Mumbai, 27th October 2025: Birla Open Minds today unveiled its Experiential Learning Books, a pioneering initiative designed to make education active, engaging, and connected to the real world for students in Grades 5 to 8 (ages 10–14). The launch was held at Gopi Birla Memorial School, with educators, students, and stakeholders witnessing the introduction of this first-of-its-kind program tailored to middle schoolers at a pivotal stage of cognitive and social development.
The Experiential Learning Books aim to empower students to move beyond rote learning by integrating theory with practical application. Rooted in David Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle and enriched with design thinking, the books encourage students to explore, reflect, and innovate while solving real-life challenges.
Nirvaan Birla, Managing Director, Birla Open Minds, said, “In today’s rapidly changing world, education cannot be limited to memorizing facts. Students need to think critically, solve problems, and connect classroom learning to real-life challenges. Our Experiential Learning Books have been designed to do exactly that, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving. With these books, learning becomes an active, engaging process, preparing students not just for exams but for the complexities of life itself. Experiential learning is no longer a choice; it is essential to shaping confident, capable, and future-ready individuals.”
Grade-wise Experiential Learning Books
Grade 5 – Decoding Food Labels
India faces a growing challenge of childhood obesity, with over 14 million affected children. Yet, only 16% of Indian consumers read food labels regularly. This book turns students into food detectives, teaching them to understand nutrition facts, ingredient lists, and marketing claims. Through hands-on activities and real-life investigations, students learn to make healthier choices and even guide family and friends.
Example engagement questions:
- How many teaspoons of sugar are in a tetra-pack juice? (Often 6–8, more than a soft drink)
- How much real fruit is in “fruit-flavoured” candy? (Usually none)
Grade 6 – Chemical Footprint: What We Use, What We Risk
From personal care products to cleaning sprays, synthetic chemicals are everywhere, yet many are untested for long-term safety. This book helps students identify chemicals in everyday life, understand health and environmental risks, and explore safer alternatives. It’s a journey of awareness and responsibility, empowering students to make informed choices.
Example engagement questions:
- How many chemicals have you touched today? (Hundreds, many untested in combination)
- Can your home-cleaning products pollute the air you breathe? (Yes, through VOCs)
Grade 7 – The True Cost of Fast Fashion: Think Before You Wear
Fast fashion drives over 80 billion clothing purchases globally every year, creating massive waste and environmental damage. Students explore the hidden journey of their clothes, from production to disposal, uncovering impacts on people and the planet. The book encourages creative, sustainable choices and challenges students to rethink consumption habits.
Example engagement questions:
- How many litres of water does it take to make a cotton t-shirt? (Over 2,700 litres)
- How much of your wardrobe do you wear regularly? (Often only 20%)
Grade 8 – Fast Tech: The Life Cycle of Your Gadget
Smartphones, laptops, and tablets are indispensable, but their production and disposal involve significant ethical and environmental considerations. This book traces the full life cycle of gadgets, from raw materials to e-waste, exploring mining practices, labor conditions, and recycling challenges. Students learn to make responsible tech choices and understand their role in a sustainable future.
Example engagement questions:
- How many raw materials are mined for a single smartphone? (Over 75 pounds, including rare elements)
- How much e-waste is properly recycled? (Only 17%)
The Experiential Learning Books will be followed by the launch of the Learners Kit on 29th November 2025, offering additional resources and activities to extend learning beyond the classroom.
Benjamin Franklin’s adage, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn”, captures the vision of Birla Open Minds. These books aim to transform classrooms into spaces of curiosity, creativity, and exploration, preparing students not just academically but for life.
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