Nurturing tomorrow’s scientists

Nurturing tomorrow’s scientists

Almost 150 youngsters had their inner Einstein nudged last week, as they dissected fish, fermented yeast and built and programmed robots, among other things.

It was part of the Hawke’s Bay Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand’s commitment to showing children that science, technology and mathematics “are sexy subjects”.

The Year 7 and 8 students from 15 schools across Hastings, Napier and Central Hawke’s Bay took part in half-day hands-on workshops last Tuesday and Wednesday.

The workshops aimed to get students excited about science and technology, help them to see the subjects’ relevance to their everyday lives, and encourage them to consider science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related careers, said Hawke’s Bay Branch of the Royal Society president Lynne Trafford.

The Science Camp was organised by The Royal Society, funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Unlocking Curious Minds fund, and supported by a range of organisations including Hastings District Council.

The range of topics was broad, from earthquakes, fossils and discovering the birdlife and the invertebrates they eat in the Ahuriri Estuary, to bridge building, computer programming, fermenting grape juice with yeast, and dissecting a trout.

“It is about opening our children’s eyes to the fact that science, technology and maths are wonderful subjects. They are a sexy sell, and we just need to get that message out there,” said Mrs Trafford.

The feedback from schools had been very positive. “Buzzing”, “fizzing” and “amazing” were oft used words by teachers reporting back to organisers.

“Just wanted to thank you and your team for an outstanding two days of learning. Our kids loved all their workshops and were buzzing about all the things they had learnt. We met some fascinating people, passionate about their areas of expertise. This was a wonderful opportunity,” said Maraekakaho School teacher Kerry Elphick.

Going in: Havelock North Intermediate pupils dissect fish, from left, Alex Elliott, Roe Robertshaw, Jack Graham dissect a trout at the National Aquarium.

ENDS

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