Gifted Residential Program - July 2023
For Students in Grades 6 through 12
July 6-27, 2023
GenWise, in partnership with Ei (both Founding members of the Gifted India Network), presents our 2nd Residential program in calendar 2023, for students who are Gold/ Silver/ Bronze Scholars on ASSET Talent Search.
Students will reside at India's most modern private University at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka. MAHE Manipal has been granted Institution of Eminence status by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
Students will arrive at MAHE, Manipal, India on July 6th by noon and will leave on July 27th after 2:00pm. There will be an open house and convocation ceremony on July 27th in the first half, which parents are invited to attend.
GenWise is an entity dedicated to supporting the needs of learners, through their network of accomplished mentors - with excellent academic, professional and teaching credentials. GenWise offers 2-3 week summer programs modeled along the lines of Johns Hopkins CTY, Northwestern CTD etc., adapted to the Indian context. GenWise believes its programs are on par with these programs, given the expertise of its mentors. GenWise is also a founding member of the Gifted India Network that supports parents, teachers and schools in meeting the needs of gifted students.
GenWise residential programs help bring out the child’s potential by supplementing the work of schools and parents. GenWise’s approach and the benefits of the programs are outlined here.
The Program is split into 3 tracks:
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Junior (Grades 6,7 in Acad Year 2023-24)
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Senior (Grades 8,9,10 in Acad Year 2023-24)
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Internship (Grades 11,12 in Acad Year 2023-24)
The Junior track comprises the following modules; all students go through all the modules below:
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Exploring the Natural World: The Science of Observation
The Senior track comprises the following course options; all students will sign up for the full 3 weeks, by choosing from the options below:
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Investigative Thinking through Forensic Science (2 weeks;July 6-20)
- Shaping Places: Design & Architecture (2 weeks; July 6-20)
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Introduction to Astrophysics (1 week; July 20-27)
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As I See It: A Course in Creative Writing (1 week; July 20-27)
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Fundamentals of Data Science (1 week; July 20-27)
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Introduction to Bio-Inspired, Soft-Robotics (3 weeks; July 6-27)
The Internship track is being launched in 2023, thanks to the stated need and enthusiasm of our returning students and their families for such experiences. We have nearly 20 students on this track for our May 2023 edition. More on this track, here.
Apart from the academic enrichment work, students will engage in a host of activities that broadens their horizons, enhances their socio-emotional development and allows them to make connections with their peers and mentors, and have fun (in a device-free environment).
Testimonials
Hear from excited students and parents, sharing their experiences on our Residential Programs; choose from the many video testimonials on our GenWise YouTube channel playlist:
Testimonials: Students & Parents
Parent Testimonial: Gifted Residential Program
Ei ATS Scholars at GenWise
Parent Testimonial; Student Testimonial
Students' Speak: GenWise Summer School
Safety
Safety of students is ensured through tightly-monitored, well-established processes, as well as well-trained staff. The Staff-Student ratio in our Programs are typically 1:4, or better.
The Kasturba Hospital (a unit of MAHE) on campus will support our program. The hospital has 2000+ beds, and caters to 3000+ outpatients and 200+ admissions per day. Additionally, we have First Aid Kits and trained First Aid Administrators within our team.
Parents will also be required to share their child's detailed medical history and insurance details for our reference.
Program Fee, Registration Form
The program fee for 3 weeks is Rs. 187,000 (this is inclusive of tuition, food and accommodation and 18% GST). There is an Early Bird discount of Rs 20,000, if the Program Fee is paid in full by June 15, 2023.
For the 2-week program, the fee is Rs 130,000, with an Early Bird discount of Rs 15,000; deadline of June 15, 2023.
There are no additional discounts for Gold/ Silver/ Bronze scholars.
If this is of interest to you, please register here.
More information/ links around securing a seat via an advance, making the full payment, cancellation policy, etc. on this Page.
Please reach out to any of us in the GenWise Leadership Team, if you'd like to speak live:
Eklavya @70464 66866
Vishnu @93422 47734
For detailed Course Descriptions, click here...
