Woody Climate Control - Prapti Rai

In a chapter titled "Woody Climate Control," you could learn about various mechanisms trees use to regulate their internal temperature and moisture levels. This might include how trees adjust their transpiration rates, control water loss through their leaves, and modulate their canopy architecture to optimize sunlight exposure and minimize overheating.

Understanding these mechanisms can provide insights into how trees adapt to different environmental conditions and how they might respond to climate change.

Adapting to a changing climate 

Plants have developed sophisticated strategic adaptations to improve their productivity and survival during climate variations.

One of these adaptations is their impressive, yet largely underappreciated ability to regulate their body temperature, a process known as thermoregulation, achieved through anatomical and physiological mechanisms in their leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits.

Thermoregulation is crucial for plants’ survival as it plays a fundamental role in their general growth and the development of embryos, floral scent, and seed viability, amongst other known and still unknown factors.

However, their ability to successfully survive in the face of climate change is a matter of growing concern since any alteration to the complex processes of growth, maturation, reproduction and survival could result in the unfortunate decline of plant populations.

Prapti Rai

Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

Education Vs Skills - Animesh Kashyap

Skills encompass practical abilities acquired through training and practice, enabling individuals to perform specific tasks efficiently. Education, on the other hand, typically refers to the formal learning process within academic institutions. Both have unique roles to play in personal and professional development.

The Traditional Education Pattern
Historically, formal education was admired as the primary gateway to success. A college degree stands for knowledge and qualification, opening doors to desired careers. However, the landscape is shifting.

The Value of Acquiring Skills
Skills are the building blocks of innovation and productivity. The ability to code, design, write, or communicate effectively holds huge value in today's workforce. They are often the differentiators that set individuals apart.

The Role of Formal Education in Skill Development
Education doesn't necessarily exclude skill development. Many educational programs now include practical skill-building components, creating a bridge between theory and application.

Conclusion
In the skill vs. education debate, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right path depends on individual goals, industries, and circumstances. However, it is clear that in today's dynamic world, a willingness to learn, adapt, and acquire relevant skills is essential for long-term success.

By Animesh Kashyap

Grade-IX

Sunbeam Hostel Lahartara

The Strength In Scars - Tejas Kumar

Humans never escape from their wounds. Their wounds can later be a thing with immense potential. Scars can make us stronger than ever. The world is going to give you beauty but pain as well. It is difficult to move on, it breaks you down in ways you never expected to be broken. 

But when you are broken, don't feel left over instead recall your memories, look at the sacrifice, and create yourself again but this time more stronger and more compassionate.
Find more scars that life has left for you to be stronger and stronger.

Be THANKFUL for everything you get in your life.

Inspired from:-Wikipedia and The book 'THE STRENGTH IN OUR SCARS' by Bianca Sparacino


Tejas Kumar
Grade-IX
Sunbeam School, Lahartara

Significance of trees in our life - Prashant Singh Kushwaha

We can see trees everywhere on this earth in our surroundings. Trees are the beauty of nature. In my opinion, Without trees life is not possible on this earth. Trees fulfil our basic needs.

In ancient times trees were everything for humans. Trees provide us with oxygen which we inhale to survive. We can say that trees are responsible for our beautiful nature.

Today our environment is highly polluted because humans get greedy and cut trees for their requirements. It may cause global warming and then it will become more dangerous to live in such a polluted environment. 

Trees maintain the temperature of our environment for example- if you are in the city you can feel that the environment is too hot because there are only a few trees left in the city. It is because humans cut all the trees to make buildings and roads; On the other hand, if you are in a forest or a rural area, you can feel that the environment is too cold because of trees. If you live in a village or near the forest you can observe that the air is too cold compared to the city. 

Do you know that it is a fact that A quarter of ingredients in modern medicines come from rainforest plants?

