The House of Science in Tauranga is now offering specialised science programmes three times a week under the leadership of a newly appointed co-ordinator.
The demand for the after-school programmes was such that director Chris Duggan decided there was a need for more sessions, so a second afternoon programme starts this week.
Earlier this month the House of Science ran an Engineering and Innovation holiday programme where students learnt about bridge design, concrete composition, process engineering and rockets. They took part in innovation challenges and programmed robots to complete simple tasks.
Meanwhile the science resources being delivered to primary schools continue to increase as sponsors come on board. Page Macrae has funded three robotics kits, which are available to schools and proving extremely popular.
“Students and adults alike are fascinated by robots,” Ms Duggan says. “Our kits allow all primary students, from year 0 to 8, to experience robot building and programming first-hand.”
Several families approached the House of Science to request a VEX robotic club be started to cater for students who do not have the opportunity to partake in this robotics at their own schools.
The House of Science VEX robotics team has now been formed and was a tournament finalist along with Glenfield College at the recent Auckland VEX Robotics Regional Scrimmage, within just two weeks of getting its first set of robotic parts.
“It was encouraging to see the networking and friendships forming amongst all participants, with Lynfield College generously hosting our team for two days prior to the tournament, to share ideas and practice time on the Glenfield College field,” Ms Duggan says.
