mangrove forests and Sunderbans in W. Bengal are the largest in the world. The roots of these plants help in building the soil and establishing micro organisms which further help in stabilization. They act as breeding and nursery grounds for many marine organisms and support a host of others forming what is called as Tropical salt mesh or mangrove ecosystem.

Mr. Cajy De’ Silva with the help of a slide show explained the characteristics of mangroves and their identification. He later took us to Devbhag Mangrove forest where the students observed the unique features and learnt to identify different species of mangroves and mangrove associates.

 

A few twigs of different species were brought back to prepare herbariums but because of the prevailing monsoons and thickness of the specimens, we could not succeed.

MEDICINAL PLANTS

August 08  19/08/08

Health care which was part of our traditional culture has today become a profession. Synthetic drugs prepared by affluent and influential pharmaceutical industries have given rise to side effects that are more dangerous than the diseases that they claim to cure. People today are going back to herbal cures. Many common plants that we ignore or destroy as weeds have amazing healing properties. Their economic importance in our country cannot be overestimated. Many medicinal plants are being over exploited and are in the danger of becoming extinct.

Developing a medicinal garden as part of our kitchen garden or even as part of our school garden is not at all difficult as our DNA club members have exhibited. Information decimation about these valuable plants is necessary for their conservation.

We invited Ms. Shanti Nayak, a retired Head Mistress of a government high school, a self taught medicinal plant expert to deliver a talk to the DNA members. She later taught us to identify the medicinal plants that grew in the school surroundings. The students were also taught food recipes using the plants that grow in the wild.

Students collected the plants, tagged them with their common names and botanical names and pressed them under newspapers to try their hands at preparing herbariums at a later date.



They were also asked to collect more information on medicinal properties of the plants that they collected or any other locally growing herb and to document them along with the source. Tribal women of Uttar Kannada, the Halakki Vakkals are well versed in herbal medicines and the students were asked to try and collect information from them.

MARINE ECOSYSTEM           

September,08  11/09/08

More than 70% of the earth’s surface is covered with oceans and marine aquatic ecosystem is important not only because of the large area it encompasses but also because of the diversity of life therein. Indeed it is the lifeline of people living on the coast. Living in coastal regions as we are it becomes imperative we know more about the oceans. We had invited Dr. Kataki and Dr. Miriam from the Marine Biology Department, Karwar and Ms. Sunita Rao of Vanastree, Sirsi.

Dr, Miriam and Dr. Kataki conducted an introductory session on the sea and the coast. Children viewed the ocean biodiversity on the LCD and were introduced to related terminologies like the high tide line, low tide line, coral reef, intertidal zone, estuary, phytoplankton, zooplankton, etc.

Later the children were taken to the beach and were shown the intertidal zone. They learnt to identify some of the plants and animals found on the beach. They were then divided into groups for the following activities:

-          Ms. Sunita taught an ocean song ‘There’s a hole at the bottom of the sea’ which the children sang with great gusto.

-          Beach combing and collecting at least 15 different materials washed by the sea.

-          Coming back in their own groups to a pre located shelter with all the things collected.

-          Identifying and classifying the things they got into groups like seeds, seedlings, shells, garbage, etc.

-          Creating an art work with all the things collected. The children came up with beautiful creations.

The students later interviewed a fisherman to know about his life and what part the ocean played in it.  They watched mesmerized as the fishermen took their boats out to the sea – the smaller ones hooked to a streamer and trailing behind it.

BIRDS AND BUTTERFLIES

September, 08  17/09/08  

Dr.Ganesh, Dr. Arvind and Ms. Abhisheka of ATREE, Bangalore visited our school and spoke to the students about the characteristics of Birds and butterflies and took them on a field visit to identify those found in the nearby woods and fields. Looking back this experience initiated the students into bird and butterfly watching. Subsequent visit to Kulgi wild life sanctuary and several nature walks have turned many of our students into avid bird watchers and butterfly observers. Undoubtedly they have become nature enthusiasts and pursue their hobby on their own. Some of them have formed bird watching clubs with a few neighboring children and their younger siblings.

 

January, 08   12/01/09 & 13/01/09

Visit to Anshi – Dandeli Tiger Reserve

The DNA club members were taken to Kulgi nature camp with the resource people from ATREE –Dr. Arvind, Abhisheka and Sheshadri. They visited the Wild life Museum on the first day and saw the various exhibits of insects, reptiles, birds and mammals. They also observed the models and the photographs displayed. After a sumptuous breakfast we visited the syntheri rocks, about 28kms from Kulgi. On the way children were asked to observe the forest trees and differences between the dry deciduous and wet deciduous forests were elaborated. The same evening children saw a number of birds and learned about their habitat and other characteristics.

