First-up camp fostering scientists of the future

Fifteen of the top scientific minds from Secondary Schools throughout Northland wound up a highly successful three days at NorthTec conducting experiments aimed at encouraging their pursuit of becoming the scientists of the future.

Whangarei Rotarian, Murray Neighbour, whose club helped to organise the first three-day science camp with NorthTec, said it was the realisation of a long-held vision that he and many others were pleased to see finally happen.

Mr Neighbour said for many years Rotary had wanted a secondary school science programme established in Northland, like Auckland has had for about 30 years now, but funding was the principle hurdle in getting the concept off the ground. This was overcome when fellow rotarian, Merv Huxford, came to the party with a donation of $5000 to get the Northland project underway.

Known as the Rotary and NorthTec Science Extravaganza, its purpose was to provide secondary school students of varying sizes and abilities an overall science experience beyond what they normally get at school to further develop their passions in science.

“We got these outstanding students together so that they could share information and knowledge. What we have done here with this programme is have a highly focussed science live-in.” he explained.

Over the course of the three days, the students were involved in a wide range of science experiments that aimed to extend their base knowledge. Some of these experiments included measuring physical and chemical properties of the water in neighbouring Raumanga Stream, taking kick samples to capture macro-invertebrates (organisms without a spine), testing metals like lithium, sodium and potassium in both acid and water and extracting DNA.

Mr Neighbour said science was something that people often lose interest in when they become older with other careers vying for their interests. But the sciences, he said was something the Government wants to see expanded to build on New Zealand’s knowledge economy.

“It tends to be the so called ‘mad scientists’ who make great breakthroughs and we would love to see these kids carry on and follow their passions to achieve big things in the future.”

Mr Neighbour was delighted with the way the first camp had gone, and commended NorthTec tutors Toni Daly and Denise Clearwater on the parts they played in helping the students relate easily to the new material. “They are totally tuned in. What you see here is total commitment,” he said.

Rotary will be looking to run the camp on an annual basis and have plans to launch a dedicated website in preparation for next year’s camp.

ENDS

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