Introduction to Bio-Inspired Soft Robotics
(Senior Track - Students in Grades 8,9,10 in 2023-24)
Imagine robots that look more like caterpillars and starfish rather than the giant robotic arms that you see on factory floors...this is the world of Soft Robots! While traditional robots are constructed from rigid links and simple joints, the new generation of robotic devices are soft, using flexible materials. The growing field of soft robotics offers exciting new approaches for bio-inspired design, fast and low-cost prototyping, and integrating novel materials with digital control. These soft robots have the potential to benefit humanity in a wide variety of applications, ranging from medical devices that interface gently with the human
body to robot explorers for remote or dangerous environments.
"Introduction to Bio-Inspired Soft Robotics" is an interdisciplinary course that brings together Biodesign, Mechanical Engineering & Robotics. Students will be introduced to the following topics -
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Bioinspired soft robots
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Engineering with soft materials
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Design and fabrication techniques for soft robots
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Principles of soft actuation mechanisms
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Sensing and control technologies for automating soft robots
Students will:
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Learn the principles of the engineering design process
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Use a range of materials to design, compose, construct, and evaluate gripping prototypes for specific design challenges
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Apply their knowledge of physics and geometry to build a soft robotic finger
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Fabricate functioning soft robotic gripping devices made of compliant materials
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Test and analyze the performance of the soft robotic gripping device and interpret the results
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Appreciate fundamental mechanisms of actuation, sensing, and control in the context of soft robotics systems and explain their advantages and limitations.
This article on Using Soft Robotics to Introduce Engineering Design gives a sneak peek into the course.
This course is facilitated by Rupin Chheda.
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Investigative Thinking through Forensic Science
(Senior Track - Students in Grades 8,9,10 in 2023-24)
How do forensic scientists analyse traces of evidence found at crime scenes? Can a small drop of blood or strand of hair help identify the suspects?
In this course, we will answer such questions by understanding the biological, chemical, and physical concepts of forensic science. We will further explore the ethical and legal aspects of crime forensics by understanding the roles of bias, doubt, and technology in investigations.
Each topic is set against the backdrop of a real or fictional case, and to solve it, we will engage in investigations, debates, and discussions to understand the topic in detail. All throughout, the focus is on the process of scientific inquiry and the legal principle of ‘proof beyond reasonable doubt’.
We will use our analytical skills to examine fingerprints, DNA, blood samples, and bullet fragments. We do this against the backdrop of cases adapted for students at this learning stage. In the process, we dive deeply into understanding fingerprint formation and patterns; and the structure of DNA, how it is useful as evidence, and what the process is for differentiating the DNA of two people. We will have similar deep dives into the understanding of blood and the process of blood typing and matching. We finally take a journey back in time and reconstruct one of the most famous crime scenes – the JFK assassination, and using our knowledge of force and motion, try to resolve discrepancies in the case.
This course is a perfect mix of deep dives into cutting-edge scientific concepts and using critical thinking to make evidence-based deductions. So put on your investigative hats, make deductions based on evidence, and reach conclusions on different forensic cases!
This course will be facilitated by Shristi Singh.
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Shaping Places:
Discovering Design through Architecture
(Senior Track - Students in Grades 8,9,10 in 2022-23)
Whether we’re aware of it or not, design surrounds us, and has a profound impact on our daily lives. Take a look at your surroundings - the chair you are sitting on, the room you are working in, the neighbourhood, the trees, the streets, the weather. Would you have been doing the same thing, or felt the same way if any of the above were different? Our experiences and memories are given meaning by the places we inhabit, what we do in them and how we navigate through them. Our surroundings also affect and are affected by our aspiration for a certain kind of social and cultural life.
This course introduces students to the fascinating world of design, through new ways of seeing, thinking and making places. How does the built environment affect people’s lives? What does it mean to create a place for a future society?
Through hands-on exercises like drawing, model-making, collaborative assemblage and other forms of visualization, the course aims to make students more sensitive and critically responsive to the places they inhabit. It takes a studio based approach of ‘learning by doing’, where students and facilitators co-develop design ideas in response to a given scenario through deliberation and experimentation. During the course, students will be urged to step out of their comfort zones, question the status quo and challenge stereotypes to address some complex problems governing the built environment today.
This course is facilitated by Ramya Ramesh.
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Connecting the World:
Investigating International Relations and Social Science
(Senior Track - Students in Grades 8,9,10 in 2023-24)
What do “Obamacare” and “Swacch Bharat Abhiyan” have in common? Both President Obama and Prime Minister Modi used social science research to design their initiatives.