Prashant Singh Kushwaha

Grade IX

Sunbeam School Lahartara 

Trees as Best Friends - Anmol Kashyap

Trees as Best Friends

We cannot survive in this world without our friends. Similarly, it is impossible to survive on this land without trees.

Trees give us everything for the survival of living beings. Still, we humans, who are considered the most intelligent beings on this earth, give several threats (such as deforestation) to the base of our life (trees) only.

So, we humans should be grateful for being the friends of the trees, and practice things (such as afforestation and reforestation) to increase their population and equally respect and consider them also as citizens of our country.

Anmol

Grade IX

Sunbeam School, Lahartara

Being Humble - Shaurya Chaturvedi

Being Humble

Are we humble? That's the first question I want to ask today and the second is does being humble cost something? 

The answer from my perspective is that we are not humble. In this modern world, we have forgotten the norms of humanity. We are just frustrated with our problems because that humbleness is miles away from us. 

Just recap your memory, someday you have also done it when you were coming back home after a hectic day and your sibling or your mother asked you something and you got furious and then gave a very rude answer, now switch the characters- you are the sibling and you got a rude answer. just imagine how bad you will feel. So in conclusion, I want to say that being humble costs nothing, but eventually, it makes people feel good and more emotionally connected to you.

Shaurya Chaturvedi

Grade IX

Sunbeam Hostel Lahartara

Jataka Tales 📹 - Adwik Gupta

What Are Jataka Tales?

Sunday School Reflections From Jataka Tales- 

1. Why do we read about the Jataka Tales?

2. Did the story connect with you today, and why? 

3. What learnings can we take from the story "The Guilty Dogs"?

4. Thinking calmly and not hastily

5. Being Humble

 

Jataka Tales 📹 - Parth Tulsyan

What are Jataka Tales?

Sunday School Reflections From Jataka Tales- 

1. Why do we read about the Jataka Tales?

2. Did the story connect with you today, and why? 

3. What learnings can we take from the story "The Guilty Dogs"?

4. Thinking calmly and not hastily

5. Being Humble

 

Significance and Contribution of Trees in Life - Anmol Kashyap

Significance and Contribution of Trees in Life

Trees are like the unsung heroes of our planet, quietly contributing to our lives in countless ways. From providing oxygen to clean the air we breathe, trees play a vital role in maintaining a healthy environment. One of their most significant contributions is combating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. 

But trees do more than just regulate the climate. They provide habitat and food for countless species of animals and insects, supporting biodiversity. They also help prevent soil erosion, reduce noise pollution, and offer shade and cooling in urban areas.

In our daily lives, trees offer us a sense of tranquillity and connection to nature. They beautify our surroundings, whether in a bustling city park or a serene forest. Moreover, trees provide us with valuable resources like timber, fruits, and medicinal plants, supporting livelihoods and economies around the world. In essence, trees are essential for our well-being and the health of our planet.

Anmol Kashyap

Grade IX 

Sunbeam School, Lahartara

Shinirin Yoku- Shaurya Chaturvedi

Shinirin Yoku

Whether you call it a fitness trend or a mindfulness practice (or a bit of both), what exactly is Forest bathing? The term emerged in Japan in the 1980s as a physiological and psychological exercise called Shinrin-yoku ("forest bathing" or "taking in the forest atmosphere"). The purpose was twofold: to offer an eco-antidote to tech-boom burnout and to inspire residents to reconnect with and protect the country's forests.

The Japanese quickly embraced this form of ecotherapy. In the 1990s, researchers began studying the physiological benefits of forest bathing, providing the science to support what we innately know. While Japan is credited with the term Shinrin-yoku, the concept at the heart of the practice is not new. Many cultures have long recognized the importance of the natural world to human health.

Forest bathing is not just for the wilderness-lover; the practice can be as simple as walking in any natural environment and consciously connecting with what's around you. For a more structured experience, you can join trained guides for a meditative two- to three-hour ecotherapy excursion. 

