By Benjamin Millar
Dr Lorian Parker says her heart sings when she sees the joy that science can put on the face of a child.
The Footscray science educator, who runs the SciencePlay Kids program, has been named one of the Australian Financial Review’s 100 Women of Influence for 2018.
The list features women working across a spectrum of industries throughout Australia who have demonstrated a strong sense of commitment to a cause.
Dr Parker draws on her background in medical research and experience introducing her own two children and their friends to hands-on science experiments to deliver workshops and education to kids.
“Science is in everything and young kids are always asking questions about the world around them, but as they get older they can become less curious,” she said.
“I want to bring the magic and fun of science to life in a way everyone can see its magic.”
Dr Parker said hands-on science activities helps cement lessons about science for children is it attaches the knowledge to positive emotions.
While it can be intimidating for parents and even schools to know where to begin, Dr Parker said it can be very simple to make science education fun for children.
She finds it especially rewarding when her science workshops light up the faces of children from diverse backgrounds or those with anxiety or disability.
“I have parents turn up with their children and say that they might just watch as they don’t always join in activities, but then they are surprised to see that a few minutes later they are getting really involved,” she said.
SciencePlay Kids runs regularly at Footscray Community Arts Centre.
Dr Parker will also be running daily animal science workshops from 10am-2pm September 24 to 28 as part of Highpoint shopping centre’s school holiday activities.
