Environmental Applications is an interdisciplinary lab science course that introduces students to environmental science while emphasizing real-life, practical problem-solving. Environmental Applications in Grade 9 and Grade 10 are distinct, standalone courses as per the ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) curriculum. Each year covers unique topics, practical work, and assessments. The coursework and learning outcomes for Grade 9 are not repeated or continued in Grade 10. This course helps students understand the relationship between human activities and natural systems through scientific investigations, experiments and fieldwork. Students explore topics like soil science, waste management, air control devices, water pollution, eco-friendly technologies, energy conservation and sustainable development in depth. These topics are explored through hands-on experiments, environmental modeling and site visits. It is important for students to take Environmental Applications 9 for them to take Environmental Applications 10.
Students apply scientific methods like experiments and projects which focus on data collection, observation and analysis. Field visits and models provide applied learning experiences for students in real environmental settings. 1 to 2 hours per week are commonly allocated for practical (wet lab) sessions related to Environmental Applications.
The following are the experiments conducted by students to reach the outcomes of this course-
For 9th grade-
1. Simulated Acid Rain and Its Effects
Objective: Study how acidic solutions affect marble or limestone.
Learning: Acid rain impacts buildings and monuments.
2. Testing Soil pH
Objective: Determine the pH level of various soil samples.
Learning: Importance of soil pH in agriculture.
3. Soil Percolation and Water Holding Capacity
Objective: Compare the water retention of sandy, clayey, and loamy soils.
Learning: Learn about water movements in soil and irrigation planning.
4. Creating a Simple Water Filter
Objective: Understand water filtration and pollution control.
Learning: Understanding how water can be filtered and used sustainably.
5. Field Visit Reports
Visit to a water treatment plant, botanical garden, or waste disposal site.
6. Water Quality (Introductory)
Simple pH test using litmus or pH strips.
7. Waste Segregation Activity
Classify classroom or home waste into biodegradable/non-biodegradable.
8. Composting Demo
Start a mini compost bin with kitchen waste and observe decomposition over weeks.
For 10th grade-
1. Bioindicators: Water Quality using Pond Life
Objective: Assess water quality using organisms.
Learning: Asses aquatic ecosystem health using real life biological indicators.
2. Renewable vs. Non-Renewable Energy Demo (Mini Solar Oven)
Objective: Demonstrate solar energy utilization.
Learning: Understand renewable energy principles and reduce fossil fuel.
3. Laser Scarecrow Model
Objective: Demonstrate bird deterrence using moving light beams.
Learning: Learn how simple technology protects crops and improves yield sustainability.
4. Landfill Model
Create a mini engineered landfill to demonstrate waste disposal methods. Understand how landfills are designed for environmental safety.
5. Visited State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)
Students observe how pollution control devices work in action. Links classroom theory with field based environmental monitoring systems.
6. Energy Resource Labs
Construction and testing of a small solar cooker or solar cell. Study of different fuels (biogas, fossil fuels) and their calorific values (demo-based)
7. Water Conservation Techniques
Demonstration of rainwater harvesting model. Drip irrigation system setup
8. Biodiversity Observation
Quadrant sampling in a nearby green space. Counting and categorizing species in a plot.
School Country
India
School city
Pune
High school
Vidya Pratishthan's Nanded City Public School
School Address
S. NO. 11, NANDED CITY, SINHGAD ROAD, PUNE, MAHARASHTRA