Promising Bay science students seek answers to big questions

Powering Potential takes place in Wellington from December 10-13. Photo / Getty Images

Seven secondary school students from around the Bay of Plenty will be tasked to find answers to challenging questions posed by scientists in Wellington next month.

Powering Potential takes place in Wellington from December 10 to 13, organised by Royal Society Te Apārangi in partnership with Freemasons New Zealand.

The event will bring many of New Zealand's most promising science students together to work alongside a scientist or PhD student, who will act as their mentor over three days.

The students will work in teams of five on a question submitted by their mentor, researching, investigating and collaborating to provide recommendations.

Royal Society Te Apārangi chief executive Dr Andrew Cleland said the students would need to think outside the square and use their creative capabilities to find
solutions.

"They will also need to work well in a team situation and will be required to hone their
research skills. At the end of the three days, each team will present its findings at a special presentation."

To be selected for Powering Potential, each student was required to submit an in-depth application and video, which focused on their own science strengths or how they have contributed to an area of science in their school or community.

The students have been selected because they are serious about going on to study science at a tertiary level and have demonstrated a passion for science.

"The calibre of the students who applied was excellent and some tough decisions had to be made by the selection panel to get the number down to 40,"

All costs for the students, including flights, accommodation and social activities, are covered by Royal Society Te Apārangi, Freemasons New Zealand and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Bay of Plenty students selected for Powering Potential:

Jonathan Tomlinson - Mount Maunganui College
Amy Bewsher- Aquinas College
PK Wadsworth- Otumoetai College
Natasha Barnett - Tauranga Girls' College
Jaehee Chun - Bethlehem College
Linette Lengkeek - Trident High School,
Ashleigh Ngow, Te Puke High School