by Radha Ponraj Nadar & Ramani Venkatesh for BIS Mumbai 

On October 14 and 15, 2024, Don Bosco Senior Secondary School, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, hosted the 'Museum on Wheels', organized by the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS). This mobile museum visit provided a unique, hands-on learning experience for students from Nursery to Class 12, with a special focus on the ancient Japanese art of Origami.

The theme of origami offered students a creative platform to explore the intricate world of paper folding, which has its roots in Japan’s rich cultural history. Classes 5 to 12 received an orientation session before their visit, where they learned about the origins of origami, its mathematical foundations, and its significance in art and design. These sessions enhanced their understanding of how a simple craft like paper folding can have complex applications in modern fields such as architecture and technology.

The mobile museum showcased beautifully crafted origami models, from simple shapes to intricate designs. Younger students from Nursery and the primary sections were particularly fascinated by the colorful paper creations, while older students were engaged with more advanced topics, such as the mathematical principles of origami. They saw how geometric patterns in origami influence fields like architecture and even medical technology, including foldable stents.

Interactive displays and live demonstrations gave the students a chance to participate in the art themselves. Guided by skilled instructors, they created their own origami models, learning to fold paper into cranes, boats, and other forms. This hands-on activity fostered patience, concentration, and a deeper appreciation for the art form.

The Museum on Wheels visit was a resounding success, enriching the students’ understanding of origami and its practical uses. It encouraged creativity and introduced them to interdisciplinary learning, blending art, mathematics, and design in an engaging way. The event also highlighted Don Bosco Senior Secondary School’s dedication to providing holistic learning experiences that inspire curiosity and creativity among students.

This enriching experience left a lasting impression, sparking a newfound interest in art and design while broadening the students’ perspectives on how ancient traditions can influence modern technology and innovation.