Hive SuperLab encourages early STEM interest
It’s never too early to get kids interested in science, according to University of Technology Sydney (UTS) academics. A group of four- to seven-year-olds spent time in the university’s Hive SuperLab in 2020, engaging with research and sampling a range of scientific disciplines.
The youngsters were exposed to concepts from a variety of fields and invited to take part in practical exercises including dismantling model eyeballs with orthoptists, tasting honey samples with microbiologists and fingerprinting with forensic scientists. The UTS team said the endless stream of questions, while notable for its breadth and depth, came easily from the budding scientists, who have an innate sense of curiosity at that age. They say it’s important to capitalise on that curiosity and engage with the students of tomorrow early.
The Hive SuperLab is the most technologically advanced lab at UTS, accommodating up to 270 students and featuring specialist high-tech AV facilities that allow seven classes to run simultaneously. It is designed to enable collaboration between groups and to initiate discussion and active participation, steering away from the view of science as an isolated and solo activity.
You can read more about the kids’ day in the lab on the UTS website here.
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