Friday 14th March saw around 150 P6/7 children from 4 schools visit Dundee Science Centre to participate in the Magnificent Microbes day, part of the Magnificent Microbes project, a joint venture between the College of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee and Dundee Science Centre Science Learning Institute.
The children had the opportunity to meet scientists and researchers from the University of Dundee, and with them explore the magnificent world of microbes, including getting hands-on with techniques used by microbiologists. There was a wide range of activities and games to take part in, including learning about biofilms, glow-in-the-dark bacteria, discovering what microbes look like, finding out which of our favourite foods owe all they are to microbes, and an exciting opportunity to grow common microbes from their hands in a petri dish.
Children and teachers alike were amazed by the range of activities on offer. From the feedback we received it seems that this session had a very positive effect on the learners’ attitudes towards microbes, and that the scientists successfully engaged with school pupils over the necessity of microbes to our lives and the important research taking place at the University of Dundee.
This project has been running since February 2014 and began with professional learning for teachers and classroom based activity to discover the degree of the children’s prior knowledge and understanding of microbes. This children’s time with us at Dundee Science Centre will be followed up with further learning in class, supporting literacy, numeracy and encouraging creativity, as well as opportunities to have scientists visit the schools to work with the children and discuss their learning. The project will culminate in a Celebration Day at the University of Dundee, where representatives from each class, their teachers and families will join the Magnificent Microbes researchers to share their learning from the project – a chance for the children to teach the scientists!
We are delighted to have been supporting this project, working in partnership with the College of Life Science at the University of Dundee. To find out more about the Magnificent Microbes project or if you are interested in getting involved in the future, why not come along to our Professional Learning session on 7th May 2014 at Dundee Science Centre, where we will be showcasing some of the activities involved and discussing progressions of learning in sciences from early to second level, focusing on CfE organisers in sciences Body Systems and Cells, and Inheritance. You can find more information on our website, or contact us on learning@dundeesciencecentre.org.uk or 01382868609 for enquiries and booking.
