When the recess bell rang at Mount Kembla Public School on Tuesday, the usual rush to get to the playground was forgotten.
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The kids were busy engaging in science experiments run by teaching students from the University of Wollongong.
Come break-time, Mount Kembla student Bethany was not ready to part from the Slime Time stand.
“More science!” she shouted.
There was plenty more to come. Chemical reactions formed sherbet, balloon rockets were used to explain the laws of motion and ice-cream exemplified the process of solidification.
“We learnt that salt melts ice,” said Caleb, busy doing the conga while shaking the ice-cream.
But it wasn’t just the primary school kids learning. For UOW students, the Science Fair was a chance to gain practical experience.
“It gives us skills we can use when we actually go and teach in the classroom,” said student teacher Emlyn Mclaughlin, clad in a crazy wig and a lab coat.
“It’s amazing and it’s a lot of fun.”
Having fun while learning is something you can’t beat, according to Mount Kembla teacher Narelle Hush. She said the fair was a win-win.
“Our students are getting a lot of one-to-one attention… and [the UOW students] learn what works, what doesn’t, and how to manage behaviours when you’re teaching.”
Mount Kembla Public principal Raelene Redfern hopes that connecting science with fun will help keep kids interested in the study area.
“Our students are really excited. There is a lot of energy. I think it’s something they’ll remember doing for the rest of their lives.”