Science for kiddies as nursery children enjoy RGU experience

Youngsters from the Treehouse Nursery made the short trip across campus to the Sir Ian Wood Building to take part in various imaginative scientific activities.

Fun games included the class full of children designing their own superpower-inducing germs, finger-painting the double-helix of DNA, and making slime to simulate various real-life bacterial infections.

Rebecca Wright, Lecturer, RGU said: “We loved welcoming the nursery children and opening their eyes to how engaging science can be when it’s taught in a fun, vibrant and inclusive environment.

“The children enjoyed the sensory aspect of the activities, where they were encouraged to observe, describe, and think creatively - just like a scientist would in the laboratory.”

Fiona McQueen, Senior Manager, Treehouse Nursery said: “Attending the RGU Biomedical Science session offered the children new and exciting opportunities to grow and develop their curiosity around science. The children had a great time having fun experimenting and learning about germs and their DNA through fingerprints.”

RGU and the Treehouse Nursey regularly collaborate on various engagements, linking communities and enabling children the opportunity to take advantage of the facilities and space on offer on campus.

It is one of many widening access activities that exist across the University to ensure that pathways to higher education come in many forms and is accessible for all.

Gemma Barron is also a lecturer at RGU as well as the mother of one the nursery children who attended. She said: “My daughter returned from nursery on the day of the Biomedical Science Day event buzzing with excitement because she was in mummy's work, learning all about science.

“She hasn't stopped talking about the things she learnt, everything from bugs to slime to special cells in our bodies. It is wonderful to see her so inspired by science at such a young age”.

The messy science was one of a number of events at Robert Gordon University to celebrate Biomedical Science Day on 6 June and was helped to be made possible by a small grant from the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

Biomedical science is a biology and chemistry related discipline used mostly in healthcare laboratories to identify, research, monitor and treat diseases. As one of the broadest areas of modern science, it is constantly advancing and underpins much of modern medicine focusing on the complexity of the human body, how cells, organs and systems function as well as investigating how disease and medicine affect them.