22nd July 2014
House of Science Tauranga expanding
Home school science programmes and a robotics club are all part of the rapidly expanding House of Science in Tauranga
The House of Science is now offering specialised science programmes three times a week under the leadership of a newly
appointed co-ordinator. Included in the line-up is a weekly meeting for home schooled students, allowing them hands on
science experiences in a purpose built laboratory. The demand for the after school programmes was such that director
Chris Duggan decided there was a need for more students to attend these sessions, so a second afternoon programme will
start next week.
Early July saw an ‘Engineering and Innovation’ holiday programme run at the house of science where students learnt about
bridge design, concrete composition, process engineering and rockets. They took part in innovation challenges and
programmed robots to complete simple tasks.
Meanwhile the science resources being delivered to primary schools continue to increase in number as sponsors come on
board – Page Macrae has funded three robotics kits which are available to schools and proving extremely popular. Chris
says: “Students and adults alike are fascinated by robots, our kits allow all primary students, from year 0 to 8, to
experience robot building and programming first-hand.” Several families approached the House of Science to request a VEX
robotic club be started to cater for students who do not have the opportunity to partake in this robotics at their own
schools.
The House of Science VEX robotics team has now been formed and were delighted to place as Tournament Finalists along
with Glenfield College at the recent Auckland VEX Robotics Regional Scrimmage, within just two weeks of getting their
first set of robotic parts. It was encouraging to see the networking and friendships forming amongst all participants,
with Lynfield College generously hosting our team for two days prior to the tournament, to share ideas and practice time
on the Glenfield College field.
ENDS