Social scientists strive to understand human interactions through a variety of theories and methods. Their findings are highly valuable to world leaders and international organizations like the WHO, UNDP, IMF, etc who use them to develop effective policies, interventions, and programs that can bring positive change to the world.
This course asks students to build and apply their critical thinking skills to a variety of social science questions related to global politics. Throughout the course, students will explore philosophical texts, create artistic representations of abstract concepts, and role-play crisis diplomacy. In addition, students will learn the basics of survey design, implementation, and analysis through examining already existing surveys and piloting their own social science survey. The class will grapple with social problems that intersect law, economics, health, and more!
Learning Outcomes:
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Understand theoretical approaches political scientists use to explain world politics as well as key concepts from economics and sociology.
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Gain perspectives around contemporary challenges in world politics such as climate change, gender inequality, and public health.
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Get an exposure to professional social science surveys such as the World Values Survey and other publicly available quantitative datasets
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Gain basic knowledge of social science methods like variables, theories, hypotheses, and research ethics
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Conduct basic data analysis using Google sheets and/or Microsoft Excel
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Design, implement, and analyze a social science survey as a class project
At the end of this course, students should also be able to apply these critical thinking skills to a variety of issues that impact the world around us. This course will equip students with concepts and frameworks to help them understand international politics and make connections to public policy solutions.
Read about the course facilitator, Sarah Fisher's experience in a past edition of this course in this blog post.
Introduction to Astrophysics
(Senior Track - Students in Grades 8,9,10 in 2023-24)
"The universe is a pretty big place. If it's just us, seems like an awful waste of space." - Carl Sagan
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Astronomy is often referred to as the oldest science. Interestingly it is still one of the most exciting fields of science and it captures the imagination of scientists as well as young students. In this course, we will explore topics that allow students to gather deep insight into the subject, without extensive prior knowledge of advanced Physics and Mathematics.
Specifically, we will focus on the following:
Stars & Galaxies in our Universe
How do we know about them, their distances, the amount of light that they emit and so on? We will discuss in detail the life cycle of stars; how stars form, how stars die, and discuss the main sequence stars using tools such as the Hertzsprung–Russell (H-R) diagram. Time permitting, we will introduce the night sky, the major Constellations,and the most important stars using software.
Discuss some aspects of black-holes and recent experimental observations regarding black-holes. Given these are areas of active research and every aspect of the topic may not be accessible to high school students, we will only discuss those aspects of black-holes that can be made accessible to the students.
Introduction to Cosmology
Did the universe have a beginning? Why Big Bang Theory? How may the universe end? Why do we talk about dark matter and dark energy?
We will also include in the workshop some fun estimates and wild open questions like- How many planets could be out there with life forms? Is there more than one universe?
We intend to make this a fun-filled and yet scientifically mature introduction to Astronomy & Astrophysics for the young learners.
This course is facilitated by Utpal Chattopadhyay.
As I See It: A Course in Creative Writing (Jul 20-27)
(Senior Track - Students in Grades 8,9,10 in 2023-24)
“God turns you from one feeling to another
and teaches by means of opposites,
so that you will have two wings to fly,
not one.” - Rumi
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At a certain stage in their development, many children take to writing. Whether it is a diary they are keeping, poems that take shape from time to time, or essays that are being noticed in class for the points they make, writing is very much part of a child’s journey to adulthood.
And yet, not every child becomes a writer. In later life, many struggle to communicate thoughts and feelings on both personal and professional fronts.
What are some of the lifelong skills that we can develop to give strength, meaning and clarity to the words we use?
How does one turn inchoate feelings and thoughts into words that can move, entertain, or inform others?
This course is designed to serve as a foundation course, both for those who have shown some aptitude and desire for writing, and those who have never written outside of school work. It brings young writers close to key concepts that will shape their writing.
Is there a limit to a writer’s imagination? What is its scope, and how does a writer make it real for readers?
Is inspiration for writing to be found in some distant time zone or special place? How can one begin to write stories, poems, word portraits or plays from where one is, here and now?
Encouraged to explore different forms of creative writing, and drawing on their lived experience with renewed sensitivity and observation skills, children can be expected to produce a diverse body of work at the end of this week. They will also have some understanding of the discipline and focus necessary to sustain writing, and the importance of connecting with the hearts and minds of readers.
