Arctic Frontiers and Nordnorsk Vitensenteret have set the stage for an exciting scientific voyage and joined forces to host the “Science for Kids” program. Running its first Autumn 2023 sessions from September 12 to 14, 2023, this unique initiative is designed to ignite curiosity about research in young minds and foster a positive attitude towards knowledge and scientific inquiry.
“Science for Kids” is a multifaceted educational initiative that engages kindergarten students from seven different kindergartens. The program’s activities commence in the autumn, starting with an Inspiration Days on the shore where the children have the opportunity to interact with scientists and explore the beauty and complexity of the natural environment.
Exploring Natural Environments
Throughout the autumn, nursery staff receive guidance from Nordnorsk Vitensenteret to incorporate research thinking and pedagogy into their curriculum. Over the following weeks, the children delve into various themes, hypotheses, and experiments, with the choice of themes guided by the children themselves. Previous projects have explored a wide range of topics, from wind and darkness to sewage and plants.
One of the highlights of the program is the poster party held in January, where the children present their work. In January 2023, five kindergartens with a total of 81 children and 20 adults participated in this celebration of young scientific minds. 2024 is bound to set a new record with more than 100 children attending.
Inspiring Young Minds
In the current phase of the “Science for Kids” program, kindergarten students have embarked on a thrilling scientific journey at the Nordnorsk Vitensenteret. The adventure commenced with a warm welcome and an imaginative exploration aboard a simulated scientific vessel. Here, the children were introduced to the world of science, particularly marine science, and actively participated in the extraction of samples and marine creatures from the seafloor.
The scientific expedition led the children through various natural environments, including the open ocean, formidable icebergs, and icy landscapes, offering them a hands-on experience with marine research. The children were captivated by the diverse marine life residing on and beneath the seafloor, engaging in discussions and interactions with marine scientists to deepen their understanding.
As the “Science for Kids” program continues to unfold, it promises to inspire and shape the young minds of tomorrow, fostering a love for science and exploration among the kindergarten students of Tromsø.
Arctic Frontiers na Nordnorsk Vitensenteret wameweka hatua kwa ajili ya safari ya kisayansi ya kusisimua na kuungana nguvu kwa mwenyeji wa "Science kwa Kids" programu. Mkutano wa kwanza wa vuli wa 2023 unafanyika Septemba 12 hadi 14, 2023 na imekusudiwa kuamsha udadisi wa utafiti katika akili za vijana na kukuza mtazamo mzuri kuelekea maarifa na uchunguzi wa kisayansi. "Sayansi kwa Watoto" ni mpango wa elimu wenye pande nyingi ambao unawahusisha wanafunzi wa shule ya chekechea kutoka shule saba tofauti za chekechea. Shughuli za programu huanza katika vuli, kuanzia na Siku za Msukumo kwenye pwani ambapo watoto wana fursa ya kuingiliana na wanasayansi na kuchunguza uzuri na utata wa mazingira ya asili. Kujifunza Mazingira ya Asili Katika kipindi chote cha vuli, wafanyakazi wa chekechea hupokea mwongozo kutoka Nordnorsk Vitensenteret kuingiza kufikiri kwa utafiti na ufundishaji katika mtaala wao. Katika majuma yanayofuata, watoto hujifunza mambo mbalimbali, nadharia, na majaribio, huku watoto wenyewe wakichagua mambo hayo. Miradi ya awali imechunguza mada mbalimbali, kuanzia upepo na giza hadi maji machafu na mimea. Mojawapo ya mambo makuu ya programu hiyo ni sherehe ya mabango inayofanywa mwezi wa Januari, ambapo watoto huonyesha kazi zao. Katika Januari 2023, shule tano za chekechea na jumla ya watoto 81 na watu wazima 20 walishiriki katika sherehe hii ya akili za kisayansi vijana. Mwaka huu wa 2024, Shirika la Watoto la Marekani limeweka rekodi ya watoto zaidi ya 100 waliohudhuria. Katika awamu ya sasa ya programu ya "Sayansi kwa Watoto", wanafunzi wa shule ya chekechea wameanza safari ya kisayansi yenye kusisimua katika Nordnorsk Vitensenteret. Safari hiyo ilianza kwa kukaribishwa kwa uchangamfu na kuchunguzwa kwa mawazo mengi ndani ya chombo cha kisayansi kilichofananishwa. Katika kipindi hicho, watoto hao walianza kujifunza sayansi, hasa sayansi ya baharini, na kushiriki kikamilifu katika kuchimba sampuli na viumbe wa baharini kutoka kwenye sakafu ya bahari. Safari hiyo ya kisayansi iliwaongoza watoto kupitia mazingira mbalimbali ya asili, kutia ndani bahari iliyo wazi, milima ya barafu yenye kutisha, na mandhari yenye barafu, na kuwapa uzoefu wa kufanya utafiti wa baharini. Watoto walivutiwa na maisha mbalimbali ya baharini yaliyo juu na chini ya sakafu ya bahari, wakishiriki katika majadiliano na mwingiliano na wanasayansi wa baharini ili kuimarisha uelewa wao. Kama programu ya "Sayansi kwa Watoto" inaendelea kufunuliwa, inaahidi kuhamasisha na kuunda akili vijana wa kesho, kukuza upendo kwa sayansi na uvumbuzi miongoni mwa wanafunzi wa shule ya chekechea ya Tromsø.