Programmes in full swing at the House of Science

Programmes in full swing at the House of Science

26 February 2014 - After school programmes, teacher professional development sessions and Seaweek workshops are keeping the House of Science director, Chris Duggan, very busy.

With school back it is also busy at Tauranga’s House of Science. Last week saw the first of the after school science programmes fully subscribed at The University of Waikato’s Coastal Marine Field Station at Sulphur Point. Students aged between seven and 15 constructed a microscope stage that they were able to take home. The device turns an ordinary smart phone camera into a powerful 175X microscope.

“A team of volunteers work alongside the students and help with the hands-on learning activities,” says Chris Duggan, Director of the House of Science.

Meanwhile, local secondary school Heads of Departments met together at the House of Science to discuss learning programme design and local science events. This week Chris will be hosting teachers of year five to eight students, followed by senior Biology teachers the following week.

With Seaweek commencing this Saturday, Chris is also offering marine science workshops for anyone working with students from pre-school to senior secondary. These after school sessions are aimed at equipping the attendees with local resources to support the science curriculum, using a marine context.

“With over 50 teachers through the doors in our first 3 weeks of operation, I am delighted at the impact we are having in our local community. Every teacher represents at least 20 students so in just three weeks we have indirectly influenced over 1000 local students. That is just phenomenal.”

Chris says the teaching kits are in demand by primary schools and she is looking for more local science based industries to sponsor a kit of their choice. There are now 30 House of Science member schools and Chris is keen to be able to provide the science resources these schools so desperately need. If you would like to support this charitable trust please contact Chris via the website:

www.houseofscience.org.nz

ENDS

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