Live home learning sessions to help Cornish parents and children during lockdown
The videos include science, technology, engineering and mathematics experts
A new series of home learning tools has launched to help support parents and children in Cornwall during lockdown.
Every Friday a prominent member of the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) community in Cornwall will give a demonstration, host a live experiment and take questions from members of the audience on the Cornwall Council Facebook page.
The first session was held on Friday 22nd and featured Beach Guardian co-founder and marine biologist, Emily Stevenson. Emily hosted a beach themed, marine biology lesson and microplastic experiment.
Emily said: “I was delighted to support this project, because the aim of Beach Guardian is to engage, empower and educate against plastic pollution. The session included content appropriate for a variety of age groups, with some epic, hands-on plastic experiments that you can watch again and try out for yourself on your next beach visit.
“As an early career conservationist, it is a particular passion of mine to support and encourage young people to follow their passions and nurture their curiosity of the planet and it’s wonderful wildlife. I am honoured to be working with the Council and supporting this fantastic initiative.”
Emily Stevenson, Beach Guardian
The likes of Dave Pollard from Spaceport Cornwall, Caitlin Gould from TEC Girls, Shawn Brown from Kids Invent Stuff and Toby Parkins from Headforwards will be hosting sessions over the next few weeks before half term.
“With children at home we thought it was important to support parents with home schooling and to engage young people with a variety of subjects. We’ve had some great support from local STEM business leaders, who are all passionate about engaging young people in STEM and the opportunities that Cornwall can offer.”
Stem Coordinator at Cornwall Council, Janine Bisson
Cornwall Council has also gathered some resources to help support parents with home schooling. The pages have been broken down to different age groups and can be used to support the provision provided by schools.
“It’s a difficult time for parents who are juggling home learning and working from home, so we hope these sessions will help. We have some engaging topics, and all can be replicated at home with little to no resources and all the sessions will be suitable for most age groups.
“I would like to thank the business owners that are supporting us with these broadcasts, and we hope people enjoy them.”
Cabinet Member for Children and Public Health, Sally Hawken
You can find the sessions on the Cornwall Council Facebook Page.