Wanted: six curious children

THE hunt is on for some “stretchy thinkers” — eight to 12 year olds who will help to create a second series of the successful Science Apprentice books.

Science Apprentice are fun books that encourage children and adults to explore the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) of the world around us.

The books are created by a team at University College Dublin and this year, they are looking for six children — and parents — to form a ‘wonder panel’ of advisors to tease out ideas for the series. Teachers may also join in.

The panel will meet in UCD three times between April and June, and work with writers, designers and scientists to develop the stories and help with page and character design.

Applications to: independent.ie/wonderpanel. Closing date is Friday, March 16.

Sorcha Browne of the School of Education, UCD, says: “We love the idea of stretchy thinkers. These are people who think outside the box. They help us to stretch our understanding of the world by asking more questions and trying new things.”

Two of the ‘wonder kids’ will also become characters in Science Apprentice, joining established characters Phil, Izzy and Rover the dog on their exploration.

The books will be circulated with the Irish Independent during Science Week in November.