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Workshops for Curiosity Carnival
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How to Make Your Own Telescope?
(Facilitated by Rashmi Sheoran, Center for Creative Learning, IIT Gandhinagar)
Capacity: 25 students
Grades: For School children (6th -10th Grade)
Rashmi also known as Astro Roxy (on Instagram) is a science communicator, astronomy educator and content creator. She currently works at CCL, IIT Gn. She like anime, philosophy, stargazing, and playing games.
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This workshop offers a practical introduction to the fascinating world of astronomy by teaching participants how to construct a simple refracting telescope. Designed for learners of from 6-10th Grade, the session will cover the basic principles of optics and step-by-step instructions to assemble a working telescope using accessible materials. Participants will gain hands-on experience in understanding how lenses work, focusing light, and magnifying distant objects, empowering them to explore the wonders of the night sky. Whether you're a budding astronomer or a curious hobbyist, this workshop provides an engaging way to dive into the science of telescopes and spark a lifelong passion for stargazing.
Discovering Stories
(Facilitated by Writing Studio, IIT Gandhinagar)
(Capacity - 40 students; for school children Grade 4 - 8)
The Writing Studio at IITGN serves the Institute’s community through academic and non-academic initiatives. We work with faculty and students to embed writing modules in engineering, science, technology and the humanities. We also offer focused workshops and short courses in academic and creative writing.
Activity 1: The Wonder Box (60 minutes) WS creates a "Wonder Box" filled with intriguing objects like old keys, fossils, mysterious photographs, or peculiar gadgets. Each student picks an object and writes down three questions about it. They use these questions to then write a story featuring these objects.
Activity 2: Mystery Puzzle Writing (60 minutes) Provide students a scenario with missing details (e.g., a detective story missing clues). Students write their version of what happened next or fill in the gaps using their imagination and then share their versions with other students.
The activities will highlight the importance of asking questions as the foundation of great storytelling, encourage problem-solving through storytelling, and motivate them to think outside the box to create something truly unique.
Transforming the Ordinary
(Facilitated by Writing Studio, IIT Gandhinagar)
(Capacity - 40 students; for school children Grade 8 - 12)
The Writing Studio at IITGN serves the Institute’s community through academic and non-academic initiatives. We work with faculty and students to embed writing modules in engineering, science, technology and the humanities. We also offer focused workshops and short courses in academic and creative writing.
Activity 3: Black Out Poetry (60 minutes) Students will be divided into groups of 2. Each group will be handed a full newspaper page and black colored markers. Students have to black out words on the page until the remaining words form a poem. There are no specific rules for the poem’s format, as long as it conveys a meaningful message.
Activity 4: ABC Storytelling (60 minutes) Students will be divided into groups of 4. Together, they have to write a story in 26 sentences. The catch is that each sentence will start with a consecutive letter of the alphabet (A to Z) OR it must have the consecutive alphabet letter. Students will then read their stories to their groups.
The activities will highlight the importance of asking questions as the foundation of great storytelling, encourage problem-solving through storytelling, and motivate them to think outside the box to create something truly unique.
Models in Science: Atom, Earth, Pendulum and the DNA Double Helix
(Facilitated By Gautam Basu, Bose Institute Kolkata)
Capacity: 50 students, from high school students - Grade 9-12)
Gautam Basu is a Biophysicist and a former Professor and Chairman of the Biophysics Department at Bose Institute, Kolkata. His core research interest is in Computational and Structural Biology. Beyond scientific research, he is actively involved in science communication and has interest in History of Science.
Discover the basics of DNA through a fun paper-folding activity! This hands-on workshop makes learning about the building blocks of life simple and exciting. Perfect for young, curious minds!
Cymatics : Art of Sounds
(Musician, Product Innovator & User Experience Designer)
(Capacity: 50 students, for high school students ; Grades - 11 and 12)
Sandeep Pillai studied product design at National Institute of Design but followed his passion and chose to be a musician. Sandeep has worked for many films, including animation films. He also performs on stage with his band. But, Sandeep enjoys most is listening to and recording the sounds of nature, like raindrops and insect calls.
Dive into the fascinating world of cymatics, where sound meets art! This workshop explores how sound vibrations create stunning patterns in sand, water, and other materials. Experience the beauty of sound made visible and discover the science behind these mesmerizing designs.
BrushPens 101
(Facilitated by Vaishnavi Balodi, NIFT Ahmedabad)
Vaishnavi is a creative practitioner passionate about exploring and experimenting with art and design. Currently pursuing a Master of Design at NIFT, she brings 4.5 years of experience in the field. Her journey began with sketching, which remains a cornerstone of her creative process. Brush pens have always been my go-to medium, allowing her to express ideas with precision and fluidity.
