FIRST PRINCIPLES

This four-week online program on first principles thinking is an exciting opportunity for your young learners to unlock their creative problem-solving potential. In a rapidly changing world, the ability to break down complex challenges into fundamental components and build innovative solutions from the ground up is a valuable skill.

This course empowers students to think beyond the surface, encouraging them to question, analyze, and innovate. By exploring real-world problems, from environmental sustainability to everyday inconveniences, students will harness the power of first principles thinking to craft innovative solutions. 

Beyond developing a strong foundation in critical thinking, this course will inspire our young minds to be catalysts for positive change and equip them with the tools they need to tackle the challenges of the future with confidence and creativity.

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Course Fees - $250 (to be paid in advance)

Instructor - Shivkumar Wayal

Principal Technical Product Manager (Starbucks)

Master of Engineering (BITS, Pilani)


To keep the material engaging and age-appropriate, here's a syllabus divided into four weeks, each with a specific focus and an associated assignment:

Week 1: Introduction to First Principles Thinkings

  • Session 1 (Week 1): What Are First Principles? (Duration: 2 hours)
    • Introduction to first principles thinking.
    • Historical examples: Archimedes, Elon Musk.
    • Interactive discussion: Breaking down complex problems into fundamental principles.
    • Hands-on exercise: Identify first principles in everyday objects (e.g., a bicycle).
  • Assignment 1 (Week 1): "Deconstruct an Everyday Object"
    • Choose any common object (e.g., a mobile phone, a book, a pencil) and deconstruct it into its most basic components. Provide a written or visual representation of the first principles that make up the object.

Week 2: Applying First Principles Thinking

  • Session 2 (Week 2): Problem-Solving with First Principles (Duration: 2 hours)
    • Applying first principles thinking to real-world problems.
    • Case studies of innovation through first principles.
    • Interactive brainstorming: Identify solutions based on first principles.
  • Assignment 2 (Week 2): "Redesign a Problem"
    • Choose a common problem (e.g., environmental pollution, transportation, or a school-related challenge) and propose a solution by breaking it down into first principles. Provide a written or visual explanation of your approach.

Week 3: Creativity and Innovation

  • Session 3 (Week 3): Creativity and First Principles (Duration: 2 hours)
    • Exploring the connection between first principles and creativity.
    • Brainstorming exercises and games.
    • Discussion on how first principles thinking can lead to innovative ideas.
  • Assignment 3 (Week 3): "Innovate with First Principles"
    • Choose an everyday activity or process (e.g., doing homework, making breakfast) and brainstorm innovative improvements by applying first principles thinking. Present your creative solutions.

Week 4: Real-World Applications

  • Session 4 (Week 4): First Principles in Action (Duration: 2 hours)
    • Guest speaker or video presentations on how professionals in various fields apply first principles thinking.
    • Q&A and discussion with the speaker.
    • Group activity: Students work together to tackle a real-world challenge using first principles thinking.
  • Assignment 4 (Week 4): "Solve a Real-World Problem"
    • Students will choose a current global issue (e.g., climate change, healthcare, education) and apply first principles thinking to propose a practical solution. This should be presented creatively, possibly in the form of a video, presentation, or poster.

Course Conclusion:

  • Recap of key concepts and lessons learned.
  • Highlight the importance of first principles thinking in problem-solving and innovation.
  • Certificates of completion.

Throughout the course, we encourage active participation, group discussions, and creative expression. At Sigma, we use age-appropriate language and examples to make the content relatable to the students. This approach provides a fun and educational journey into the world of first principles thinking for young learners.