July 19, 2011 6.14 pm This story is over 152 months old

University to hold children’s science event

New scientists: Children will get to be mini scientists at a fun day, while academics can use the activities for research.

Kids can become mini-scientists this summer in a week-long scheme organised by the University of Lincoln.

“Lincoln Summer Scientists”, launched by child development specialists at the university’s School of Psychology, will take place on the Brayford Campus from August 22-26.

Parents and young children are invited to join in the free fun and games. They can register to attend a morning or afternoon session on any of the five days.

Activities for children aged between 3 months and 11-years-old include story-telling, face-painting, computer games, quizzes and physical challenges.

Academics will use the activities for scientific research purposes to learn more about how we all develop different abilities, concepts and beliefs as we grow up.

Dr Fenja Ziegler, of the university’s School of Psychology, said: “Children present a wonderful window into how the human mind works.

“By watching how they play simple games, we can gain a tremendous insight into really fundamental questions about what makes us human, from how we learn language to how we decide what is true and what is false.

“Lincoln Summer Scientists is a chance for families to have some fun while making a valuable contribution to real academic research.”

Parents and their children can opt out of any activities in which they do not wish to participate and the methodology behind each activity will be fully explained to parents.

All information recorded about the children’s responses will be anonymised so will never be linked back to individuals.

For more information or to register for the free events, email [email protected] or visit the website.