Little Bang program makes science fun for children

Over the last several weeks, children have had a blast learning about science the fun way at The Nest’s Little Bang workshops, facilitated by Children’s Discovery with support from IMPACT Community Services.

From tornado tubes, seesaws and balloons to spinning tops, sand timers and child-friendly manacles, the sessions had it all.

Each week of the program, which has been running for 13 years, is dedicated to teaching the youngsters a new skill, including categorisation, measuring, fairness and experimenting.

Tamara Kelly, Children’s Discovery’s sales manager, said every child received a Little Bang Discovery Box, filled with tools to harness children’s natural curiosity and engage them in science learning outside the classroom.

“They can take the Discovery Box home, and they can take the science home, which is what we're always really keen on,” Tamara said.

“These are not just toys; they’re science. They’ve all got scientific principles behind them.”

Alongside equipment like chop sticks, thermometers, rubber bands and tape measures, each box contains a set of cards. These cards feature experiments related to what the children learn throughout the program, allowing them to explore the world of science whenever and wherever inspiration strikes. 

Originally a science communicator at Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, Tamara also spent time in the classroom as a primary school teacher. However, Tamara said Children’s Discovery’s programs are nothing like traditional science classes.

“We make things practical. There are no pens in hands,” she said. 

“If children want to write something in their notebook, that’s good. Nobody's going to criticise what they write, so then they like it.”

“It's trying to make them realise that science is fun and that you should engage with it. It's not boring.”

There's no doubt Little Bang was a perfect fit for existing IMPACT clients from the organisation’s Positive Start Parenting and Pathways to Early Learning and Development (PELD) programs.

IMPACT’s Early Years Team Leader, Sharelle Steinback, said it was special to see the parents getting involved and connecting with their children, and it was no wonder that the families gave such fantastic feedback.

It’s a reminder of how important it is to support children’s learning and development outside the school gates. After all, it’s never too early for children to start their learning journey.

Developed by psychologist Ursula Benstead, the Shark Cage program continues to support women healing from domestic violence and sexual abuse, with IMPACT Community Services’ Positive Start team recently facilitating the third round of the program for 10 local participants. 

Through guided discussions and creative activities, Shark Cage supports women who have experienced childhood or adulthood abuse to rebuild their self-worth and develop emotional strength in a safe, supportive environment. 

Facilitators Cat Pjevac and Kayla Wylie completed specialist training in the Shark Cage framework before commencing local facilitation of the program in July.  

Cat said the program teaches women about healthy relationships, helping them recognise early signs of an abuser and break negative cycles. 

“It's not only for their personal relationships with men,” Cat said. 

“It’s also about family members and friendships and learning to understand what boundaries they need to put in place to keep themselves and their children safe.” 

Over six weeks, participants created a mural filled with symbolic sea creatures and objects, using sharks to represent abusers, dolphins for friends, fish for themselves, treasure chests for self‑care, and seaweed for their rights and protections. They wrote on each symbol to express their feelings, identify ways to care for themselves, and define the rights that keep them safe. 

Harmony, who finished the program earlier this month, has been on a journey of self-discovery since going through domestic violence with her children. The Shark Cage program has recharged her batteries and inspired her as she reinvents herself and creates a brighter future for her family. 

Harmony stated, “I find it really empowering. All the issues bring you down, but being in an environment like this helps. 

“Being around people who have gone through the same type of things makes you feel like you’re not alone and you’re not crazy,” she said. 

Harmony’s no stranger to IMPACT, having been engaged on and off with the organisation since she was pregnant with her three year old. The team is currently helping Harmony regain her licence and boost her work-readiness, goals she hopes to fulfil before her youngest child starts school. 

Tallara, who finished the program alongside Harmony, also has nothing but rave reviews of IMPACT and Shark Cage. While she was nervous before the program started, she’s come out the other side stronger. 

Shark Cage has boosted her confidence, and she recommends the program to those in similar situations. 

“I reckon this program is good for people that have experienced abuse and have no one to talk to or nowhere to go,” she said. 

The entire group has come a long way, building friendships, healing from trauma and learning coping strategies that will support them into the future in all aspects of their life.  

Cat said participants enjoyed Shark Cage so much that they didn’t want it to end, prompting facilitators to connect participants with PCYC’s Rise Up, Be Yourself (RUBY) physical fitness program as a way to maintain connection and wellbeing. 

“They’re sort of sad that they finished the program because they’ve built some great friendships and they want to keep those going,” Cat said. 

“We try to encourage them to go to the RUBY program so they can reconnect and have something else to look forward to.” 

IMPACT Community Services facilitates Shark Cage locally twice a year, with the next round due to start on 14 July. To express your interest in joining, call 07 4153 4233 or complete the referral form on IMPACT’s website.  

It’s an opportunity for women to let their guard down in a setting where their voices are heard, their experiences are understood and their feelings are validated.  

IMPACT Community Services launched Young Parents Connect, a group for parents under the age of 25, on 9 February at The Nest, Bundaberg’s child and family hub.

From 2 to 3 pm every second Monday of the month, the program is bringing together mums and dads who are freshly navigating parenthood to engage in educational activities with their children.

The program is delivered out of The Nest at 57 Bourbong Street, where IMPACT and partner organisations provide integrated support services.

Sharelle Steinback, IMPACT’s Early Years Team Leader and director of Young Parents Connect, said it concentrates on education and wellbeing.

“It’s family-focused, so the parent looks after the children,” Ms Steinback said.

“We’re incorporating interactive group time where they’ll be doing some singing and story time to bond with their children so they can take that away and practice that at home.

“There’ll be role playing, discussions about sleeping routines, when they first start eating solids, bath time, learning from their peers.”

Ms Steinback said the team is hoping to curb parents’ isolation and fill a critical gap in the community.

“We really want to support these young parents because there isn’t anything out there in the community tailored to them,” she said.

“Outcomes will be building confidence in their parenting, helping resilience, giving them information around what’s in the community and building friendships, which is important for mental health.”

Abigail Bellchambers, an IMPACT Community Services Case Manager and one of the program’s facilitators, said the program was designed in response to feedback from young parents.  

“It’s a specific safe space for young parents,” Ms Bellchambers said.

“It’s an intimate group, not like the big public playgroups we have. It’s the same two staff members to build that relationship.”

At The Nest, participants will enjoy easy access a range of services under one roof. This includes paediatric dental and occupational therapy services along with free and confidential community legal aid.

Nancy Oosterhof, IMPACT’s General Manager of Health and Support, said Young Parents Connect can leverage existing partnerships and give parents a say on session activities.

“We can invite our partners to share information in an informal, fun way,” Ms Oosterhof said.

“If the parents and children are interested in certain activities that are not hosted at The Nest, then we can absolutely utilise the community assets available to us."

Ms Oosterhof said IMPACT leans on the diverse experience and expertise of its staff.

“Some staff in the program are parents themselves, and some of the parenting support workers have been previous clients in programs and now work in that space with us.

“It is very much an open, nonjudgmental, inclusive space.”

For more information on Young Parents Connect, contact the team on 07 4153 4233.

To explore The Nest’s partners and IMPACT’s services, visit the website.