The July school holidays are just around the corner and with it comes another exciting program of school holiday workshops for kids!
Delivered by actual researchers from Telethon Kids Institute, each workshop sees a specific topic in science, health and research brought to life, through fun games, experiments and hands-on activities. This month, junior scientists participating in a workshop will get to grow germs on slices of bread, make a stethoscope to learn about healthy heartbeats, create a grounding box for self-care and learn about the flight or fight response.
Each workshop runs for 1.5 hours and costs $15 per child, with sessions suitable for junior scientists of various ages. All workshops include a guided tour of a real-life working lab and a chance for our budding scientists to learn from actual Telethon Kids researchers who work in the field.
There are limited spaces available for each workshop, so make sure you secure your spots early to avoid missing out!
Germs!
Investigate how quickly germs can spread between a group of people by using a special UV machine that can view these invisible bugs. Prepare a simple science experiment where you can grow germs on slices of bread to learn about the importance of washing your hands. Continue your experiment at home to watch the germs grow! Suitable for children aged 5 - 8 years old.
View workshop dates and times here.
Let's Get Active
Explore how your heartbeat changes with physical exercise in this active workshop where you get to make and take home a DIY stethoscope. Learn and play some fun mini games that encourage you to get up and get active! This workshop will be delivered by researchers from our Child Physical Activity, Health and Development team. Suitable for children aged 5 – 8 years old.
View workshop dates and times here.
Me, Myself and I
Take a moment to look after yourself and your brain in this workshop on self-care. With the help of our Youth Mental Health researchers, identify the things that can deplete your battery and learn about strategies you could use to fill it up again to give you the energy you need to live your day. Make a special Grounding Box full of your favourite things, which you can take home at the end of the workshop. You’ll also get to make a pocket-sized calming glitter jar to help relaxation and mindfulness. Suitable for children aged 5 years and up.
View workshop dates and times here.
Fight or Flight
What is the flight or fight response and how is it triggered? Our researchers from the Youth Mental Health team will guide you to explore the inner workings of our brains in this insightful workshop on brain and behaviour. Create a brain cap to learn about the different areas of the brain and what they do. Explore strategies for controlling responses triggered by the amygdala, such as blowing on a pinwheel. Suitable for children aged 9 – 12 years old.
View workshop date and time here.
First published Tuesday 1 June 2021.