Since June this year, global science company 3M and Science Centre Singapore have been distributing kits designed to spark curiosity and an interest in science through hands-on learning to underprivileged students and their parents.
3M Science at Home Kits: Sparking Curiosity
The 3M Science at Home kits contain apparatus and materials for the students to do simple science experiments at home. The kits were accompanied by online workshops led by Science Centre Singapore’s Science Educators.
For one of the kits, participants had to solve a murder mystery inspired by a real-life case study using testimonies and various forensic science techniques. This required them to make use of observational, critical thinking and analytical skills to analyse evidence, identify fingerprints and interview suspects to identify the true murderer.
In another kit themed Nature’s Inventions, students were introduced to biomimicry, the mimicry adopted by various plants and animals to solve problems, create, and innovate in the world.
With the aim of promoting bonding and learning as a family, parents were encouraged to join their children in conducting the experiments.
Fun with Science
3M and Science Centre Singapore worked with the South East CDC and social service agencies to identify the beneficiaries of the initiative.
One of the participants, Madinah, 12, said, “I enjoyed doing the experiments in the 3M Science at Home Murder Mystery kit with my sister, especially the blood typing activity. I hope that there will be kits that my sister can also participate in, so we can explore other science topics together!”
Another participant, Iffah, 12, said, “I was worried about my PSLE examinations, but the 3M Science at Home Murder Mystery kit encouraged me to not fear science anymore. The kit also showed me how science can help to solve crimes, and this is very helpful as I want to be a police officer when I grow up!”
In total, 281 of these 3M Science at Home Kits will be distributed to families this year. The final batch is set to be delivered between 1 and 3 December 2021.