This course is facilitated by Scharada Dubey.
Fundamentals of Data Science
(Senior Track - Students in Grades 8,9,10 in 2023-24)
"Without data, you're just another person with an opinion."
- W. Edwards Deming
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In Foundations of Data Science And Analysis, students will explore the fascinating world of data science and how it is revolutionizing the way we solve problems and make decisions.
In the business world, data science is used to understand consumer behavior and preferences, which can help companies create more effective marketing campaigns and develop better products. For instance, Amazon uses data science to analyze its customers' purchase history and recommend products they might like. Data science has also played a critical role in helping healthcare professionals understand the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19. Through the analysis of data on infection rates, hospitalizations, and mortality rates, scientists and policymakers can make informed decisions on how to manage the pandemic and save lives.
In this course, students will explore the power of data and how it can be used to make informed decisions. They will learn about the basics of data science, including the types of data, data collection and analysis, data visualization, and data ethics. They will also explore the practical applications of data science in various fields, including business, and social sciences. Students will also learn Microsoft Excel, a powerful tool commonly used in data analysis. They will learn how to use Excel to organize and manipulate data, create visualizations, and draw insights from data. Through the mastery of MS Excel and data analysis, they will learn how to articulate thoughts and ideas using data for decision making.
The course has been designed with a hands-on, interactive approach to learning. Using real-world examples to demonstrate the practical applications of data science, students will understand the relevance of the concepts they are learning and how they can be used in your everyday life. No prior experience with data science is required to participate in this course.
By the end of the course students will be equipped with valuable data analysis and MS Excel skills that can be applied to a wide range of real-life situations. They will be able to make better data-driven decisions and articulate their insights and takeaways to stakeholders.
All participants in this course are required to bring a laptop.
This course is facilitated by Prasanna Sundaram.
Squishy Circuits: Discovering Electronics Through Play
(Junior Track - Students in Grades 6,7 in 2023-24)
“Creativity is just connecting things.” - Steve Jobs
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This hands-on course introduces students to the exciting world of electronics through the use of squishy circuits, a type of conductive play dough that allows children to create circuits and experiment with basic electronics. Over the course of the program, students will learn about the fundamentals of electrical components and circuitry.
Through a series of guided activities, students will explore the properties of electricity, learn how to build simple circuits with LEDs, buzzers, and motors. They will also have the opportunity to design and build their own light-up greeting cards, sculptures or make origami animals come to life using paper circuits.
Throughout the program, students will develop key skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration, as they work in teams to solve challenges and share their creations with the class.
By the end of the course, students will have gained a foundational understanding of electronics and circuitry, as well as hands-on experience with design. They will have developed their creativity and curiosity, and be inspired to continue exploring the world of STEM beyond the classroom.
This course is facilitated by Muralidhar K.
This module is part of the larger 2-week program to be held from July 13-27, 2023. All Junior students will have to go through all three modules, including this.
Explore Alternate Worlds of Numerals and Geometry
(Junior Track - Students in Grades 6,7 in 2023-24)
"Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations, or algorithms: it is about understanding." - William Paul Thurston
Have you ever wondered how Mickey and Minnie and their friends from Disneyland count with only 4 fingers in each hand? Would they count in fives and tens like us 1,2,..5,6,....9,10,11,...20, 21.. or would they count in 4s and 8s? If they do, how would they do their basic arithmetic operations? How might they put tally marks? Did you know that Mayans counted in 20s and developed their own ways to calculate with these numerals more than 2000 years ago? We get so used to working with our own numeral systems that these alternate ways of thinking about numbers sound alien to us.
Similarly, can we create a world where every line has a finite number of points? Where distance between two points is measured in terms of the steps taken to reach one from another instead of the distance "as the crow flies"? What would geometry look like in these worlds?
Through this course we hope to explore some of these alien worlds and use the experience to better understand our world! We will develop our ability to reason abstractly, think critically, and analyze data by challenging our assumptions about what math is and how it can be done. This course is not just about learning how to do math in other ways, but also about appreciating the beauty and diversity of mathematical thinking.
By the end of this course, students will have a deeper understanding of the foundational concepts of math, and they will be able to apply these concepts in new and creative ways. They will have developed their mathematical thinking skills, and be better equipped to solve complex problems in the real world. Come join us on this exciting journey to explore math beyond what you thought was possible!
