HUNDREDS of children from struggling families are to receive weekly home science kits in a new drive by Dundee Science Centre.
The "practical, hands-on" kits are adapted from the attraction's home learning programme and have been designed for those without broadband or digital devices.
They'll be delivered to as many as 350 youngsters with help from the city's Gate Church.
Dundee has the second highest level of child poverty in Scotland.
Centre bosses say they want to reach "some of the city's most deserving children" as part of the landmark's 20th birthday celebrations.
The project is the brainchild of Councillor Lynne Short, the local authority's fairness and equalities spokesperson and Dundee Science Centre board member.
Week one will introduce youngsters to basic experiments, with subsequent kits covering themes from bugs and beasties to the human body and forensics.
The cash is coming from the Centre's community fund, as well as the Gate Church, Dundee City Council's education department, Dundee University's life sciences arm and the charity Dundee Bairns.
Short said: “Science is everywhere, from our homes and gardens to what we eat and how we play, so it should be inclusive and accessible for all.
“These kits are guaranteed to bring some fun to local bairns, sparking imaginations and new ideas in the process, even more important with the holidays approaching.
“Yes, food and shelter are the basic priorities but mental health and wellbeing are also of paramount importance — bairns are bairns and all have the basic right to play, learn and have fun.
“We can’t wait to see and hear what they make of their kits and hope they bring lots of joy.”
Lorraine Lemon, head of business and operations at Dundee Science Centre commented: “We’ve been delighted by the response to our online Home Learning Programme but we’re also acutely aware that not every house has access to the internet, devices or the bits and pieces of kit they might require to take part.
“Now more than ever, there shouldn’t be any barriers to science learning so we decided to drill down into these activities and bring them directly to the homes of children who might otherwise have missed out.
“These weekly boxes, delivered to their door, will give children and their families a real boost, a focus and some fun while keeping up some science learning in the process.
“The project is also a fitting way to help us mark our milestone birthday and to give something back to the communities who have supported us during these 20 years.”
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