Bug Hunters‘ host Dr Michel Dugon will be directing two summer science camps which aim to look at science through a new and youthful lens. The camps will provide a safe and encouraging atmosphere in which young scientists can get involved and experiment as real scientists do.
The Bio-EXPLORERS programme comprises two science courses called Cell EXPLORERS and Eco EXPLORERS. Both programmes are aimed at children between eight and 13 years and all participants will get the chance to perform experiments and analyse their results in a proper research laboratory.
Cell EXPLORERS will teach children about how the cells in our bodies work to keep us healthy and fight disease. They will create individual cell models and observe their creations under the microscope. Extracting DNA from these cell samples will also form part of the overall experience. Eco EXPLORERS will look at plants and animals in our environment.
Each camp will include a workshop with Kitchen Chemistry which runs hands-on experiments which bring chemistry to life. The initiative has already gained considerable interest in the west of Ireland after debuting at the Galway Science and Technology Festival in 2014.
The programme is organised by NUI Galway’s School of Natural Sciences and it is now taking bookings for both summer events which take place from July 4-8 and July 11-15.The cost for one child is €160 with additional siblings costing €145. The course runs from 9.30am to 4.30pm on a daily basis and pre-registration is available at www.cellexplorers.com
