Alwin Lim.
Genesis Energy Realise The Dream
From 7-12 December, 29 students from across New Zealand attended the prestigious Genesis Energy Realise the Dream Event
in Wellington.
Students Gather At The Realise The Dream Event
The Genesis Energy Realise the Dream event celebrated the work of students who have carried out excellent science or
technological practice. The students were chosen through nomination from regional science and technology fairs across
the country to present their work to a panel of judges, as well as attending workshops and activities in the week-long
event.
Four students from Beijing and two from Taiwan were also invited to attend. The 27 projects and 3 international projects
included an iPod superdock, effects of exercise on memory and concentration, traffic around schools, water tension and
weta mating behaviour.
One of the participants, Alwin Lim from Mount Roskill Grammar in Auckland, investigated the maximum air temperature for
frost to form, after noting frost formation with the air temperature above freezing, thus his project titled ‘There’s
frost on my car but it’s not freezing cold’. At the end of the week, he commented, “The event was very full-on, but it
was an awesome experience in an invaluable environment. We all had the opportunity to share our work with others who
have similar interests as well as enjoying and learning from the exciting activities plῡnned ῦor us through the week.
῁nd on top of all thῡt, we all made a new bunch of friends.
The event was a rare chance for students to mix with peers who are also interested in science and technology. It allowed
the fosterage of minds in a valuable, exciting environment. Organised by the Royal Society of New Zealand, students
visited science institutions around Wellington such as GNS Science, Island Bay Marine Centre, Massey University
Wellington and the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary. It gave the opportunity for students to experience real world science and
technology and help shape their futures in science and technology.
After the event, students are required to share their work with their local communities and promote Realise the Dream,
acting as ambassadors of the event and the lead sponsor Genesis Energy. During the week students were given media
training to help develop communication and promotion skills including workshops on how to write media releases and talk
to radio.
The Genesis Energy Realise the Dream is also sponsored by DairyNZ and the New Zealand Commission for UNESCO as well as
other organisations that support individual awards. Students return to Wellington on March 9 for the awards dinner,
where cash prizes of up to $7,000 and international travel to countries such as China and the United Kingdom will be
presented.
To find out more, visit http://www.realisethedream.org.nz
ends