Gowrie at The Harbour recently partnered with Global Play Lab to host an exciting and interactive discovery lab called ‘Lightscape Explorers’ as part of Museum Victoria’s annual Playbound Festival.
Lightscape Explorers allowed children to explore light, shadow, and transparency on natural and recycled materials using child-safe STEM tools like microscopes, blacklights, and projectors.
In preparation for the event, educators at The Harbour were guided by the children who were heavily involved in the planning and decision-making of the sorts of experiences that would be on offer in the lab.
Early Learning Manager Sabiha said they were intentional about capturing the voices of the children and how they want attendees to interact with the space by forming a children’s committee from the 0-3 and 3-5-year-old groups. “These children were invited into the space to explore and interact with the materials,” says Sabiha. “The educators leading the design and curriculum of the event supported this exploration by prompting and scaffolding the children’s curiosity. This process helped us design the space in a way that truly reflects the voice and perspective of the child.”
This children’s committee highlighted how important it is for children’s voices to be heard, as well as transferring the skills they are learning in the programs into practical use.
Watch the video below to gain insight into the children’s committee and planning around Lightscape Explorers.
