“As scientists, we hope to demonstrate to the public that scientific research is not only essential to tackle the issues that face us in the future, but it can be engaging and fun.

Events and activities aimed at the younger generation can show them that they can be part of the world of science. With parts of Norfolk being among the most deprived areas in the country, it’s really important to showcase that such science is going on right here in Norwich.

Recently, I had the privilege of organising and leading outreach activities for Year 1 and Year 2 children at West Earlham Infant and Nursery School, introducing them to the fascinating world of microbiology. With the support of a dedicated team of researchers at the Quadram Institute, we created engaging activities to explore microbes, antibiotics, and the vital role of handwashing.

Hands on experience

A highlight of our sessions was the hands-on agar plate experiment. The children eagerly touched the plates with unwashed hands, followed by a round of handwashing, and then touched the plates again. Back in the lab, we incubated the plates, and the resulting microbial growth, captured in photographs, provided a powerful visual lesson on the impact of hand hygiene.

Now, the results were, shall we say, interesting. While the intention was to showcase the difference between washed and unwashed hands (and how soap washes away the microbes from our hands), it seems some of our young scientists might have been a little too eager and skipped the soap stage. For some of the plates you would be forgiven for not being able to tell which was washed and which was unwashed.

Feedback from teachers and future scientists

Despite the varying results on the agar plates, the feedback we received was incredibly rewarding, from both teachers and children alike.

A teacher reflected, “They really understood the importance of hand washing and also understood (so visually!) how microbes/bacteria are all around us, some harmful, some not harmful, some just there”

Another teacher added, “You really contextualised the learning that we have been doing around digestion and brought it to life for our little people!”

The children’s enthusiasm was equally infectious, “I loved that we got to be doctors!” one child exclaimed.

Another shared, “I learnt that some medicines don’t work for viruses but they help other things like bacteria.”

The agar plate experiment was described with excitement by another child, “My favourite part was those dish things. We wiped our fingers on the dirty side and then we washed our hands and wiped the clean side and then they are going to take it back to the lab and test it!”

It’s clear that the sessions resonated with the children, sparking their curiosity and igniting a passion for discovery. Hopefully, we’ve planted a seed that will blossom into a future generation of scientists, right here in Norwich.”