The Sanskaar Valley School
Promoted by Bhaskar Group and Sharda Devi Charitable Trust
Promoted by Bhaskar Group and Sharda Devi Charitable Trust
Date of Upload: 2025-12-19
Cambridge Lower Secondary Science Competition: Planet Under the Microscope
The Cambridge Lower Secondary Science Competition, Planet Under the Microscope, under the flagship of Cambridge was conceptualised and initiated to provide Cambridge students of Grades 6 to 8 with a purposeful platform for research-based, investigative learning. This thoughtfully designed initiative encouraged young learners to move beyond textbooks and engage with science as an active, inquiry-driven discipline.
Throughout the competition, students were deeply immersed in authentic scientific practices. They made effective use of the school library for reference and background research, designed and conducted their own experiments, and demonstrated strong collaboration through structured group work. A key highlight of the competition was the way students adopted inter-subject pathways, seamlessly integrating concepts from Biology, Chemistry, Geography, and Environmental Science to explain their investigations with clarity and depth.
Participation in the competition significantly strengthened students’ understanding of experimental design while enhancing their analytical, research, and communication skills. Equally important was the visible growth in student confidence as they presented ideas, justified observations, and reflected on outcomes. The learning extended well beyond the classroom, fostering curiosity, independence, critical thinking, and a genuine enthusiasm for scientific exploration.
The subtheme chosen by The Sanskaar Valley school being 'Role of microbes in Sustainability' Cambridge cohort of students worked in cross-grade teams comprising four to six members from Grades 6 to 8, encouraging peer learning, leadership, and collaboration across age groups. Following a rigorous evaluation process, projects were classified as Bronze, Silver, and Gold by a panel of judges. The Gold project was subsequently submitted to Cambridge for further evaluation on a larger platform.
The competition generated a palpable wave of new learning and excitement, reflecting the true spirit of experiential education. Planet Under the Microscope strongly aligns with the Cambridge learner attributes, nurturing learners who are confident, responsible, reflective, innovative, and engaged.
