Mythical Beasts and Where to Find their Science – Gifted Summer Program, July 2025

About Course

Dive into the fascinating intersection of legend and scientific inquiry with “Mythical Beasts and Where to Find their Science,” an exclusive online course designed for curious students in Grades 7-10. This intensive 6-session, 2-week program challenges you to transcend conventional thinking and apply rigorous scientific principles to the fantastical world of mythical creatures.

This Learning Quest is part of the Gifted Summer Program Online – July 2025, offered by GenWise on Gifted World.

What would it take, for legendary creatures from our stories to actually roam our world? This course blends your love for fantastic stories, like those found in the Percy Jackson series, with a scientist’s curiosity about the world. You’ll investigate the biological and physical realities behind fantastical beasts, applying core scientific principles to imaginative scenarios. Think about the physics of flight for winged creatures, the challenges of size and heat regulation for giants and sea monsters, and the biological demands on the hearts and lungs of colossal beings. 

Under the expert guidance of Dr. Anusha Krishnan, you’ll embark on a journey of fun and learning unlike any other. Anusha is a scientist, popular science writer, and captivating storyteller with a PhD in ecology from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. She has a unique ability to weave compelling narratives into complex scientific concepts, and has written over 100 journalistic articles and taught science communication to over 500 participants

Here is a glimpse of what is in store, with two short poems written by Anusha

Should dragons weaponize their front ends or rear ends?

Some dragons, it’s often been taught, 

Have flames on their tongues, a talent much sought. 

With flammable stuff in glands in their snout, 

They could probably blast fire out, 

A marvel of nature, neatly evolved, we thought! 

But others may get their pipes crossed, 

And now their tailpipes emit weaponised exhaust. 

Though less refined, 

They’re rear-inclined, 

And may leave foes confused, singed, and lost.

And what about trolls? What do you think the biology of a troll will be like? If it’s a stony creature like those in The Lord of The Rings, what would it be made of? Could it be a silica-based life-form with a sensitivity to UV light? As a poor troll might lament:

I prowl around in the night, 

For a snack of sand spiced with laterite 

But come the morning sun’s light, 

I’ll be stiff as a human bean with frostbite! 

Sunshine, to me, is a fright. 

My joints turn to granite so soon! 

I’ll become a boulder, rough-hewn. 

Then I’ll dream of going crack, 

In a cool cave; if a kind soul could just roll me back

By nightfall, I’d be right on track!

If you possess a keen intellect, a love for scientific exploration, and a desire to challenge your imagination, “Mythical Beasts and Where to Find their Science” is just for you!

For Parents

Parents often tell us how their children are advanced readers, devouring epic tales like the Percy Jackson series. This course, “Mythical Beasts and Where to Find their Science,” is uniquely designed to bridge your child’s passion for fantastical stories with a rigorous scientific approach.

Under the expert guidance of Anusha Krishnan, a highly accomplished scientist, popular science writer, and captivating storyteller, students will not just read about mythical creatures, but analyze them holistically through a scientific lens. By crossing the traditional boundaries of physics, chemistry, biology, language and mythology, this course helps students foster critical thinking and learn the core values of scientific thinking. 

This multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving is a vital skill for future academic and professional success – building a combination of analytical and communication skills in a truly engaging way.

FAQs

Q1: What scientific concepts will be covered in this course? 

A1: This course will delve into core scientific principles such as the physics of flight, challenges of size and heat regulation for colossal beings, and the biological demands on internal organs (hearts, lungs) for fantastical creatures, all applied to mythical scenarios.

Q2: What makes this course unique compared to regular school science classes? 

A2: Unlike traditional school settings, this course offers a “deep dive” into imaginative scenarios, applying scientific principles to mythical creatures. It encourages personalized attention and a unique blend of scientific inquiry with storytelling, as highlighted by a past participant: “Here they focus on the deep dive to a thing which we don’t get a chance to do in school.”

Q3: How will the mentor’s expertise benefit me in this course? 

A3: Your mentor, Anusha Krishnan, is a scientist with a PhD in ecology and molecular biology, a popular science writer, and a seasoned communicator. She will guide you in applying scientific thinking to imaginative problems and help you develop essential communication and storytelling skills, which she firmly believes are crucial for all aspects of life.

Q4: Is prior knowledge of mythology or advanced science required? 

While no specific prior knowledge of mythology or advanced science is required, you should have a passion for one or both of them.

Q5: What is the format of the online sessions? 

The course consists of 6 sessions, each 2 hours long, spread over 2 weeks. The online format allows for interactive learning and engagement with the mentor and other gifted students.

Timing:

• 22 July, Tuesday: 5 – 7 PM GST, 6:30 – 8:30 PM IST
• 24 July, Thursday: 5 – 7 PM GST, 6:30 – 8:30 PM IST
• 26 July, Saturday: 5 – 7 PM GST, 6:30 – 8:30 PM IST
• 29 July, Tuesday: 5 – 7 PM GST, 6:30 – 8:30 PM IST
• 31 July, Thursday: 5 – 7 PM GST, 6:30 – 8:30 PM IST
• 2 August, Saturday: 5 – 7 PM GST, 6:30 – 8:30 PM IST