Lockdown fun for all whizz kids!

Life just got a whole lot more fun for your little Einstein!

A PhD student at the Tyndall National Institute in UCC is providing a free online weekly activity programme for children interested in science and technology.

Marinara Marcato, who also teaches science in schools on Leeside voluntarily, established SMART Edu Club to create high quality, educational content for children in a fun and engaging way. The free weekly programme is aimed at children aged seven or older. 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 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,” said Marinara, who is also a part-time STEAM teacher.

She continued: “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. ”

Fellow students Jean Matias and Vicky Burke are also assisting Marinara.

Prof William Scanlon, CEO, Tyndall National Institute at UCC said: “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.”

The challenge is running until 25 April. Parents and kids are sent all activities and can sign up for free at smarteduclub.com/challenge.