THE Scientific Research Council (SRC) and the Bureau of Standards Jamaica hosted 40 primary school students, age nine to 12, at science camp over the summer, allowing them the opportunity of conducting experiments.

The camps held in Westmoreland, Kingston and Clarendon formed part of the state push for more youngsters to be oriented toward the reality that they can become scientists.

The pre-GSAT students were targetted specifically.

“Students at this level are taught science by theory and do not get a chance to actually perform experiments, so we exposed them to this vital part of science to provide more comprehension as well as to create more interest,” said Kofi-Ann Spence, technical information officer at the SRC.

The students were allowed to conduct “fun and exciting science experiments,” said Spence, such as chemistry/chemical changes, investigating fingerprints, food tests, artemia presentations, weights and measurements activities, and calcium games.

Field trips included visits to the Royal Palm Reserve in Negril where students got to see some indigenous plants and animal fauna.