At Upgraded Middle School, Puraini, in Chatra district, trees have become interactive learning tools. Each of the 44 trees on campus is equipped with a QR code that, when scanned, plays audio recordings made by students themselves, sharing details about the tree species, its ecological significance, and uses.
Initiative by Principal Vikas Singh
The initiative, led by principal Vikas Singh, has transformed the school into a hub of experiential learning by blending greenery with technology. Instead of relying solely on textbooks, children learn about nature by interacting directly with it. The school, located in Mayurhund block, has 106 students from Classes I to VIII and six teachers.
Green Campus with 1,345 Trees
The school has developed a mini green ecosystem with nearly 1,345 trees of different species, including mango, teak, peepal, banyan, gulmohar, jamun, and mahogany. Of these, 44 trees have QR codes that provide information through student recordings.
“Children should experience nature beyond books. This initiative helps them identify trees while enjoying the process,” said the principal. Students access the content using their parents’ or teachers’ mobile phones.
Student Engagement and Benefits
“It is very interesting to learn about trees this way,” said Class VI students Kanhaiya Kumar and Siddharth Kumar. Beyond academics, students are actively involved in maintaining the green campus — from growing vegetables to making pickles from mangoes produced on campus, which are later used in mid-day meals.
Recognition and Awards
Despite limited resources, the school has earned recognition at district and state levels, including an honor at a state function on January 26, 2025, and a nomination for a national award. Teachers said the effort shows how technology can enhance, rather than replace, traditional learning methods.
Ram Sajeevan Singh, a teacher, said, “Here, technology is not replacing nature, it is helping children discover it in a new way. Children have become their voices.” Parents Binod Singh and Suman Kumar expressed elation that the school has earned a name for imparting lessons in a better environment and bringing students close to nature. “Similar models could help promote environmental awareness on a larger scale,” said Suman. The QR codes also provide information about the school itself.
