Educational Inspiration & Foundations
Educational ideas and frameworks that inform our thinking
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Scientific Curiosity and Innovation Academy
SCIA draws inspiration from contemporary educational frameworks, institutions and initiatives that emphasise meaningful learning, experiential education, competency development, scientific thinking, creativity, innovation and holistic development.
These perspectives help inform our understanding of how learning can become more engaging, practical, connected and relevant to learners and the world around them.
National Educational Frameworks
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
The National Education Policy 2020 provides a broad vision for transforming education in India, with emphasis on holistic development, experiential learning, critical thinking, creativity, competency development, multidisciplinary learning and the development of 21st-century skills.
SCIA draws inspiration from these principles in shaping learning experiences that encourage curiosity, exploration, practical understanding and active participation.
Download NEP 2020 in english
National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023
The National Curriculum Framework 2023 places emphasis on competency-based learning, conceptual understanding, experiential learning, inquiry, creativity, critical thinking and holistic development.
These perspectives reinforce SCIA's emphasis on learning experiences that connect knowledge with observation, exploration, application and real-life contexts.
Learn more → Official NCF resources
Download NCF 2023 in english
NCERT Educational Principles
NCERT's educational resources and approaches provide valuable perspectives on child-centred learning, activity-based learning, experiential learning, scientific inquiry and the development of conceptual understanding.
SCIA draws upon these broader educational perspectives while developing activities and learning experiences appropriate to its context.
Explore NCERT Resources (for science and mathematics only) →
Educational & Innovation Ecosystem
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
CBSE's educational initiatives and resources provide useful perspectives on competency-based education, experiential learning, skill development, innovation and learner-centred educational practices.
These ideas offer valuable reference points for developing engaging and practical learning experiences.
Learn more → Official CBSE resources
Atal Innovation Mission — NITI Aayog
Atal Innovation Mission promotes a culture of innovation, creativity, problem-solving and entrepreneurship among learners.
Its emphasis on curiosity, experimentation, design thinking and innovation resonates with SCIA's interest in encouraging learners to explore ideas, test possibilities and develop creative solutions.
Learn more → Official AIM resources
PM SHRI Schools
PM SHRI Schools are designed as exemplar schools showcasing the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020. Their educational approach emphasises experiential, holistic, integrated, inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented and learner-centred learning, along with conceptual understanding and application of knowledge to real-life situations.
These principles strongly resonate with SCIA's interest in active participation, exploration, practical learning and meaningful engagement with the real world.
PRERANA – Experiential Learning Programme
PRERANA is an initiative of the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, designed as an experiential and immersive learning programme for students. It combines hands-on activities, technology, heritage, values and meaningful experiences to encourage students to reflect, explore and develop a sense of purpose.
SCIA finds inspiration in its emphasis on experiential learning, exploration, hands-on engagement and learning through meaningful experiences.
INSPIRE Awards – MANAK
INSPIRE-MANAK is a national initiative of the Department of Science & Technology, implemented with the National Innovation Foundation–India, that encourages school students to develop original ideas and innovations rooted in science and societal applications. It aims to foster creativity and innovative thinking among young learners.
This initiative closely connects with SCIA's interest in scientific curiosity, creative thinking, problem-solving and innovation.
School Innovation Council (SIC)
The School Innovation Council provides a framework for nurturing an innovation and entrepreneurship culture within schools. It encourages activities related to ideation, creativity, innovation, design thinking, problem-solving, mentoring, prototyping and sharing of ideas.
SCIA draws inspiration from this emphasis on creating opportunities where learners can move from curiosity and ideas towards experimentation, problem-solving and innovation.
References & Further Reading
The following resources provide educational, policy and research perspectives that inform SCIA's approach to experiential, inquiry-based, hands-on and innovation-oriented learning.
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). "Experiential Learning." Handbook on Experiential Learning. CBSE. This is one of the strongest direct references for SCIA's hands-on and learning-by-doing approach.
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). "CBSE Academic — Handbooks and Manuals." The official CBSE academic portal provides access to experiential learning, joyful learning, scientific literacy, mathematical literacy, AI and other pedagogical resources.
"Where mind is without fear". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 11 January 2004. Archived from the original on 22 January 2004.
Dr. Anandalakshmi. "A Report on ABL" (PDF). SSA. pp. 1–8. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-11-23. Retrieved 2010-08-28.
"Gujarat: Trendsetter in Activity – Based Learning | ICTpost". Archived from the original on 2014-09-04. Retrieved 2014-08-28.
"Haryana launches activity-based learning programme in government schools : News". Indiatoday.intoday.in. 2014-02-06. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
"Activity based learning to be introduced in 200 more schools - Times of India". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 2014-07-08. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
"Activity-based learning is edu dept's key focus - Hindustan Times". Archived from the original on 2014-09-04. Retrieved 2014-08-28.
"Learning in every corner". Teacher Plus (January 2016). 4 January 2016. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
NumberNagar. "Times Group's Brand Capital and Bengaluru-based NumberNagar® Enter Into a Strategic Partnership; Times Group Acquires Strategic Stake". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 2020-02-08.
Kumon. "Kumon Program Math Completer to Follow in Parents' Footsteps". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 2020-02-08.
Vignesh, J. (2016-08-04). "Startups are using newer methods like videos and puzzles to teach mathematics". The Economic Times. Retrieved 2020-02-08.
UNICEF India. "Child Friendly School: Igniting Young Minds". The article describes activity-based teaching-learning approaches that place children at the centre of learning and encourage learning through play and participation.
UNICEF India. "Connecting the Dots to Give Children a Safe, Stimulating Environment". The article discusses innovative teaching methods, activity-based learning and classroom environments that help children engage more actively with learning.
UNICEF India. "From Rote Learning to Innovation — Atal Tinkering Labs Transform Education in Vijayawada". UNICEF India, 21 January 2025. The article describes how Atal Tinkering Labs provide students with hands-on STEM experiences and opportunities to move beyond textbook-based learning.
UNICEF Office of Innovation. "Learning by Doing". UNICEF, 2025. Describes experiential learning through investigating questions, collaboration, prototyping, creativity, critical thinking and reflection. This is particularly relevant to SCIA's innovation-oriented approach.
OECD. "Engaging Young Citizens — Civic Education Practices in the Classroom and Beyond". OECD Education Policy Perspectives No. 65, 2023. The publication discusses experience-based learning that places learners at the centre of educational processes and connects learning with communities beyond the classroom
OECD. "The Future of Learning and Implications for Teaching: Reimagining Education, Realising Potential". OECD. The report discusses creative, experiential and hands-on learning approaches and their role in developing broader competencies.
OECD. "Ensuring Cognitive Engagement — Unlocking High-Quality Teaching". OECD. The publication discusses meaningful contexts, real-world connections, first-hand experiences, inquiry-based learning, experiential learning and hands-on learning.
OECD. "Teachers as Designers of Learning Environments". OECD Publishing. The publication examines experiential learning, project-based learning, service-based learning, outdoor learning and learning-by-doing approaches.
OECD. "What Does Innovation in Pedagogy Look Like?". OECD. Discusses innovative pedagogies including inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, outdoor learning, service learning and experiential learning.
OECD. "Learning Study: Its Origins, Operationalisation, and Implications". OECD Education Working Papers No. 94, 2013. Examines collaborative inquiry, authentic learning environments and teacher professional learning.
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