At just 17, Aryan Agarwal, a student of Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai, is making waves in the world of STEM education through his initiative, Project Spark. With a hands-on, do-it-yourself approach using household items, he’s bringing science to life in classrooms across India
How did Project Spark start?
While visiting NGOs through my school, I once explained the concept of kinetic energy using just a book and a ball. The atmosphere in the classroom completely changed—the students were fully engaged and excited. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and that moment planted the first seed for Project Spark.
Why do students find Math and Physics intimidating?
I believe Math and Physics is all around us, but we’re often not made aware of it. These subjects are taught through textbooks in a way that feels abstract and disconnected from real life, which can make them seem scary. Project Spark changes this by using simplified experiments and real-life connections to show how relatable and engaging science can be.
How did you manage to bring your ideas to life and convince others to support you?
This project grew organically. I began with a couple of simple experiments combining origami, heat, and electricity—like making a small lamp for Diwali. My mom connected me with NGOs that welcomed the idea, especially during the festive season. The enthusiasm from the students encouraged science teachers to offer feedback, which helped me expand the project. Eventually, I designed a broader curriculum with YouTube videos, experiment kits, and textbooks. By then, more NGOs came onboard without needing much persuasion.
Can you share a favourite experiment that excites students?
The experiments evolved based on early feedback. Initially, they used hard-to-source items like battery holders and wires. During a brainstorming session with my mom, we found creative replacements—like using foil instead of wires or toilet paper rolls to explain friction.
Kids especially love the circuit and static electricity experiments. Watching their joy when the bulb lights up or seeing them go wild rubbing balloons on each other’s heads during static electricity sessions is unforgettable!
Any particular moment that stayed with you?
The kids are always super enthusiastic, eager to try out each experiment, and help one another. A moment I cherish is when a group of students approached me after a session to shake my hand, asked questions about me, and promised to subscribe to my channel and spread the word.
How do you balance academics and other pursuits?
Since Project Spark started out of pure passion, I never really felt like I was juggling tasks. We scheduled sessions on Saturday mornings, and I structured my day around the 3.5–4 hours they took. I’ve taken a short break now to focus on exams and extracurricular activities. However, I’ve designed the project to run independently. The books are self-explanatory, kits are well-labelled, and there are YouTube videos linked via QR codes. The website also allows free downloads. The use of easily available materials makes it possible for anyone to continue without me.
What were some challenges you faced in launching and growing Project Spark, especially in under-resourced schools?
Initially, it was tough convincing NGOs to spare time for our sessions, as they have fixed schedules. I had to remain flexible. Designing the booklets, sourcing materials, and keeping costs low required extensive research and effort. My mom supported me throughout, from brainstorming to sourcing and even recording videos. Fortunately, the initial schools and NGOs welcomed follow-up sessions after seeing the children’s enthusiasm, which made future collaborations easier.
How did collaborations with NGOs like Muktangan and Akanksha happen?
The first few collaborations happened through my mother’s network. As Project Spark gained momentum and results, more people were happy to introduce me to decision-makers at NGOs who believed in the project’s potential.
What’s the role of digital content in your mission?
With internet penetration at 65% in India and 900 million mobile users, digital access is crucial for scale. While distributing books physically in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru was impactful, it’s not sustainable at scale. That’s why we’ve created a digital hub—with downloadable PDFs and YouTube videos. The content is designed to be clear and self-guided, and the materials used are low-cost and commonly found at home.
Any plans to expand into other subjects or regions?
I want Project Spark to reach middle school students across India and address language barriers. In the near future, I aim to translate the resources into Marathi to reach students in rural Maharashtra. Before heading to university, I also hope to expand into basic Mathematics and Chemistry.
What’s the process behind creating the interactive booklets and experiment kits?
It began with identifying middle school as a key stage for science learning. I researched core curriculum topics, selected experiments, and adapted them using household materials. After a few sessions, I realised kids needed a reference, so I created an illustrated experiment booklet with real-life applications and questions. My mother has been my biggest support—helping with everything from design to video shooting to classroom assistance.
How do you measure the success or impact of your sessions?
To me, success is when every child is actively engaged and participates enthusiastically. I also gather feedback from teachers and students at the end of each session. NGOs send acknowledgment letters documenting the number of books distributed and the overall impact.
How has this journey shaped you personally and academically?
Project Spark has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s allowed me to share my love for science, taught me patience and flexibility, and helped clarify my own understanding of the subjects I teach.
If you could deliver one message to students who fear Math and Physics, what would it be?
Look around you—most things in life can be explained by science. Once you connect the theory to real life, you’ll discover how fun and fascinating it really is.
What advice would you give to other teens who have an idea but are unsure where to start?
Take help from a friend or mentor and start working on how to bring your idea to life. The key is to take that first step from thought to action.
Outside of science and school, what do you enjoy doing just for fun or relaxation?
I love playing the piano and reading fantasy fiction books.
Who have been the biggest influences or mentors in your life?
My mother has supported me unconditionally. Richard Feynman, the physicist, for making abstract science understandable, and LeBron James, for his discipline and perseverance, are two of my greatest inspirations.
