Funded by:
PCE Seed Award
Timeline:
2025-2026
Laboratories are essential to scientific progress and public health, yet their work is often hidden from public view especially from children. For many primary school students, the idea of a laboratory can feel abstract, intimidating, or disconnected from everyday life. This lack of exposure limits children’s understanding of science and the diverse roles within it, often leading to reduced interest in science related careers from an early age. At the same time, laboratory personnel, from scientists and technicians are rarely have the opportunity to share their stories with the public. Highlighting the human side of laboratory work can foster greater appreciation for science, increase transparency, and build trust between research institutions and communities.
“A Day in the Lab” seeks to bridge this gap by introducing primary school children to the daily routines and people behind lab work. Through interactive brainstorming sessions, children will be invited to share their questions and ideas about what happens in a lab. These insights will shape a short, engaging video produced by real lab staff, showcasing their day-to-day tasks in simple, child-friendly language.
The project will culminate in a series of video screening events held in schools and community libraries, followed by interactive discussions and creative activities. These sessions aim to inspire curiosity, answer children’s questions, and create a more relatable image of science.
This initiative also supports lab personnel in developing skills in science communication and engagement, helping institutions become more inclusive and community-focused. The video and supporting materials will be made publicly available for continued use in schools and educational programs.
By making science visible, accessible, and engaging, “A Day in the Lab” encourages young learners to see themselves as future scientists and helps communities better understand and value the people working behind the scenes in research and healthcare.
This project’s objectives are:
Partners:
Brainstorming Sessions with Children
The project began with a brainstorming session involving 15 children aged 7–12 years, who are children of OUCRU Indonesia staff and were invited to spend half a day at the OUCRU office. Through games and interactive discussions, the laboratory team explored the children’s curiosity about laboratories and the lives of scientists. In addition to the discussion, participants were invited to visit the OUCRU laboratory and the IMERI museum.
Video Production by Lab Personnel
In the second phase, Insights gathered from brainstorming sessions were used to develop a series of educational videos titled “A Day in The Lab” produced by laboratory personnel and a primary school child. The series consists of four episodes:
(a) Petualangan Seru di dalam Tubuh (An Exciting Adventure Inside the Body)
(b) Selamat Datang di Laboratorium (Welcome to the Laboratory)
(c) Yuk Kenali Simbol dan Alat-Alat di Laboratorium, (Get to Know the Lab Symbols and its Tools)
(d) Kegiatan di Laboratorium (Laboratory Activities)
This video aims for primary school audiences in mind, using child-friendly narration, lively music, colourful visuals, and simple explanations Filming will be done ethically and inclusively, ensuring representation across genders, ages, and cultural backgrounds to inspire a wide range of children.
Video Screening and Discussion
As the final stage of the project, the “A Day in the Lab” event was conducted at two schools and one community centre in Jakarta. During the event, a mini learning station was set up where children could check their blood haemoglobin levels, conduct simple experiments, and observe blood samples under a microscope. This was followed by a screening of the four educational videos and interactive games, including transferring water using pipettes, solving puzzles, and assembling safety equipment.
A total of 17 laboratory personnel and 11 non-laboratory staff participated as facilitators. The events reached 110 students (Grades 4–6) and 20 teachers from two schools—SD Kasih Immanuel Taman Palem and SD Kasih Immanuel Taman Surya, Cengkareng, Jakarta Barat.
A Day in the Lab at the Community Centre
The activity at the community centre at Kampung Buku, Cibubur, Jakarta Timur from primary school to junior high school was postponed to January 2026.
