Hands-on learning beyond the classroom

On March 28, 2025, two educators from Apeejay School, Noida — Ms Mukta Rakheja and Ms Prerana Sharma — participated in the ATL Sarthi Workshop on Cosmetic Production. The event was held at the Shaheed Rajguru College of Applied Sciences for Women, Delhi University. Organised under the Atal Innovation Mission, this workshop aimed to promote scientific thinking, practical learning, and innovation in the field of applied sciences.

The full-day workshop was designed to give participants a hands-on experience in cosmetic formulation. It served as an opportunity for educators to gain practical knowledge that could eventually be shared with students, especially those working in the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL).

Formulating everyday products with science

Led by two experienced facilitators, Dr Anjeeta and Dr Shuchi, the workshop guided participants through the step-by-step process of making products. These included talcum powder, shampoo, toothpaste, cold cream, and vanishing cream. 

Using safe and tested ingredients, the participants prepared small batches of each product. The sessions were not only practical but also informative, with detailed discussions on the properties of each ingredient. From understanding emulsifiers and thickeners to learning about fragrances and preservatives, the workshop offered a deep dive into cosmetic chemistry.

Understanding ingredients and their functions

One of the key highlights of the workshop was the focus on understanding the ‘why’ behind each ingredient used. The facilitators explained how every chemical plays a specific role—whether it is to cleanse, moisturise, add fragrance, or improve shelf life.

Ms Rakheja shared her thoughts on the experience, saying, “It was fascinating to see how products we use daily are created from basic ingredients. This knowledge is not only enriching for us as educators but also gives us new ideas to engage our students in the lab.”

Ms Sharma echoed similar sentiments, stating, “The workshop broke down complex chemistry into simple, doable steps. It was fun, engaging, and very educational.”

Bringing innovation back to school

Workshops like these serve as a bridge between industry practices and school-level education. Both teachers expressed how they plan to incorporate elements of what they learned into ATL sessions at Apeejay School, Noida. The idea is to inspire students to think creatively and understand the science behind real-world applications.

The ATL Sarthi Workshop was more than just a training session. It was a celebration of hands-on learning, innovation, and scientific curiosity. For the educators at Apeejay School, Noida, it was an opportunity to enhance their subject knowledge and bring fresh ideas to the classroom. 

Workshops like these align perfectly with the goals of the Atal Innovation Mission — nurturing a culture of creativity, experimentation, and learning by doing.