This school harmonised in science and music in RIDS Activity 2024-25

Organising special activities in school activities plays a crucial role in fostering experiential learning, blending academic concepts with real-world applications. By encouraging research, creativity, and collaboration, such activities enhance students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills while nurturing curiosity. 

Apeejay School, Nerul, witnessed a remarkable fusion of science and art as the students of Class XI  presented their RIDS Activity for the academic year 2024-25. Conducted during periods 6-8 for the day, the activity revolved around the intriguing topic of Melodic Pulse.

The activity aimed to investigate whether listening to different genres of music impacts cardiovascular and respiratory functions across diverse age groups, including teenagers, adults, and the elderly. This ambitious project involved months of dedication, with students working from June to November to curate songs, gather data, and analyse physiological responses. 

The class was divided into groups, each exploring one music genre: Indian Classical, Hindustani Rock, Brazilian Folk, Brazilian Pop, French Classical, French Pop, American Lo-fi, and American Pop. Subtopics like ‘musical experiment’, ‘music in our veins’, and ‘harmonic pulse’ added depth to their explorations.

The presentations were nothing short of enlightening. Students showcased their findings through engaging project presentations, supported by data collected from volunteers. The results revealed fascinating insights — Brazilian Pop music induced the highest increase in heart rate, closely followed by American Pop, while French Classical music had a calming effect, leading to the most significant drop in heart rate. Mixed results emerged from Indian and American genres, highlighting the nuanced impact of music on physiological responses.

“This activity was an actual ‘Project Based learning’ wherein students did hands-on research involving sampling, data collection, analysis, interpretation and conclusion. This made their curricular learning more interesting, informative and value-oriented. It followed the 3Cs (Creative, Collaborative and Capacity building) of 21st-century skills,” Ms Monika Gupta, TGT Biology, explained.

The event also fostered active engagement, with the audience eagerly participating and posing questions to the presenters. Each group’s presentation was met with curiosity and enthusiasm, reflecting the deep interest sparked by this unique topic. The synergy between science and music not only intrigued the participants but also emphasised the therapeutic potential of music in enhancing well-being.

Beyond the scientific revelations, the students cherished this learning experience. Months of collaborative effort culminated in a project that seamlessly blended excitement with education, leaving an indelible mark on everyone involved.

This RIDS Activity stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of Apeejay’s young minds, bridging the gap between biology and music to explore uncharted territories of knowledge. Bravo to class XI students for orchestrating a harmonious celebration of science and culture!