In primary education, science is more than just textbooks and tests. It is an exciting chance to explore the world around us. It focuses on hands-on discovery, thinking critically, and tapping into that innate curiosity children have about how things work. One of the best ways to make science come alive is through parent collaboration, especially when parents bring their expertise from fields like STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics).
At AISL Harrow Haikou School, we recently hosted our first ever Pre-Prep Science Day. It was a shining example of how fantastic things can happen when parents step into the classroom. Parents and professionals from a variety of STEM industries shared their knowledge, led engaging workshops, and helped our students see just how exciting science can be.
BRINGING SCIENCE TO LIFE
It is not every day that young children get to learn from professionals who work at the cutting edge of science and technology. But during our Pre-Prep Science Day, we had the privilege of having parents who are experts in their fields, guiding our students through some truly unique learning experiences.
For instance, one of the workshops focused on artificial intelligence (AI), a technology that is rapidly shaping the future. We were fortunate to have an AI specialist lead the session, giving the children a chance to dive into the world of machines that ‘learn and adapt’. The children became involved with interactive activities that helped them grasp fundamental AI concepts such as machine learning and pattern recognition. What might sound complicated was broken down in a way that was engaging and accessible, showing them not only how AI is changing the world around them but also how they can be a part of it.
Another exciting workshop took the children into the science of interior design, where they explored the science behind creating spaces that are both beautiful and practical. The children learned how light, space, and materials play a key role in shaping the mood of a room. It was a perfect example of how science extends beyond textbooks and labs. It influences the environments we live in every day.
CREATING A DYNAMIC AND BROAD CURRICULUM
One of the biggest benefits of having parents as professionals involved in the classroom is how it expands and enriches the curriculum. These workshops were not only fun activities for the pupils; they also introduced them to new perspectives and real-world applications of science. Instead of sticking to traditional lessons, the children were able to see how science connects to fields like technology, design, and even everyday life. It is a fantastic way to demonstrate that science underpins the world we live in.
Having a wide range of expertise brought into the classroom means that students are exposed to a broader curriculum. One that connects ideas from various fields and shows the many ways science is part of our world. Whether a student is interested in art, technology, or problem-solving, these workshops can spark new interests and open their eyes to possibilities they may never have considered before.
For instance, a child who is drawn to creativity may never realise that interior design is rooted in scientific principles such as light and space or that a student with a budding interest in technology could be inspired to explore AI and perhaps even pursue it in the future. This is the beauty of deepening the curriculum through collaborative networks. It gives students the chance to discover their passions early on and opens the door to them becoming the next generation of global leaders.
BUILDING CURIOSITY FOR SCIENCE
When parents bring their enthusiasm and passion for their fields into the classroom, it is contagious. The workshops at Pre-Prep Science Day were designed not just to teach, but to spark wonder. And it worked. The children were excited, engaged, and curious. They wanted to ask questions and eagerly dive into each new concept.
Parents who work in STEAM fields as experts and specialists have a unique energy about them, and when they share their love for what they do, it inspires the students to feel the same way. Whether it is exploring the future of AI or experimenting with design principles, the pupils felt like they were getting a peek into something bigger than just a school lesson. They were discovering things that could shape their future.
One of the best ways to make science come alive is through parent collaboration, especially when parents bring their expertise from fields like STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics).
SCIENCE EVERYWHERE, ALL THE TIME
One of the most valuable lessons from the Pre-Prep Science Day was the realisation that science is not just something that happens in labs or on a whiteboard. It is everywhere, in the technology we use, the spaces we inhabit, and even the way we think and solve problems. The workshops helped our students see science as something dynamic and interconnected. Not a boring list of facts, but an exciting, real-world adventure.
This kind of learning keeps children excited about the future. It shows them that science is not limited to the classroom. It is part of their everyday lives, shaping everything from the technology in their hands to the design of the rooms they live in. It opens their minds to new possibilities and sparks curiosity that can last a lifetime.
PROVIDING ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
Pre-Prep Science Day showed just how much of a difference parent partnerships can make in primary science education. By bringing in experts from different industries, we helped broaden the pupils’ understanding of science, making it more exciting, accessible, and real. These workshops did more than teach concepts. They sparked curiosity, fostered new interests, and gave the students a taste of what’s possible in the world of STEAM.
When parents get involved, the learning experience is richer, and the excitement is infectious. Perhaps one of these students will be inspired to pursue a career within STEAM, all thanks to a fun and inspiring Science Day at school.
Academic Stretch and Challenge Activities that may be of interest:
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