Science a hot topic to teacher's credit

Eden Hakaraia and pupils show Andrew Cleland how a burning tea bag mimics a hot air balloon. Photo / John Stone

A Whangarei teacher who had no interest in science when she was at school is being celebrated for integrating it into the lives of her pupils.

Otaika Valley School teacher Eden Hakaraia has been presented with an award worth $10,000 from the Royal Society of New Zealand.

She was one of only two in the country to receive the award, half of which goes to herself and half to the school.

While she is known around the rural school, located 10km south of Whangarei, as the "sciency" teacher" it was not always that way.

"I think these kids are just so lucky," Ms Hakaraia said on the science-related opportunities they had.

"There's so many great things in the wider community."

The award, a Primary Science Teacher Fellowship Alumni Award, came after her fellowship into the society in 2012. Her interest in science was only sparked after becoming a teacher and further encouraged by the fellowship.

"I thought what a good opportunity to learn a little bit more," Ms Hakaraia said. "I found more of a passion about being with the Royal Society."

The fellowship saw her work alongside the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, with the society paying a substitute teacher for the six months she was away.

In the past three years, she has been working to integrate science into all aspects of school life - including everything from monitoring a local stream for whitebait, to keeping an impressive vege garden and upskilling other teachers.

The pupils are now so engaged in science they are often coming to her with questions and ideas.

Royal Society of New Zealand chief executive Andrew Cleland, who presented the award, said the idea of integration was important.

"Unfortunately people tend to talk about science but this is the doing," Dr Cleland said.

Primary schools were increasingly being asked to do more, which squeezed their time, he said.

"If kids are motivated by these kinds of experiences which are fun, then it makes the numeracy and literacy more meaningful."

Otaika Valley School principal Terry Brock said the award provided a "significant" amount of funding.

"This award acknowledges Ms Hakaraia's devotion to our school environment and science in general over this time."