This course is facilitated by Jayasree Subramanian.
This module is part of the larger 2-week program to be held from July 13-27, 2023. All Junior students will have to go through all three modules, including this.
Re-Imagining Media
(Junior Track - Students in Grades 6,7 in 2023-24)
"Journalism can never be silent: that is its greatest virtue and its greatest fault." - Henry Anatole Grunwald
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the news, social media, or even "whatsapp forwards"? Do you wish you could distinguish between fact and fiction or recognize when information is biased or misleading? Throughout this module students will explore important issues like fake news and the importance of informed decision-making. They will learn how to analyze diverse media sources, differentiate between facts and opinions, and identify propaganda and bias.
In addition to becoming better consumers of media, students will also be developing their skills as creators. They'll explore different media platforms such as blogs, digital newsletters, social media and newspaper articles. They will learn how to conduct research and interviews, write news stories, and create content that advocates for change in schools, communities, and countries.
The program is designed to be fun and engaging, with sessions that are skill-focused and designed in consultation with journalists, fact-checkers, and other media professionals. Through the course, students will explore the ins and outs of media literacy, journalism, and content creation. They will have the opportunity to publish a daily newsletter and participate in a simulation where they cover a "breaking news" story.
At the end of the program, students will be able to critically analyze diverse media sources, identify bias and false information, and create compelling stories using different media platforms. They will be able to articulate how journalism can be used to advocate for change in your school, community, and country.
This course is facilitated by Asmita Prabhakar.
This module is part of the larger 2-week program to be held from July 13-27, 2023. All Junior students will have to go through all three modules, including this.
Exploring the Natural World: The Science of Observation
(Junior Track - Students in Grades 6,7 in 2023-24)
"Science is not just a body of knowledge, but a way of seeing. The world becomes intelligible to us through its patterns and regularities, which we can uncover through systematic observation and experimentation." - Carl Sagan
Observation is a key component of scientific inquiry, and what better way to learn about it than by exploring the natural world around us? In this module students will be observing their environment, local ecology and built environment, to learn about the importance of observing with attention, recording them, and using them to arrive at explanations to questions. They will also learn to appreciate the significance of this in the process of science.
Students will observe, question, and record their observations of the habitats and their interrelationships. They will learn about the different methods of observation and recording including sketching, note-taking, and how they can be used to gather evidence. They will also discuss the importance of careful observation, and how small details can lead to big discoveries. Additionally, students will conduct investigations to deepen their understanding of the natural world, learn about ecosystems, food chains, and the interdependence of living things. Through these activities, students will gain a better understanding of the role of observation in scientific inquiry.
Additionally, students will explore questions around issues of justice and fairness in the context of access to various spaces in our surrounding environment. None of us really owns these spaces but we use them and ‘someone else’ seems to take care of them. Shouldn't they be paid for that? They will apply this thinking and reasoning and relate it to the understanding of science and scientific endeavours.
By the end of this course, students will have a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the scientific process. They will have gained valuable skills in observation and documentation, and will be able to apply these skills to future scientific investigations while also attempting to understand how choices about what we own and what we share influence the future of our common world.
This course is facilitated by Radha Gopalan.
This module is part of the larger 2-week program to be held from July 13-27, 2023. All Junior students will have to go through all three modules, including this.
Resident Internship
(Internship Track - Students in Grades 11,12 in 2023-24)
"Your time is limited, don't waste it living someone else's life." - Steve Jobs
Gifted Summer Program July 2023 is offering a 2-week Residential Internship. In this course, students moving into Grades 11 and 12 will be introduced to various opportunities and issues that need to be considered before embarking on their dream life journey.
At the start of the course, students will be required to express their areas of interest to enable us to plan and provide the relevant sessions.
The general rule of thumb is 'Follow your passion'; we at Genwise believe that if one is pursuing a career as a form of self expression it replenishes you instead of draining you. Your own self expression via art, music, writing, creating and building things will make society and our world a better place to live in.
We will do our best to facilitate every student in their journey of self expression. In this journey, students will undertake a project in one of the following 4 areas:
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Computer & Information Sciences
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Digital Media & Marketing
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Life Sciences & Medicine
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Design & Engineering
Students will be expected to work in teams, mentored by experts from industry and academia.
Upon completion of the internship, all participants will get an Internship Certificate.