School: St. Xavier's High School, MIDC, Hingna, Nagpur.
    Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

4 students, ages 12,12,12,12 worked together to complete this Doors to Diplomacy project on March 8, 2012. They have participated in Doors to Diplomacy in the following year(s): 2010,2011,2012

Classes and Teachers: Anand Ghodki, Juhi, Nansi, Prashika, Tanushree.

E-Mail contact:

Our School's Web Site: http://sxhs.angelfire.com

1. Description of Our Team

Ms. Juhi, Ms. Nansi, Ms. Prashika, Ms. Tanushree are the students of Std VII.

Mr. Anand Ghodki is the coach. He is working as a teacher for Doors to Diplomacy since two years. This is the third year of his participation as a teacher.

2. Summary of Our Project

We are presenting major art forms of different countries. Indian culture is unique. It creates a category of its own. Indian music can be broadly classified into two sections namely Hindusthani Sangeet and Karnatak Sangeet. There are unique music instruments e.g. Tabla, Pakhavaj, Veena. The dance forms of India include Kathhak, Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, Ghoomar, Garba etc. Indian sculpture has influence of native religion and civilization.

We are also presenting different art forms of foreign countries. The foreign dance forms, singing patterns, musical instruments are unique. Pianoforte is the western music system. The western notations put musical notes on paper. In addition to this, our project covers various foreign dance forms.

3. Our Computer and Internet Access

A. Percentage of students using the Internet at home:more than 50%

B. Number of workstations with Internet access in the classroom:more than 6

C. Connection speed used in the classroom:dedicated connection

D. Number of years our classroom has been connected to the Internet:4-6

4. Problems We Had To Overcome

Time management was a problem. There was very less time in the recess. So utilized our off periods / proxy periods for the project.

Computer Lab is common for all the classes, right from Montessori to Std. XII. Regular practicals are held on same machines. Hence computers were not available all the time for the project.

5. Our Project Sound Bite

Ancient cultures and civilizations are unique. Hence people have curiocity to know more about different cultures and civilizations. Because of this people visit each other's countries and develop understanding of foreign culture.

6. How did your activities and research for this Doors to Diplomacy Project support standards, required coursework and curriculum standards?

We did library research online. We did comparative study of Indian and Foreign Cultures. We got practical knowledge of different methods of website making by participating in this competition. We were working as a team for this project.

1) What information tools & technologies did you used to complete your Doors to Diplomacy project?

The data collection was done online. Online data collection was an easy task.

2) In what ways did you act as "ambassadors" and spokespersons for your Doors to Diplomacy project both on-line and in person.

We have created a website to act as online ambassadors.

3) What has been the impact of your project on your community?

The website will create awareness in our community about the role of art and culture in international diplomacy. It will serve as a reference material. Our website will help in the making of fusion dance and fusion music because it contains various art forms.

4) How did your project involve other members of your community as helpers and volunteers?

We got help from from friends, relaives and teachers. E.g. One of our friends Ms. Yamini is a dancer. She helped us in the reaserch of dance forms. Our school organises various activities like Inter School Singing, Dance, Skit, Art Competitons. Students participate in the competitions and similar events like theatre festival. In this way there is active involvement of our commmunity members in the field of art and culture.

5) Discoveries, Lessons and Surprises (Optional)

Online research proved to be easier and faster than traditional library research.