Rotorua schools put hands up for share of $50k

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Rotorua schools are putting their hands up for a share of $50,000 for science and technology equipment.

The schools are calling for votes into School-gen's energising young minds competition.

The will see winning schools awarded $25,000, $15,000 or $10,000 to spend on the equipment. More than 200 schools from around the country have entered and entries are still open.

Among them are Horohoro School, Kaitao Middle School, Lynmore Primary School, Malfroy School, Mokoia Intermediate School, Ngakuru School, Ngongotaha Primary, Otonga Road Primary, Owhata Primary, St Mary's Catholic School, Westbrook School and Whakarewarewa Primary School.

Malfroy School teacher Helen Ramsdale said the school was interested in sustainability and helping children develop future-focused skills so wanted the community's votes.

"It's fantastic to have an organisation like Genesis giving back to schools, not just the chance to win money, but the technological practice and learning opportunities involved in the School-gen projects," Ramsdale said.

She said if the school won the prizemoney, it would be used to help pupils learn about solar energy, how it was generated and used and how to monitor how much was used.

Otonga Road School teacher Neil Carrington is involved in getting pupils involved in science subjects.

"If we win, the resources will be used to further interest, knowledge and innovation and develop important skills in science, technology engineering and maths and in developing our STEAM lab," Carrington said.

"It is important to develop these skills as we are unsure of the future jobs for our tamariki, however, we are constantly reminded that the jobs of tomorrow will require creativity and innovation and a different kind of person with a different kind of mind."

Carrington said the school had 120 solar panels making it a large School-gen school. The panels generate power for the school but are also used in teaching the pupils about solar energy and electricity, renewable energy and more.