This spring, young children from across Liverpool got their first taste of scientific discovery as the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences partnered with Everton in the Community to launch the Toddler Science Club - an exciting new initiative bringing research to life for 3–5 year olds and their grown-ups.
Held on Thursday mornings throughout March and April, the sessions took place at Everton in the Community’s People’s Hub and welcomed families from local areas. Children explored a range of scientific themes, including animals, making medicines and ecology. The sessions incorporated messy play, storytelling, crafts, and songs, with the aim of helping them to build an early curiosity in science through creativity and fun.
Researchers from across the Faculty helped to plan and deliver the sessions, linking their own research to activities in toddler-friendly ways. The Centre for Experimental Therapeutics team shared the work they are doing to make medicines better, whilst the Liverpool Language Lab played fun, interactive language games. Families also heard about what it takes to be a vet, the link between what we eat and how we feel and the exciting research happening in the Faculty to protect local animal and insect species. At the sessions, researchers and volunteers chatted with families, ran activities, and even joined in with reading stories and singing nursery rhymes.
“This was the first time we’ve run a science engagement programme specifically for this age group, and we’re thrilled with how it went,” said Melissa Whitehouse, Public Engagement Coordinator for the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. “It has been so rewarding to see researchers share their work in new and playful ways, and to see how young children light up when they discover something new. By sharing what happens here at the University it helps to inspire the scientists of the future. We’ve had brilliant feedback from families and are already looking at how we can grow the project.”
The Toddler Science Club was also a valuable opportunity for researchers and students to develop their public engagement skills in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Full training was provided to all volunteers, who helped with planning, setup, and delivery.
With strong community interest and positive feedback from both participants and researchers, the Toddler Science Club looks set to become a regular fixture in the Faculty’s public engagement calendar.
The project was supported by the Alumni and Friends Fund Grant, which is made possible thanks to donors at the University.
For more information or to register interest in future events, contact HLSEngagement@liverpool.ac.uk or visit our public engagement webpages.