Shaurya Chaturvedi  

Grade - IX

Sunbeam Hostel Lahartara

What Are Jataka Tales? - Tejas Kumar

Jataka tales are ancient Buddhist stories recounting the previous lives of Gautama Buddha. These tales, numbering over 500, depict moral dilemmas and lessons through various characters, often animals or humans. 

Each story revolves around virtues like compassion, generosity, and wisdom, reflecting Buddhist teachings. Jataka tales serve as both entertainment and moral instruction, conveying ethical principles and spiritual wisdom to audiences across cultures.

Tejas Kumar

Grade- IX

Sunbeam School, Lahartara

The Hidden Life of Trees - The Doon Girls School Reflections

Carbon Dioxide Vacuums

"This chapter is taken from The Hidden Life of Trees. It's based on the pollution of the area because of the trees being deforested. And this chapter also teaches us how carbon dioxide  is valuable for trees and plants." (Tamreen - IX)

Plant Based Facts

• Most trees grow in swamps.
• The coal is hardly being formed because forests are constantly being cleared.
• Carbon dioxide is the favourite food of plants.
• There are 700,000 trees on every continent in the world. (Sumya Jha - VIII)

How Can We Save Trees? - Prashant Kushwaha

Saving trees is crucial for maintaining ecological balance, combating climate change, and preserving biodiversity. Here are several ways to contribute to tree conservation efforts:

Plant Trees: Participate in tree-planting initiatives in your community or support organizations involved in reforestation projects. Planting native tree species helps restore ecosystems and provides habitats for wildlife.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Minimize paper usage by opting for digital documents whenever possible. Reuse paper when appropriate and recycle it when you're finished. Choose products made from recycled materials to reduce the demand for virgin paper.

Conserve Energy: Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs to reduce the electricity demand, which often comes from the burning of fossil fuels. By lowering your energy consumption, you indirectly help reduce deforestation, as less land is needed for energy production infrastructure.

Support Sustainable Products: Purchase wood and paper products certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which ensures that forests are managed responsibly. Look for labels indicating sustainable sourcing practices when buying furniture, paper, and other wood-based products.

Prashant Kushwaha 

Sunbeam Lahartara Hostel

Dogs and their emotional connection with humans - Sambhav Kumar

Dogs often form strong emotional bonds with humans due to their social nature and evolutionary history.

Here are several reasons why dogs are emotionally connected to humans:

Domestication History: Dogs have been living alongside humans for thousands of years, and they've evolved to understand human behaviour and communicate with us. This long history of coexistence has fostered emotional connections between humans and dogs.

Social Pack Animals: Dogs are pack animals by nature, and they view their human family as part of their pack. This social structure promotes bonding and emotional connections within the pack, including with humans.

Attachment and Dependency: Dogs often become emotionally attached to their human caregivers, relying on them for food, shelter, affection, and companionship. This dependency fosters a strong emotional bond similar to that of a parent-child relationship.

Sambhav Kumar

Grade- IX

Sunbeam Laharatra Hostel

The power of observation in a student's life- Priyanshu Arya

As students practice observing, they see more and can represent more and connect it to what they already know. Observing becomes habitual, not bound to specific times or locations or experiences (e.g. 'school' or 'science class')

The power of observation is the ability to mindfully observe the things surrounding you. And you can develop it by practising certain traits. The key to critical observation is paying attention to every bit of detail.

Observation isn't solely reserved for students; it's equally valuable for educators. By keenly observing students in various contexts—whether in the classroom, during group activities, or on the playground, their interests, who they are, what puts a smile or frown on their faces, and what they know and can do. Using observation in this way makes teaching more rewarding!

Priyanshu Arya

IX- D

Sunbeam school 

Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Student's Success- Aditya raj

 Emotional Intelligence In Student Success

I am writing to share my reflections on the pivotal role of emotional intelligence (EI) in fostering student success within educational settings. As educators, administrators, and stakeholders invest in the holistic development of young minds, it's imperative that we recognize and prioritize the cultivation of EI alongside academic achievement.

