Preschoolers get technical in school holiday event to promote science
Published on 18 September 2024
Critical thinking and discovery to inspire a lifelong interest in science for preschoolers is the focus of a new addition to Singleton Public Library’s school holiday program.
The Little Bang Science program aims to inspire a new generation of interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), environmental awareness, creativity and experimentation after the Library took delivery of Little Banf Discovery Club kits, the Big Bang Book of Science and a Storytime Science kit thanks to a $4,860 grant from Hunter Valley Operations.
The program is being launched with a free hands-on introduction to scientific enquiry and discovery for children aged 3-5 years and their carer on Friday 4 October 2024 from 2.30 – 3.30pm, as part of the Library’s school holiday activities.
The kits will also be used to deliver the wonders of science beyond the Library walls as an outreach activity to local preschools and early learning centres in the Singleton local government area.
Vicki Brereton, Singleton Council’s Director Organisation and Community Capacity, said the program consisted of fun, facilitated workshops for 3-5 years olds that introduce children to the basics of science in a way that felt more like play than education.
“The kits mean we can introduce stand alone programming targeting children 3-9 years, introducing them to science concepts in a fun, interactive way that will lay the groundwork for a lifetime of learning, critical thinking and discovery.
“It’s a wonderful way to help equip young children with the tools necessary to navigate an increasingly complex and technology-driven world, and another educational and fun addition to our Library’s ever-diverse school holiday activities.
“We thank Hunter Valley Operations for partnering with us to be able to deliver this kind of program and we can’t wait to see children getting involved.”
Hunter Valley Operations community and environment officer Nic McLaughlin said the Little Bang Science Program was one of 20 projects funded through the first round of its bi-annual community grants program.
“We fund not-for-profit organisation projects that make a positive difference to the skills and capacity, health or the environment of communities in the Upper and Lower Hunter,” he said.
“Giving local kids skills in STEM is critical for them to access well-paid and rewarding future jobs and to give our region the capability to grow our economy and develop solutions to tackle our challenges.
“HVO’s round 2 community grants program is now open. Submissions close 30 September. Visit hvo.com.au/community for information.”
Little Bang Science is a free event to be held on Friday 4 October 2024 from 2.30 – 3.30pm.
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See the Library's full school holidays program