Me and My Body (MAMBO): An Interactive Science Education Programme for Primary Schools

This paper describes a novel science education initiative developed for 8- to 12-year-old children by the Biomedical Diagnostics Institute at Dublin City University, Ireland. Me and My Body (MAMBO) is an interactive, multi-faceted programme that enables children to explore and understand the dynamic physiological parameters of the human body using simple sensing and diagnostic devices. The programme consists of a number of complementary elements comprising a colourfully animated website, a classroom- based series of lessons taught by a visiting educator, a curriculum-linked resource CD for teachers, and an out-of-school workshop. Topics investigated by the children include the blood, immune system, heart, and healthy living. The introduction of the programme into Irish primary schools has been met with enthusiastic responses from both students and teachers. An early introduction to science is found to have a strong, long-term impact and is highly beneficial in improving children's attitudes towards science and helping them to obtain accurate scientific views of their world (Harlen, 1985; Rocard, 2007). A novel science education initiative for children aged 8 to 12 years, developed at the Biomedical Diagnostics Institute (BDI) at Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland, is described. The programme was developed and piloted in Irish primary schools in 2006, with over 1000 students taking part in Me and My Body (MAMBO)- related activities.