Two hundred boxes packed with science activities and experiments are en route to some of Dundee’s most deserving children this Summer.
Funded and created by University of Dundee, the themed kits will be distributed by Dundee Science Centre, with one starter kit and a weekly kit to cover the six-week Summer break.
University of Dundee dental student group Toothy Tigers have provided brushes and toothpaste to teach children about microbes in their mouths and maintain good oral hygiene.
Packed with a range of activities and experiments, the kits evolved from the Science Centre’s Home Learning Programme which kept hundreds of Scottish children entertained and engaged online, while their schools were closed during lockdown.
Aimed at breaking down barriers to science engagement, almost 4,500 kits have been distributed since the project launched last Summer. The ‘Science @ Home’ project also secured a Commendation for Project of the Year from the University of Dundee Stephen Fry Public Engagement Award 2021.
The kits contain everything required for various experiments and activities from making microbes and investigating bugs to forensic science.
Families will be able to access a box via the FORT system which puts Dundee families in need with a range of service providers, through referrals from GPs, social workers, teachers and others.
Erin Hardee, Schools Outreach Organiser, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee said, “While COVID-19 has changed the way we do public engagement, we’re thrilled to be working with Dundee Science Centre to bring science activities to families safely and inclusively.
“The ‘Science @ Home’ kits feature loads of the great research we do at the University of Dundee, presented in a fun and hands-on way. This project helps us reach new people and share our research creatively and we’re very glad to be part of it again this year.”
The kits are funded by the Wellcome Institutional Strategic Support Fund awarded to the University of Dundee, with input from the School of Life Sciences, Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science and Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification.
Lorraine Lemon, Head of Business and Operations, Dundee Science Centre said, “We are extremely grateful to the University of Dundee for funding and creating these amazing resources which allow us to reach even more families within the city.
“Exploring science is a brilliant way to spend time and have fun as a family. Yes, there’s lots online to keep kids entertained but not every home has access to the digital resources many of us take for granted. Similarly, many families don’t have the privilege of extra funds for activities and days out so these kits will give both children and their families a real boost over the Summer and a weekly treat to get stuck into!”
See how the ‘Science @ home’ kits are making a difference here.
