Ken Simpson shelled out some fascinating facts and fun at Yarra Junction Library last week. Rayne Hallam, 12, and Monique Rippingale, 13, shared his enthusiasm for nature.By Kath Gannaway
HOW do you make species classification and chronological dating fun for youngsters?
Just get Ken Simpson along.
That was the strategy used by Yarra Junction Library for their school holiday workshop last week … and it worked famously!
Mr Simpson, a local community-minded research scientist, ran the workshop for children aged 10 to 16.
He led them in observing, sorting and classifying shell-grit, coins and people.
Lunch provided the energy boost needed to tackle time, ageing and chronological dating of more coins, shells, wood and rocks.
“Ken showed the children how growth rings and growth lines show the age of the item,” explained the library’s Maria Mithen.
“Ken is passionate about his interests and enthused the children to find themselves a hobby that could even turn into a paying job in later life,” she said.
“His advice was to stay ahead of the pack with sharp observation, perpetual interest, good study, joining in of activities and becoming a leader in volunteering.”
Ms Mithen welcomed his advice to children to join a library … “no matter where you live or where you go and to always read widely and avidly”.
