New Zealand Science Teacher

Eureka! programme widens its reach

23/05/2016

Primary school students have been included in the Eureka! programme for the first time.

This year the Eureka! programme, which encourages young leaders in STEM, is extending to primary school science.

Called Junior Eureka, the overarching aim of the programme is to encourage and enable year 4-6 primary students to talk about science with knowledge and confidence.

“We want to build on the great work already being done in science by primary teachers by encouraging students to stand up in front of their class or school and deliver a brief presentation about what they have learned,” says Eureka Trust chair Dr Russ Ballard.  

At the core of the Junior Eureka programme is an acknowledgement that students learn best in small groups.  

“These groups will work with their teachers to identify ways in which science and technology are being applied in their community to deliver real value,” he says.

Each student who delivers a short presentation will receive a special certificate from the Rotary Eureka Trust acknowledging their achievement.

“We are sure that these students will become the contestants of the future in the Sir Paul Callaghan Eureka! Awards because they will have the confidence they need to take part.”

The Sir Paul Callaghan Eureka! Awards are open to all secondary and undergraduate students. 2016 entries for these are now being sought. The closing date for these entries is 30 June .

As in previous years, competitors can attend a workshop in one of the university centres to get a better understanding of what’s required for the competition.  

This year the awards offer 13 scholarships worth in over $50,000 in total.

The Ministry of Education partners with the Rotary Eureka Trust, Science New Zealand and other sponsors to deliver a range of youth-focused science and technology communication programmes.

Learn more about the pilot Junior Eureka programme here.