Science Day and Night: Bringing Science to Life for the Next Generation
Dr. Özlem Sarikaya Bayram recently led an exciting Science Day outreach session at a local school in Maynooth, sparking curiosity and inspiring young minds. Through engaging, hands-on activities, Dr. Sarikaya Bayram introduced kids to the wonders of science in a fun and interactive way. A standout moment was the DNA isolation experiment using strawberries, where children had the chance to extract and observe the stringy white DNA strands, offering them a firsthand look at the building blocks of life.
The session also featured a captivating lava lamp experiment, demonstrating the natural separation of oil and water—mirroring how different nutrients are absorbed in the body. With the help of an anatomical torso model, Dr. Sarikaya Bayram guided the kids through the journey of food in the digestive system, explaining the importance of nutrient absorption and digestive health.
To reinforce the significance of physical activity, kids participated in an interactive pulse check before and after a lively dance session to the tune of "Baby Shark," linking exercise with heart health. Through these dynamic activities, Dr. Sarikaya Bayram emphasized the importance of whole, nutrient-rich foods and regular physical activity—key habits that positively impact children's health and wellbeing.
Following the Science Day, the Science Night extended the excitement with engaging activities, including a sugar detection experiment using colorimetric assays to help kids understand the sugar content in various foods. These hands-on experiments highlighted the difference between healthier, whole foods and sugary snacks.
This Science Day and Night event is part of Maynooth University's ongoing commitment to making science accessible and enjoyable for young learners. By empowering children with knowledge, we are fostering healthy habits that will benefit them for years to come.