The next morning they were taken on an early morning forest trail and got to learn the tell tale evidences about the kind of wild life living in the region. Scats and pellets of different animals, Crematogaster ants and their mysterious relationship with the Rofous Woodpecker, the frog that does not undergo metamorphosis, Grey Hornbills feeding on sterculia fruits, their nesting homes and the touching saga of their family raising,  camouflage of the stick insect or the praying mantis, the strange feeding habits of the dragon and the damselfly, the funnel shaped web weaving spider, the elusive Indian Night Jar, the amazing giant squirrel, the significance of the ant hill in relation to snakes; strangler figs, epiphytes and a host of other things.

The last visit of the trip was to the Kali water reservoir where the students tried to understand  the dangers of big dams. They were also able to see some water birds like the cormorant, water hen and Egret.

laboratory experiments
(Between July, 08 to Jan.09)

List of laboratory experiments that have been conducted:

1. Diffusion and Osmosis.

To demonstrate that- 

1. Heat is produced during respiration.
2. Sunlight is essential for photosynthesis.
3. Carbon dioxide is essential for photosynthesis.
4. Oxygen is used during photosynthesis.
5. Water is conducted through xylem vessels.
6. Observation of various tissues and micro organisms under the microscope.
7. T.S. of dicot and monocot stem and leaf.
8. Epidermal layer of onion peel.
9. Onion root tip – mitosis.
10. Simple tests for carbohydrates, fats and proteins

November and December, 08  Competitions:

An essay and drawing competition was held during the wild life week observed by the forest department.
 

Some of the paintings by students

The prizes were given by the forest officials.

A DNA club logo competition was also held as instructed by the ATREE and DBT and the winning entries sent to them.

PROJECTS

December-08, January-09, and February-09: 

Ongoing projects that were started at different times were all completed by the end of the year.

1.       The students were asked to maintain a bird and butterfly dairy. After their Kulgi trip they have transferred these entries and made their own bird watching books. They have also collected feathers and struck a sample on the page of the respective bird drawing wherever possible.

2.       To consolidate whatever they have studied about different biomes, the students were divided into four groups and given a topic each. They collected extensive information about each and along with the pictures have compiled it into project books for Rain Forests, Deciduous Forests, Grasslands and Desert biomes.

Reference work

3.       Medicinal Plants: Students have bound xeroxed copies of the medicinal properties of plants that they have studied. To ensure proper identification of these, the children were divided into groups of three and chose a medicinal plant to prepare a herbarium. These were later collected and bound into a book for easy reference.

4.       Students prepared vegetable dyes using beetroot, carrots and turmeric.

5.       Balloon masks and Paper Mache masks were made with old newspapers paper.

6.       Greeting with dried flowers, etc

7.        As part of the ideas of eco friendly practices the children made hand made paper using which they made greeting cards with the colours they made themselves. With the pulp they also made masks on moulds and balloons.

             Making paper mache and balloon masks

Vegetable carving and other eco friendly decorations: People today use so much of non biodegradable materials especially for various functions like marriages and birthdays. Eco friendly decorations could go a long way to reduce non biodegradable waste. Vegetable carving, using different parts of plants for different designs not only brings out the creativity of the students but also paves a way for a cleaner environment.

                       

                        Vegetable carving

          A parakeet made out of Calatrophis fruit                             Students' project work

          and thevetia leaves

                                                                          

8.       Students were encouraged to enact plays and learn songs and dances that had an eco friendly message.

                         Students performing a skit and a dance with an eco message

9.       A bird house has been installed to promote interest in birds.

10.   As a grand finale to the year’s work we constructed a ‘Kutir’- Panchavati - with eco friendly materials and the children decorated it with their own creations keeping in mind the need to use only natural products.

        'Panchavati' Exhibition of work done during the year.      A stand for the inaugural lamp

                                                                                                         made out of coconut fronds and banana pith.

                                                                                                   

                Balloon Masks                                                                     Greeting cards made using pressed                                      

                                                                                                                    and dried  plant parts

                        

              Vegetable carving                                                           'Rakhees' made out of flowe                                      

                    

The ‘Panchavati’ was inaugurated by Mr. Hittalmakki and Mr. C.R. Naik the ACF and RFO, Ankola respectively.

 

DNA club activities 2008-09

Biodiversity Fest-2011, Aversa, Ankola, Uttar Kannada. Karnataka

One hundred and fifty students and about twenty five adults from the diverse bioregions of Karnataka came together on February 25 & 26, 2011 for an annual biodiversity festival. The students were all members of DNA (Department of biotechnology Natural resources Awareness) club from Tumkur, Ujire, T. Narsipura, Sringeri and Ankola. These five high schools were chosen by the DBT (Department of Biotechnology), New Delhi and the Karnataka regional resource centre, the ATREE (Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment), Bangalore to start DNA clubs in.  Each club had 25 members and a coordinator who conducted several activities throughout the year including field trips, lab experiments, bio monitoring, hands on activities, audio visual shows and action projects- all related to environment and biodiversity.  At the end of each academic year the students gathered in one place to share their experiences and celebrate the rich local culture, tradition and biodiversity. Aversa (Jaycee School) was chosen as the venue for this year’s festival.