A workshop on brush pens for students of grades 7th to 9th offers an engaging opportunity to explore the art of illustration and sketching. Designed to enhance creativity and fine motor skills, the session introduces students to the versatile techniques of using brush pens for creating bold strokes, intricate patterns, and vibrant artworks. Participants will learn the basics of blending, shading, and mastering pressure control, making it ideal for beginners and budding artists and product designers. Through interactive activities, students can express their ideas while discovering the joy of visual storytelling. This workshop fosters artistic confidence and inspires young minds to explore their creativity.
ZAP! BOOM! KAPOW! Comics for the Curious Mind
(Facilitated by Pratyasha Nath, IIT Kharagpur)
Pratyasha is a visual artist and a final year student of Biotechnology at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur. She combines her love for the sciences and storytelling to create fanciful comics and paintings exploring the relationship of humans with nature. For her Masters thesis she is working in an immunology lab but her interests lie at the intersections of life sciences and social sciences. Currently she is curating an exhibition of flood narratives from the Indian Sundarbans for the AQUAMUSE project funded by the Water and Development Partnership Program at IHE-Delft. More often than not fungi find their way into her stories.
This workshop introduces participants to the world of comics and encourages them to appreciate science through this fun lens. Melding scientific concepts with engaging narratives and visuals, participants will create their own science comics in this workshop. Basic comic-making techniques and storytelling methods will be introduced.
Ancient Mysteries: Modern Explorers
(Facilitated By Prof. Sharada, C.V and Team, Archeology Sciences Centre- Department of Earth Sciences at IIT Gandhinagar)
Capacity - 50 students, For School students Grade 6 and Grade 7)
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IIT Gandhinagar’s Archaeological Sciences Centre was created in December 2012, with the twin objectives of establishing state-of-the-art facilities to be used by the archaeological community at large, and conducting its own multidisciplinary research in scientific aspects of archaeology. Our research and activities thus situate themselves at the intersection of humanities and scientific disciplines. At present, Archaeological Sciences is a discipline under the Department of Earth Sciences.
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This workshop will introduce the students to the world of Archaeology through interactive hands on activities like sand-box excavation, puzzles, comics on archaeological concepts, rock art painting, identifying ancient animal and human fossils and much more! This will quench and enhance their curiosity about the past of humans and their environment.
The Art of Improvisation: Ragas, Sitar and Curiosity
(Facilitated by Prof. Srinivas Reddy, IIT Gandhinagar)
Srinivas Reddy is a scholar, translator and classical sitarist. He has published five books including Raya: Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara (Juggernaut 2020) and Illuminating Worlds: An Anthology of Classical Indian Literature (Bloomsbury 2024). He is currently on a Fulbright-Nehru fellowship at IIT Gandhinagar.
This workshop session will explore the ancient tradition of raga music and the fascinating ways in which improvisation takes place within the classical repertoire. We will discuss the fixed structural parameters of ragas as well as their potentialities for creative innovations. The session will also include a short presentation of a sitar alap and engage participants in creating personalized melodic phrases.
Anatomy of Robots
(Facilitated by Prof. Harish P.M. and Team)
(Capacity - 50 students, grades 11th and 12th)
Professor Harish Palanthandalam-Madapusi is a leading scholar in robotics and mechanical engineering. With a PhD from the University of Michigan, his expertise lies in robotics, focusing on learning in robotics, robot grasping, grippers, and dexterous manipulation. His work bridges theory and application, driving innovation in intelligent robotic systems.
Explore the inner workings of robotics! This workshop delves into the essential components of robotics, from mechanisms and grippers to intelligent control systems. Gain insights into the anatomy of robots and how they achieve dexterous manipulation and learning capabilities. Perfect for enthusiasts and aspiring roboticists!
Toys and Game Design
(Facilitated by Bhavya Agarwal, Product Designer, Center for Creative Learning, IIT Gandhinagar)
(Capacity - 30 students; Grades 7th -12th)
Bhavya Agarwal completed her Masters in Industrial Design (Toys & Game Design) from National Institute of Design, and Specialization in Design for Kids and Toys from Milan, Italy. She is currently working as a Toy and Game Designer at CCL at IIT Gandhinagar. Designer by profession, her interest lies in innovating and developing new toys, educational board games, and fun activities for kids with a passion for contributing to the field of play.
Unleash your creativity in the exciting world of toy game design! In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of designing engaging and innovative toys and games. From brainstorming ideas to developing prototypes, you'll explore key concepts in design, storytelling, and mechanics. Whether you're looking to create the next big toy or simply enjoy crafting fun experiences, this workshop offers the perfect opportunity to bring your playful ideas to life!
Insect Biology
(Facilitated by Vikram Singh, Center for Creative Learning, IIT Gandhinagar)
Capacity - 50. Class 8th onwards/ Age 12 and above.
Vikram Singh, 37, is an avid Life Sciences enthusiast and a self-trained naturalist. He uses his self-created nature museum to share the story of different life forms that exist around us. He is a National Geographic Explorer.
This session involves the museum's display, where students can observe and understand different specimens. This gives every student a chance to see the specimens more closely. This will be followed by an interactive storytelling session where I will explain the stories of different life forms. The session will be in Hindi language.
