INTRODUCTION

The Budding Genius Project is a high-school level initiative of the Centre for Neuroscience Studies. Basically, it is a modified version of the "Neuroscience for Kids" schemes floating around in the USA. While the "Neuroscience for Kids" schemes in the USA have the luxury of easy finances, ready-to-assemble kits, and quick access to the libraries and staff of renowned institutions of excellence in the field of Neuroscience; it is neither economically feasible, nor at times logistically possible for us in India to avail of that same standard of resources. Hence, in order to attain the same end-goal of ensuring excellence in Neuroscience in the future through carefully planning and executing the present day execution of training and research, we have conceived some scientific experiments and kits that are cheap and easy to design, yet possess the same ability to instruct as their more expensive counterparts in the West.

Moreover, given our enormous wealth of spiritual treasures in India; combined with the recent trend toward investigating religious phenomena from a scientific point of view, we provide a distinctly superior environment for this pursuit than is possible anyplace else at the moment.



COMPONENTS OF THE PLAN

Our main strategy involves factoring in the existing syllabus, in order to build upon it, so that there is no unnecessary burden on the students who have their school load of classwork and homework to attend to, and at the same time balance it with a healthy dose of physical exercises and extracurricular activities. This involves analysing the general structure of the school syllabus, and identifying the specific nodes where relevant extra information can be provided.

Another tactic is the formulation of easy design of experiments, especially in behavioural science, so as to provide an overview of the various specialities ahead. Admittedly, this is merely an introductory overview, but, at the adolescent age-group, such a basic introduction to their future world of work would suffice. After all our aim at this stage is to light the lamp of knowledge, and through inculcating the scientific temper, help to weed out superstitious modes of thought, while introducing the religious texts and practices of Hinduism as worthy objects of research in the scientific realm.

Let us not forget that if we succeed in this task of nurturing creativity in the scientific realm at this incipient, but all-too important stage in the life of the future neuroscientist; then it will stand us in good stead for future decades to come.




THE PLAN BRIEFLY STATED

The following description is a general overview of the modifications in the syllabus devised as part of this plan. Taking into account the general development of teens, and their capacity to acquire new knowledge, the extended syllabus involves an introduction to human anatomy and physiology [teens aged 14+] with emphasis on adolescent issues. It is important that this extra academic load be balanced by a good outdoors schedule involving exercise, games, trekking and other such activities.

The third facet of this strategy involves paying some attention to meditation, contemplation, ethics, and similar activity of an organised religious nature. To the extent that the following subjects are not explicitly covered by the school syllabus, there needs to be an introduction to the basics of time-management, basic accountancy, computers and internet.

In addition, we can fine-tune the process of aptitude development for those inclined to take up careers in science, especially medicine and the neurosciences. This calls for guidance in devising cheap and easy D-I-Y kits for such simple experimentation and research, wherein the thrust must be on stimulating the teens' creativity in formulating newer studies based upon these simple kits.

Finally, field visits to introduce the students to local centres of excellence in neuroscience and related scientific fields is an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all concerned.



TOOLS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Your school library will in all probability contain all the books that are necessary for your further pursuit of most topics. In our experience, the Internet is especially valuable, and online encylopedias, especially the Wikipedia are favourite reference tools.

For the school level, coupled with the expertise required for completing our projects, these are more than sufficient. The critical parameters determining your success will be your skill in comprehension, and the creative inputs that you make to find the solution.



ONLINE RESOURCES

The home page of the Society for Neuroscience.
Over here, you can download your free copy of the Brain Facts book.

ScI-Journal [ Teens/Mature Teens ] - Online journal of high school and college students' lab reports from their science classes, labs and fairs. A discussion list allows messages about each report to be posted on the site.

Exploratorium: Hands-on Activities [ Kids/Teens ] - Hands-on science activities from the Exploratorium museum of science, art and human perception. Experiments explore a huge range of topics including space, food, living things and the human mind.

Exploratorium: Science Explorer [ Kids/Teens ] - Offers many easy-to-do experiments and projects, and explains why things happen the way they do and how things work.

Neuroscience for Kids [ Kids/Teens ] - A collection of simple science experiments exploring neuroscience, plus science fair ideas and other activities.

Experimental Science Projects, An Introductory Level Guide [ Kids/Teens ] - Describes the steps involved in creating a science project. From initial observations, to experimental design to final conclusions.

Our precious foreign exchange student, Miss Caroline Brandt, has decided to allow the world a tiny peek at her creativity, through the impressive debut effort at writing a book termed FUTURES TILL. There's more stuff in her workbook, like this FUTURES TILL membership site, and Chuck's Blog. But, first off the blocks is The Prelude to FUTURES TILL: A Petition To The Queen.

NASA KIDS
Though this isn't related directly to neuroscience, nevertheless, every budding scientist needs to know of NASA.
Also, just in case anybody feels left out, the site specifically states that its meant for "kids of every age". So, if you were simply dying to know more about NASA, or to participate in its activities in a fun sort of way, this is the place to start.

Brainy Kids [ Kids/Teens/Mature Teens ] - Brain related activities, information, links and lesson plans from the Dana Foundation's educational Web site.