The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone, but lower income households bore the brunt of the impact. According to The Straits Times, more than half of households earning less than $1,000 reported disruptions to their income during the circuit breaker in mid-2020. It is during such crisis periods where it is more important than ever that we come together to support those in our community who are struggling.
In that vein of togetherness, the inaugural College of Science Community Project (COSCP) was launched by NTU College of Science (CoS) in September 2021. Championed by student leaders, the aim of the Community Project was to provide faculty members, staff and students with a platform through which the spirit of charity could be fostered.
Having raised $5,060, exceeding the $5,000 fundraising goal in less than 15 days, COSCP was able to carry out their plan of hosting a virtual science camp for several student care centres. Through the activities of this science camp, COSCP hopes to provide an opportunity for these children to learn about science in a fun and engaging way.
With 43 volunteers comprising CoS faculty, staff and students, the COSCP virtual science camp was held from 13 to 17 December 2021 over Zoom. 135 students from 4 different student care centres across Singapore participated. They came from the New Life Student Care Centre, CampusImpact, The Salvation Army Student Care Centre and the Carehut Student Care Centre. All 4 centres provide care, education and social support services for children from low-income households.
Over the course of the 5-day virtual science camp, the volunteers guided the children through various science activities and experiments. The children were taught Cov-Ed (COVID-19 education) and the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
They learned how to make the ever popular, ever squishy slime.
They explored basic geology and the science behind earthquakes and volcanoes through the building of models.
They discovered how ecosystems work by crafting their own terrariums.
The children also got a chance to build lava lamps and learned how water can be transported via capillary action in a “walking water” experiment.
The organising committee who brought you COSCP.
With the success of COSCP 2021, the College looks forward to the next one in 2022. COSCP wishes to continue promoting a more caring society while educating on the wonders of science year after year!