Creative Learning Workshop
(Facilitated by Center for Creative Learning, IIT Gandhinagar)
The Center for Creative Learning (CCL) at IIT Gandhinagar is dedicated to fostering innovative thinking and hands-on learning experiences. By blending interdisciplinary approaches, the center aims to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity among students and educators. CCL focuses on exploring novel educational methodologies that encourage students to think outside the box, engage with real-world problems, and develop a deeper understanding of subjects through interactive, practical activities.
The Creative Learning Workshop, organized by CCL, IIT Gandhinagar, offers participants an opportunity to engage in a series of interactive and innovative activities designed to boost creative thinking and problem-solving skills. The workshop will involve hands-on sessions where participants will work on real-world challenges, explore new ways to approach learning, and develop skills that foster creativity across various disciplines. Through collaborative exercises and guided activities, attendees will gain tools and techniques to enhance their learning experience and apply creative methods in their personal and professional lives.
Paws and Perspectives: Drawing a Better World for Dogs
(Facilitated by Nishi Patel, from Tangled Minds Illustration Studio)
Capacity : 40 students ; any students between grade to Grade 12)
​This engaging art workshop invites students from grades 4 to 12 to explore the lives of neighborhood dogs through creativity and empathy. Participants will learn to illustrate safe and unsafe environments for dogs, shedding light on their challenges and needs. Through guided drawing sessions and discussions, kids will identify practical steps they can take to create a friendlier, safer community for stray dogs. By combining art and awareness, this workshop aims to inspire thoughtful actions and a deeper understanding of how individual efforts can make a big difference in the lives of our furry friends.
Everyday Design: Unlocking Interaction and Thinking Fundamentals
(Facilitated by Sanskruti Choudhry, UnitedWorld Institute of Design, Karnavati University)
Capacity - 40; Grade 10 - Grade 12th)
A third-year Interaction Design student with a strong passion for crafting intuitive and visually compelling digital experiences. Skilled in human-centric design, user research, prototyping, and excel at solving real-world challenges in UI-UX. Her approach combines a deep understanding of design principles with a curiosity for emerging technologies, enabling her to push the boundaries of innovation. Beyond design, she is a published fiction writer and an avid reader, bringing a unique blend of creativity and storytelling into my work.
This workshop will introduce students to the basics of Interaction Design (IxD) and Design Thinking by exploring how everyday experiences can be improved through empathy, creativity, and simple prototyping. The workshop will focus on solving relatable problems students face in their school or home
environments.
Introduction to Origami (beginners and Advanced)
(Facilitated by Vedant Patil, Anant University and Pradipto, IIT Gandhinagar)
Capacity: 50 students per session.
Beginners: Grade 4 to Grade 8th
Advanced: Grade 8-Grade 12
Vedant Patil, a freshman at Anant University, and Pradipto, a second-year MSc student in Cognitive Science at IIT Gandhinagar, share a deep fascination with the art of origami. Both are particularly intrigued by how the basic principles of origami—such as folding, structure, and spatial reasoning—can be applied to spacecraft and rocket design. Their discussions often explore how these principles influence the development of compact and efficient designs for space exploration, such as folding solar panels or antennas. Their shared passion for origami not only connects them through creative expression but also fuels their academic curiosity in exploring its practical applications.
Introduction to Fundamentals of Automobile Design
(Facilitated by Prof. Kishen Patel, Nirma University)
(CAPACITY: 15 students), Grades 10- 12.
Professor Kishen Patel currently serves as an Assistant Professor in Product and Interaction Design at the Institute of Design, Nirma University. His expertise lies in the intersection of product design, interaction design, and transportation, where he brings a global perspective to his teaching and research, blending innovative design solutions with functional aesthetics.
This hands-on experience delves into the fundamentals of automotive design. Participants will learn essential sketching techniques, explore design principles, and learn the fundamentals of Automobile Design. This workshop provides a unique opportunity to ignite passion for automotive design and explore potential career paths in this exciting field.
Illustration Art, Walk of Life
(Facilitated by Prof. Saroj Kumar, Nirma University)
(CAPACITY: 50 Students)
Grade 11 and 12
Saroj Kumar Das is a professional sculptor, researcher and academician. He has completed his graduation in Sculpture (B.F.A.) and a Master in Creative Sculpture (M.F.A) from the College of Art, University of Delhi. He has completed his Ph.D. in Visual Art from Chitkara School of Design, Chitkara University. In 2013, He received the "Dhanraj Bhagat Award '' from the College of Art, Delhi University. He has taught previously at the International Institute of Fine Art Modinagar and Lovely Professional University Punjab. His areas of interest are Material and Processes, Creative Drawing, Illustration, and 2D Animation.
Illustration Art: Walk of Life" is a 1.5- 2 Hours creative workshop for 11th and 12th-grade students. It introduces illustration basics, encourages self-expression, and explores creative techniques through fun activities. Participants transform objects into art and share their creations, fostering imagination, skills, and a passion for art and design careers.
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