Little scientists in the lab!

Mr Stephen’s science lab was filled with wide eyed wonder (and bubbles!) last week as a group of curious tamariki from our Early Childhood Education Centre came over for a science showcase! The children explored what it means to be a scientist — asking questions, reading big ‘science words’, observing closely, experimenting, and discovering how the world around them works.

The adventure began with biology, meeting Avondale College's friendly skeleton and learning about the amazing organs inside the human body. The tamariki remembered the names of their organ puzzle pieces and managed to cram them back together – we potentially some future surgeons here!

Next came chemistry – all about mixing. The students played with magic milk, mixed up some stretchy slime, and watched exciting reactions bubble and fizz to create a rainbows and elephant toothpaste. The biggest thrills came during the hands-on volcano eruptions and the spectacular fire demonstration which really wowed everyone.

Tamariki showed excellent listening skills throughout the session and followed all safety instructions carefully, proudly wearing their safety glasses just like real scientists. After someone said their favourite science was dinosaurs, the discussion turned briefly to geology and imaginations were used to become dinosaurs exploring the Earth. It was a wonderful reminder that science — Pūtaiao — is really about curiosity: noticing, exploring, and having the courage to ask, “What happens if…?”

Ngā mihi nui to Mr Stephen, and also Ms Sivanganam and Ms Chopra for their support as kaiako during the session. We also need to thank our amazing science technician, Keri Sinclair, for preparing all the exciting experiments and equipment.

To find out more about our onsite Early Childhood Centre, contact Melissa: m.williams@avcol.school.nz