What does it take to become a science Inspirer at Winchester Science Centre? Recently, members of our Young Design Panel joined the Science Centre’s Curiosity team to discover what goes on behind-the-science, learning first-hand how we create fun and inclusive science experiences. The children developed their very own workshops, exploring different areas of environmental sciences and presented them to the younger children in the group. As well as supporting the Charity's first child-led science partnerships project, through this exciting opportunity, the children earned their CREST Bronze Award!
As part of our first child-led science partnerships project we have brought together a group of curious and inquisitive children to be our Young Design Panel. The Panel includes 7 Project Assistants who are older than the other members, aged between 11 and 14. Part of their role involves being peer mentors to the younger children, so they wanted to have a go at delivering their very own workshops!
Each workshop explored one of the five themes the children had been learning about over the summer. Ryaan and Annabelle, aged 13, both decided to take the Young Design Panel on a journey through our dark skies. Rayyan’s workshop, which explored constellations, saw his fellow young designers create their own starry patterns and highlighted the impact of light pollution on our ability to see the stars in the sky. Annabelle investigated the difference between Lunar and Solar eclipses which ended with a lively game of Sun Vs. Moon. Split into two teams, the children went head-to-head to see who could turn over the most paper plates in two minutes. It was a close game, but it was team sun who claimed victory!
Twelve-year-old Bella’s workshop uncovered the secrets of soil and mushrooms. Together, the children learned about the universal veil - a layer that protects mushrooms. To better understand how the veil works, they created their own by covering a balloon with paper mâché and watched as the paper spreads when the balloon is inflated. Finally, it was 11-year-old Pola’s time to shine with her workshop on sustainable food production. The children explored the benefits of growing their own food on the planet. Every child chose their own plant pot to take home and grow over the winter, choosing between beetroot, parsnips, or carrots.
Rayyan said: “My favourite part about this experience was planning the workshops. I enjoyed collaborating with everyone, sitting down, and sharing my ideas, and having fun with the other Project Assistants and Emiley, the Project Officer at Wonderseekers.”
The workshops were created and delivered across two sessions which resulted in the children earning their CREST bronze award! This initiative empowers children to work like real scientists, allowing them to choose their own topics to encourage independent learning. The award can also go onto the children's CVs which is a great way to help them develop their enquiry skills to prepare them for their future.