 On the morning of the 25th, the students met for a lively breakfast of idlies steamed in cups made of jackfruit leaves. After a traditional and nourishing breakfast, the students moved outside to march through the streets of Aversa. Drummers and dancers in traditional bear costumes led the procession.  This dance is traditionally called as suggi kunita or ‘Harvest dance’ which is performed by Halakki vakkals, a local tribe. Dr. U.G. Naik of Centre for Marine Biology, Karwar was invited as a chief guest and Mr.Cajy Silva, an expert on mangroves and a doctoral student at the centre accompanied him as another guest.

A loop through the town brought the students and faculty back to their assembly hall where the Jaycee school girls opened the festival with a dance invoking lord Ganesha.

The theme of this year’s fest was “Coastal life and Marine ecosystem” and as such all the activities revolved around it including the cuisine, field visits,   inaugural session and stage arrangement.

The stage was set with a student dressed as a ‘Halakki vakkal’ tribal woman near her thatched hut and another dressed as a fisherman in his fishing boat. Halakki Vakkals are the original inhabitants of the district and are predominantly occupied as agriculturalists. They are known for their honesty and hard work. The women folk carry fire wood on their heads over long distances and either sell them for an additional source of income or use them as domestic fuel. Fishermen known as ‘Ambigaru’ very often live close to the coast and depend on fishing for their livelihood, very often their only source of income. The womenfolk take their catch to the market and earn a decent income. Most of the population here is fish eating. The banner “Biodiversity festival – 2011” was made by the students with whitewashed shells of bivalves over painted ocean waves. A model of “Kutri” the traditional method of stacking harvested and dried paddy plants in the field itself formed part of the stage.“Moode” the traditional method of storing paddy in bundles of hay made the platform for the coconut palm inflorescence.  This was cut open to “bloom out” to inaugurate the function.

After an entertaining welcome ceremony, each student received a notebook made of recycled paper to take notes of the presentations. The inaugural speech by Dr. U.G. Naik was about marine ecology and underwater geology. He also released a poster on ‘Snakes of India’ brought out by ATREE. Lining the walls of the auditorium, visual reports of experiments conducted by the students and specimen displays supplemented the speeches. Each coordinator spoke about the various activities they conducted for the year.

Lunch and tea times provided breaks in the lecture. Around 5: 30 the students went on a field trip to the beach to see the ecosystems they had just studied.

The timing of the beach visit was perfect. Upon arrival, students spoke to the fishermen as they were getting ready for fishing. They got to know several interesting details of their lives and occupation. All the students then dispersed, and like scientists, examined shells, tide pools and marine animals. Engaged students brought numerous shells and crustaceans to teachers eager to learn more about their surroundings.

 At the end of the first day of activities, participants of the biodiversity festival enjoyed a serene sunset over the ocean before returning home (for the Ankola students) or back to the festival site for visiting students.

On the second day of the festival, students again met for breakfast before leaving to visit a Post graduate centre for Marine Biology and a science center and museum at Karwar. The ocean view from the science museum and preserved specimens of marine animals provided the students an opportunity to link the animals and their habitat and get a glimpse of the ocean biodiversity.

Next, students attended a short lecture from Dr. V.G.Naik and saw an audio visual presentation on biodiversity of a local coral reef. After seeing animal specimens, students traveled to a nearby Mangrove forest to see their habitat. Mr. Cajy Silva gave a lecture on mangroves at the site, passing around different plant specimens and explaining how mangroves germinate and grow. After a micro perspective on mangroves as plants, the speaker explained how mangroves are vital to the marine ecosystem, being a breeding ground for several marine species, protecting habitats and communities from tsunamis and hurricanes. With deep water based roots, the mangroves work like speed bumps, slowing winds and water while sheltering animal and plant life that thrives nearby. Through the mangroves, the students learned how people depend on their environment as the speaker told the story of a coastal town where residents, devastated by a hurricane, regretted their detrimental treatment of their habitat, lamenting, “By destroying the mangroves, we have destroyed ourselves.”

The evening session began with the students’ presentations where students spoke about the project work they had done during the year. Later the students went around seeing the exhibits that were displayed all around. The Jaycee school students who had hosted the fest had set up all the experiments they had conducted throughout the year as also the diversity in edible sea life in the form of preserved specimens. A session with the coordinators by the RRA resource persons and a small valedictory function brought an end to an exciting and stimulating event.

 As these students carry the burden of environmental pollution and dwindling bio resources from previous generations, it is crucial that they understand the importance of living sustainably within their bioregion. The biodiversity festival was enlightening and fun, while it also equipped Karnataka’s students with guiding knowledge for healthy and environmental lifestyles. The combination of the lectures, field visits and science museum exhibition gave the students a hands-on and well rounded education of the marine ecosystem in general and Uttar Kannada in particular. Local students appreciated a deeper scientific understanding of home while visiting students learned about one of the diverse bioregions of Karnataka.

 By Rama Nayak , DNA coordinator , Jaycee School with inputs from Chelsea McCain, an intern from Oregon, U.S.A.