Emotional intelligence encompasses a spectrum of abilities crucial for navigating the complexities of human interaction and self-awareness. From self-regulation to empathy and social skills, these facets of EI are not only integral to personal growth but also profoundly impact academic performance, behaviour, and overall well-being.

Aditya raj

Grade- IX 

Sunbeam School, Lahartara

Why should we save trees? - Ankit Raj

Saving trees is crucial for numerous reasons. Firstly, trees play a vital role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, which is essential for all life forms. 

Additionally, trees provide habitat for countless species of plants and animals, contributing to biodiversity. Moreover, they help regulate climate, prevent soil erosion, and provide numerous resources such as wood, fruits, and medicines, making them indispensable for human survival and well-being. 

Preserving trees is not just an environmental concern but a necessity for the health of the planet and future generations.

Ankit Raj

   Sunbeam School, Lahartara 

The World Of Today - Divyanshu Singh

The world of today includes various ways to discriminate against society. One of them includes being biased. Bias refers to a predisposition or inclination toward a particular perspective, idea, or outcome, often resulting in unfair treatment or judgment. It can manifest in various forms and contexts, influencing decision-making processes, attitudes, and behaviours.

Bias can result in unfair treatment or discrimination against individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. This can lead to unequal access to opportunities, resources, and services. 

Bias requires concerted efforts at individual, institutional, and societal levels, including raising awareness, promoting empathy and understanding, implementing policies and practices that promote equity and inclusion, and challenging discriminatory attitudes and behaviours. 

Societies can work toward greater justice, equality, and harmony by confronting bias and fostering a culture of fairness and respect.

"Bias and prejudice are attitudes to be kept in hand, not attitudes to be avoided".

 

Divyanshu Singh
Grade- XI-D

Sunbeam Hostel Lahartara

The Learning of Jataka Tales - Animesh Kashyap

The Learning of Jataka Tales

Jataka tales are ancient stories from the Buddhist tradition that illustrate moral lessons through the adventures of both human and animal characters. 

Originating from India, these tales are believed to have been narrated by the Buddha himself as he recalled his past lives. Each story serves as a parable, offering insights into virtues such as compassion, wisdom, and kindness. 

Through encounters with greed, jealousy, and other human flaws, the characters in Jataka tales navigate moral dilemmas, ultimately leading to enlightenment and spiritual growth. These timeless narratives continue to captivate audiences worldwide, not only for their cultural and historical significance but also for the universal wisdom they impart.

-By Animesh Kashyap

-Class: IX-D

-Sunbeam Hostel Lahartara

Work Smarter, Not Harder - Prince Raj

"Work smarter, not harder" is a popular adage that emphasizes the importance of efficiency and effectiveness in accomplishing tasks and goals. Instead of relying solely on sheer effort and labour, the phrase encourages individuals to employ strategies, tools, and approaches that maximize productivity and minimize wasted time and resources.

Here are some principles underlying the concept of working smarter:

Prioritize tasks: Focus on tasks that are high-impact and align with your goals, rather than getting bogged down by busy work or less critical activities.

Use technology and tools: Leverage technology, automation, and specialized tools to streamline processes and reduce manual effort. This could include project management software, communication tools, or task automation platforms.

Continuous improvement: Regularly evaluate your workflows and processes to identify areas for optimization and refinement. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and improvement.

Delegate and collaborate: Delegate tasks when appropriate and collaborate with others to leverage their expertise and resources. Delegation allows you to focus on higher-level responsibilities while empowering others to contribute.

Time management: Practice effective time management techniques, such as setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and minimizing distractions, to make the most of your available time.

Work-life balance: Recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout and maintain long-term productivity and well-being.

By adopting these principles and strategies, individuals and organizations can achieve better results with less effort, ultimately leading to greater success and fulfilment.

By Prince Raj 

Grade: IX-D

Sunbeam Hostel Lhartara