A PhD student at University College Cork (UCC) is providing a free online weekly activity programme for children interested in science and technology.
Marinara Marcato, a PhD student at the Tyndall National Institute in UCC, established SMART Edu Club, to create high quality, educational content for children in a fun and engaging way. Now as our world is confined to our homes and parents have to ‘home school’ their kids, she is running a free weekly programme online for children aged seven upwards.
The topics for the activities include binary number and text encoding, data encryption, GPS coordinates and systems, and finally drones. Parents do not need any prior knowledge, as lessons contain very accessible language and clear instructions.
“With SMART Edu Club we want to create online content and activities that children can do from home with easily accessible household materials. The activities can be done individually or with the guidance from parents” commented Marinara, who is also a part-time STEAM teacher.
The challenge is running now until April 25. Parents and kids are sent all activities and can sign up here for free – https://smarteduclub.com/challenge/
“At SMART Edu Club we want to bring scientific topics to life. We want the children to follow a story, engage with our animations and apply what they learn in a practical project. From my experience that’s what the kids enjoy the most, seeing their knowledge come to life,” commented Marinara who has also volunteers her time to teach science to children in school around Cork.
Fellow students Jean Matias and Vicky Burke are assisting Marinara, commenting, Prof William Scanlon, CEO, Tyndall National Institute at UCC stated, “Our post graduate students, Marinara and Jean, are outstanding examples of Tyndall’s creativity and collaboration during these exceptional times. It is very exciting to see their initiative presenting such an invaluable opportunity to support the challenge of ‘home schooling’ during the current crisis. We all look forward to following the progress and the success of their enterprise,” stated Prof William Scanlon, CEO, Tyndall National Institute at UCC.
