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.