Trust has science kits ready for schools to use

Roana Bennett. PHOTO/FILE

Ngati Whakaue has launched a new science initiative for Rotorua schools, ready-made House of Science resource kits.

Renee Gillies, Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Trust's team leader for science and technology, said the scheme was trialled with four schools last year and there had been a great response from teachers and students.

"We now have 10 kits ready to go and schools eager to use them in their classrooms.

"Our team will provide additional support for schools through professional development opportunities for teachers to learn about the Matauranga Maori that sits alongside the science.

"We want to encourage schools to include more science in the classroom and for that science to be contextualised around our own environment here in Rotorua."

Roana Bennett, general manager for Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Trust, said science was an essential component of core knowledge that every member of our community should have access to.

"Schools know this. The government knows this. Iwi knows this. Everyone has a stake and everyone has a contribution to make," she said.

"Our vision is for all children in our community to be enthused by science and to see themselves as scientists; and for the adults around them - teachers and whanau - to share this vision."

Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Trust is the education advocate for Ngati Whakaue. It delivers services and programmes in a wide range of areas including te reo, science programmes for children aged 7 to 13, professional learning and development programmes for teachers, early childhood services and NCEA support for rangatahi.

The House of Science kits are a joint venture between Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Trust and a Tauranga based company, House of Science. The kits include themes in biology, chemistry, physics and food science.

They were launched at a special ceremony at Tamatekapua meeting house, Ohinemutu yesterday.