Classes for Singapore kids: I want to be a scientist

Garden Learning

Ages 3-8
Explore the gardens at Kranji Farms with your senses on the GAKids Edutour. Start with the herbs, fruit trees and flowers in the outdoor garden and move on to the pond for water plants. When you get indoors, use your interactive book to identify the shaded money and mosquito plants. Gardenasia $8 per child (minimum 20 children); 60-75 mins. 240 Neo Tiew Crescent (9021 8765, www.gardenasiakids.com).

Introduction to Robotics

Ages 7-9
Create a soccer robot using kits for a three-on-three soccer game during this I-Robo Introduction to Robotics Workshop. Learn the concepts behind robotics, its technical aspects, the use of sensors, motors and circuit boards, and the basics of assembling and controlling. The Science Centre offers the course throughout the year, so keep your eyes on the dial. $45; 4 hours. 15 Science Centre Rd (6425 2543, www.science.edu.sg).

Eco Steps

Ages 9-12
Join Sara the Botanicosaurus and Rana the Frog to learn about carbon footprints and the things you can do to make a difference. Discover useful and multipurpose trees like the calabash, banana and tapioca plants growing in the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden. Who says you’re too young to battle global warming? $8.50 per child (minimum 20 children); 60 mins. Book four weeks in advance. Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Rd (6471 9961, www.sbg.org.sg).

Zookeeper’s Course

Ages 10-13
Dress like a keeper and wander around the Singapore Zoo to learn how the departments work together. You’ll be able to get your hands on the cuddlies in the Rainforest Kidzworld, the colourful wrigglies in the Fragile Forest, and prepare an enrichment activity for an animal of your choice. The next session of this biannual outreach programme is on 3 December, but claim your spot now. $250; 8 hours. 80 Mandai Lake Rd (6360 8534, www.zoo.com.sg).

First Aid Workshop

Ages 12-15
Always wondered how to perform CPR, or the Heimlich Manoeuvre? Enrol in this one-day Basic First Aid Course at the Singapore First Aid Training Centre and you’ll pick up more than that: from the heart, lungs and brain, to choking, burns and the recovery position – you won’t be needing a doctor in the house when you’re done. You’ll even have the Basic First Aid Certificate to prove it. $60; 9 hours. 29 Aug; call for other dates. 142 Neil Rd (6297 8123, www.firstaidtraining.com.sg). Minimum 15 children per group.

Mangrove Education

Ages 6-10
Put on your jungle gear and get wild at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Expect an eye-opening experience as you venture into a world dense with flora and fauna. Apart from the regular walks available, the Young Naturalist Passport Camp promises a series of fun-filled and educational indoor and outdoor illumination of the wetlands and nature conservation issues through worksheets, nature walks and hands-on activities. The one-day camp is limited to 40 children. $5; 8-9 hours. 4 Sep. 301 Neo Tiew Crescent (6794 1401, www.sbwr.org.sg).

Dolphin Swim

Ages 5 & above
Jump in the drink with Singapore’s resident Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins at Underwater World’s Dolphin Lagoon. You’ll learn how to communicate with these brainy, pink-coloured marine mammals with hand cues learnt from the fully qualified instructor. Includes a feeding session and access to Underwater World. $150; 60 mins. Underwater World, 80 Siloso Rd (6275 0030, www.underwaterworld.com.sg).

Stargazing Sessions

All ages
Gaze upon the glory of our solar system at the Science Centre Observatory – one of only a few in the world this close to the Equator. Our location on the bump of the globe opens up more vistas in the skies, allowing views of more constellations in both hemispheres. Get up close and personal with your favourite planets using sophisticated telescopes. Free; 60 mins. Every Fri in Aug; 7-8pm. The Observatory, Omni-Theatre Building, 21 Jurong Town Hall Rd (6425 2500, www.omnitheatre.com.sg).

Falconry

Ages 7-12
This is one raptor you do not want to miss: Jurong Bird Park has a two-day children-only camp where keen twitchers will be able to try your little hands at being a falconer. You will also go hunting to discover what the owls ate for dinner, venture behind the scenes to visit newly hatched chicks and get up close with the birds during feeding time. $120; 2 days. 2 & 3 Dec. Jurong Bird Park (6661 7809, www.birdpark.com.sg).

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This story first appeared as 'In a different class: School of the arts' (Aug 2010)