Tamariki enjoying experiments and games at the 'Science of Medicines' pilot run by Dr Karyn Maclennan
The Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit's Dr Karyn Maclennan is currently piloting a new, innovative and hands-on education programme targeted at tamariki, to help teach them about the science of medicines, using a Te Ao Māori perspective.
The programme asks questions like:
Where do medicines come from?
How are they made? How do they work?
How do we use them safely?
What does the future hold?
These questions are explored by tamariki through a hands-on education programme that aims to build conversations and confidence around medicines among children, whānau and communities. Highlights include experiments such as: Nature's Medicine Chest; Paracetamol Patrol; creating at our Formulation Station; and playing our Be a wise guy, KA PAI! board game, and rising to the community immunity COVID Kerplunk challenge!
Dr Maclennan piloted the programme with a group of tamariki at the end of January (see photo below), before it goes 'live' in schools through the Southern region. The programme received great reviews, and all the tamariki had a great time with hands-on experiments and games - even making their own lip gloss!
This project is funded a 'Unlocking Curious Minds' funded project. Their website can be found here.
Further information
The Science of Medicines on Facebook
