We are still reeling in the presentations of projects and their narration of meaningful experiences shared by 24 students (11-14 years, 6 schools, 3 States/Cities) who participated in the 5-day Residential Talent Camp organized by Kaveri Gifted Education and Research Center (KGERC).
This is KGERC’s second year at organizing this camp and it has shown immense promise in encouraging autonomous, motivated learners to dive deep through experimentation and research in the fields of Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. The mentors who were invited for the camp were:
- Dr. Anupama Wadavlikar (PhD Biochemistry |Frugal Science Advocate)
- Mr. Pramod Maithil (MSc Math | Science curriculum designer | Educator
- Ms. Aparna Date (Organic Chemist | Science Educator | Teaching Associate, IISER Pune)
- Ms. Swati Sircar (M.Stat from ISI |MS Math-Univ of Washington |Consultant for Azim Premji University’s Math Lab)
The camp design ensured that along with Talent development through 4-5 hours of intense lab work everyday included modules to nurture their physical and socio-emotional well-being. The students were interacting with domain experts and psychologists who have been trained in gifted & talented education which enabled them to reflect on their learning processes and inner well-being to facilitate holistic growth and development. Dr. Ramakrishna Bhat (Prof, IISER) who was the chief guest at the valedictory event encouraged students to focus on all areas of development and also to study scientific principles espoused by Ancient philosophers, Guru’s and contemporary scientists. The vision of KGERC reverberated in his words – to encourage these talented students to contribute back to their families and societies and make our country shine at the global level.
Role-plays, discussions, experiential activities, bonding with KGERC team of psychologists
Intense discussions to design an experiment in Chemistry Lab with Mentor Ms. Aparna Date
Open Space for Learning created in the Physics Lab by Mentor Pramod Maithil
Intense observation and reading scientific research papers in the lab
Looking through a Foldscope- alternative microscope with Dr. Anupama
With assistant Mentors and Dr. Paromita Roy (STEM Camp Consultant)
Each day starting with a session on Yoga to develop body & mind
Becoming an ASK Master in the Math lab with Mentor Swati Sircar
Enjoying ice-cream together, group cohesion on Day 5
Learning by doing
Enjoying the sunrise before Yoga session, Kaveri International School, Lohegaon
Valedictory Event- Students with mentors, Assistant mentors and KGERC team
