Children are ‘the best educators’: how the Young Scientist badge can teach adults about sustainability

use children to influence adults

Over one million badges have been awarded since the Young Scientist Badge Scheme was launched 41 years ago. But as the field of science evolved, so did the scheme.

For example, the Young Sustainability Champion badge was introduced in 2020, making it the first badge for middle school students to sign up in the “senior” category.

In 2022, two badges, the Madame Curie badge and the Margaret Fountain badge, will be launched under a new category called interdisciplinary badges. This year we added the Young Digital Fabricator badge.

Tasks for other badges have also been updated, such as not requiring children to visit the now-demolished National Library building on Stamford Road.

But the essence of the Young Scientist badge scheme is still alive and well. Lim Tit Meng, chief executive of the science center, said it shows “the power of experiencing children.”

This could be particularly useful in the field of sustainability, Lim noted, highlighting a documentary he saw where a grandmother expressed frustration at having to reduce waste.Her granddaughter reminded her that her inaction will affect the future of younger generations.

“Sometimes children are the best educators to change parents. You are not green,” he explained.

“I think parents listen to them more, especially when kids say, ‘That’s my future.'”

Lim added that the Young Sustainability Champion badge also encourages young people to “own their situation” by empowering them.

“They are young, so they need to get their parents involved. I ask my parents to think about whether I can play a role,” he said.