My Journey with NGO Classrooms

When I first started Project Spark, my goal was simple- make Math and Physics fun and relatable for kids, especially those who didn’t have access to labs and resources. But getting started wasn’t easy. As a 17-year-old student, I didn’t exactly look like a typical ‘Science educator’- so I reached out to NGOs with a little help from my mom.

At first, many schools were sceptical. They agreed to indulge me with a session or two. But something magical happened every time I began. As I demonstrated the experiments, teachers became curious, engaged and eventually joined in, helping their students and often participating themselves! The kids were thrilled but I noticed something important- while they enjoyed doing the experiments, the focus was more on doing than understanding. Since the activities were a bit long and needed many materials, I could cover only one per session.

Still, the teachers were incredibly supportive. They appreciated the initiative and suggested ways I could expand the scope. That encouragement pushed me to simplify the experiments and add more conceptual clarity. I created a simple instruction manual and conducted two more sessions with new NGOs who now welcomed me with open arms.

Even then, something felt missing. The materials needed for experiments weren’t always available at home. Some kids would be excited, but wouldn’t do them later simply because it was a hassle to find the materials, or they would just forget. I realized that the more handy the experiments were, the more likely it was that kids would try them on a quiet afternoon, just for fun.

So, I went back to the drawing board. I designed simplified experiments using household items and covered all the basic principles of Physics and even some Math. I shot instructional videos on my phone and added QR codes in a colourful textbook so learning could continue beyond the classroom. I also included real-life examples, fun facts and questions to encourage reflection and curiosity.

With some help from my mom again, I created experiment kits and tried them out with Muktangan schools. The sessions were a huge success. The teachers were kind and incredibly welcoming- every visit came with smiles, cut fruit and cups of tea. It was an absolute joy to work with such dedicated educators and such enthusiastic kids. Of course, not every session started off perfectly. In every class, a few kids looked bored or huddled at the back. But I quickly found that inviting those very kids to try experiments in front of the class transformed them completely. Suddenly, they were curious, confident and smiling.

The Circuit and balloon static experiments were always a hit and often a bit chaotic! I soon learnt to place them at the end of the session, knowing they would bring laughter and excitement. Kids worked beautifully in groups, taking turns, helping each other and even troubleshooting when things didn’t go as planned.

One group found creative alternatives when their balloon popped- they used a ruler instead for the static test. Another tested batteries and wires when their bulbs wouldn’t light up. Some even connected multiple bulbs to a single circuit just to see what would happen! Watching them think, solve and most of all, laugh- that’s when I knew Project Spark was doing what I had dreamt of- turning fear into fascination.

By the end of each session, I was often overwhelmed with the love and appreciation I received. Kids would thank me, ask questions and a few even gave me handmade cards. The teachers were always respectful of my knowledge and I never once felt like ‘just a student.’ They treated me as a fellow educator and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

Project Spark began with a few simple experiments and a desire to make learning more joyful. Today, Project Spark has grown far beyond my initial idea. I have now reached a mainstream school in Nagpur and an NGO in Delhi and I’m setting up a fundraiser to reach 4,000 more children. And to make sure Science learning never stops no matter where a child lives, I have launched this website.

On it, anyone can download the Project Spark textbook PDF, watch experiment videos and try everything at home using basic materials. There is no barrier, no fancy setup- just curiosity and a spark of interest.

This project began as a small effort to remove the fear of Physics and Math. Today, it’s grown into something limitless. With every new school, every new experiment, I hope to bring joy, understanding and the magic of Science to more young minds- no matter where they are.