A TEACHER who launched a Facebook group to support home schooling parents has been stunned by the growth in users.

Carlisle teacher Carrie Ann Booth set up a Facebook group during lockdown, supporting parents who are home schooling with science experiment ideas and guidance on the facts.

Before lockdown three, The Science Booth Facebook group had a small but devoted following of 250 members.

But in recent weeks, it has grown exponentially to around 2500. Carrie Ann said: “Grown-ups and little ones have been having so much fun with science and I’m so proud of what we have achieved. Who knows we may have even inspired a future heart surgeon!”

Carrie Ann has been surprised by the uptake from parents and children. She said: “It’s not just the numbers, it’s the engagement and how people are taking part. There’s lot of things that get sent home home from primary schools, I think it’s nice the things I’ve been doing have been practical and hands-on.

“It’s just been a nice break from sitting looking at the computer screen.”

Last week, The Science Booth held an I Heart Science virtual camp. Youngsters completed a series of hands-on activities, creating models representing different parts of the biology. Carrie Ann said: “Then on the Friday I did a heart dissection live.” She wondered if it would be too full-on for some primary school children: “But actually it’s been the most popular one.”

Carrie Ann teaches at Lime House School in Dalston as well as home schooling her own children during lockdown. She has found her activities to be a lifeline for parents.

Under normal circumstances, Carrie Ann hosts live science shows under the Science Booth banner for primary school children but she has been forced to move online during the Covid-19 pandemic.

To get involved, search for The Science Booth @ Home on Facebook.