Dr Michelle O'Driscoll: Why science is so beneficial for small minds

Earlier in the summer a wonderful educational weekend for children and families was held in Fitzgerald’s Park, the Cork Carnival of Science.The sun shone for this annual event, families flocked to take in the activities, atmosphere, and unique opportunities to learn about the world we live in and the advances being made – all through the lens of fun and curiosity. University, community and company representatives engaged kids in experiments and entertaining activities. 

It was a day of connection, for families themselves, but also with the communities we live in.

Wrapped in the fun and games was lots of opportunity for learning and development. What happens our food when we eat it? How does fire burn? Why do bubbles burst? So much to learn, see and do. Why can science be so beneficial for small minds? Here are just some of the reasons:

Critical thinking – kids really enjoy solving problems. There was lots of opportunity here to solve puzzles, engage with experiments to see the outcome and to apply logic. They learn to see things from all angles, and importantly to deal with the frustration of not always having the answer either! 

These are skills for life, to be applied in personal and professional situations.

Curiosity – our smallies love to ask ‘Why?’ and ‘How do you know that?’ And this event was full of places to ask this, with lots of helpful answers being given. Doing this in such a relaxed and positive environment helps kids to create a positive relationship with learning and exploring, being open to new experiences and explanations for the world around them.

Career progression – there’s an increasing demand for professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, or STEM as it’s known. Early exposure to the sciences helps to foster a love for this type of thinking, and offers an opportunity to see what a life in this type of work might involve. This event was a wonderful way to introduce this concept to kids, and to get them thinking about what they might like to do when they grow up!

Teamwork – many of the activites involved working together to solve a problem or reach the finish line. Seeing what’s needed to work in collaboration in a fun setting tranfers into later life and more serious situations, another really important life skill.

Health and wellbeing – Believe it or not, science is good for you! Getting away from a screen that you’re passively watching and starting to really engage with something, problem solve and interact with others in this context boosts those feel-good endorphins, brings joy to those who appreciate that type of activity, and increases connection - which reduces the risk of feelings of loneliness.

Science brings people together, and this is so important for our wellbeing. 

Days like this opens the door to those who might otherwise not get to experience it, or mightn’t have considered it as being “for them.”

So what seemed at face value to be just a relaxed morning of fun down by the Lee, actually served so many other purposes, and planted the seeds for future learning, engagement and growth in our small people. And you don’t need to wait until next year for the opportunity to roll around again. Simple experiments on the kitchen table, or out in the garden can be just as beneficial. Bringing that lense of curiosity, inquiry and fun to the world around us makes the world our oyster and brings so many benefits.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Dr Michelle O’Driscoll is a pharmacist, re searcher and founder of InTuition, a health and wellness education company. Her research lies in the area of mental health education, and through InTuition she delivers health promotion workshops to corporate and academic organisations nationally.