Behind the door, pupils are learning practical science experiments as part of a learning club hosted by The Smith Family.

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The STEM-focused learning club is one of two hosted by Invermay Primary School.

STEM club facilitator Kristy Venten said the activities were supposed to be fun and help inspire the participants.

“It’s an opportunity to expose them to things they might not always get to do at school and stimulate them to think about STEM projects,” he said.

Grade four pupil Dylan Maher is supported at the club by The Smith Family.

He is one of about 15 pupils participating in the learning club.

“I like the club because we are always doing experiments, science is fun,” Dylan said.

Dylan said STEM was one of his favourite subjects but learning club “made it more fun.”

Grade 6 participant Amber Semmens said the club helped her enjoy STEM subjects a lot more.

“It has made me want to do STEM subjects more, I like STEM club because it brings me in a bit more,” she said.

Some of the experiments included testing the freezing and boiling points of water, mixing milk and Coke, and maths card games. 

The Smith Family regional programs manager Paul Mallett said learning clubs aimed to support children to engage and achieve at school.

“There is research out there to suggest that additional hours children spent outside of school advantages them and is likely to help build on their education,” he said.

The STEM learning club has been running at Invermay Primary School since last year.

There is also a Japanese-focused learning club.