‘Give S&T toys this Christmas’

 In a bid to create a culture of science in the country, the Science Education Institute (SEI) is urging parents and godparents to give children and teens science- and technology-related gifts this Christmas. 

SEI director Dr. Ester Ogena said Christmas is an opportune time for parents and godparents to help create a culture of science by exposing their children to educational materials that could trigger interest in science and mathematics.

“Parents and godparents should be mindful of selecting toys that could initiate interest in science and technology as gifts,” Ogena said.

She said doing so could help shape children’s minds into pursuing a career in the sciences or engineering.

“These could be manipulative toys (toys that stimulate reasoning and improve motor skills) or simply reading materials. It could even be CDs or DVDs from which the children could learn enthralling things about science and technology,” she said.

These toys, she stressed, need not be expensive.

“These toys could range from the basic level – those that suit children – or higher levels, or the so-called ‘toys for the big boys’,” Ogena said. “These toys are widely available and buyers would only need a keen eye to find them.”     – Helen Flores