Photo caption: A group of students from Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery visiting UC campus
Interest in science is declining among young New Zealanders, but a new Scientists in Schools programme from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) is aiming to turn that around.
Scientists in Schools aims to strengthen STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education and inspire the next generation of scientists and across Canterbury. At the heart of the Scientists in Schools programme is a three-way collaboration between UC students, academics and secondary school teachers to co-develop authentic science experiences for high school students. Through classroom visits, curriculum support and workshops, the programme showcases both real scientific practice and the diverse career pathways available for students.
One of the programme’s designers, Professor Ben Kennedy from the UC School of Earth and Environment, says, “Scientists in Schools is a ‘win–win–win’. UC students gain real-world science communication skills; schoolteachers get support to deliver experiential lessons; and school students explore science in ways they wouldn’t normally have access to. It’s about making science relatable, useful and exciting, and it’s not just for future scientists, but for every young person who’ll need scientific literacy in their lives.”
The programme prioritises low socio-economic schools with limited STEM opportunities to broaden participation and encourage students to see science as a future career choice. It also ensures UC undergraduate science students receive specialist training in science communication and mentoring, delivered through UC’s Professional and Community Engagement programme, which develops leadership, employability and community engagement skills.
“We’re looking to plug a gap we've noticed with Year 9 and 10 students, a crucial stage for shaping future study choices,” says Jack Swannell, Children’s University Programme Manager. “This programme connects school students and teachers with UC students and their mentors, to educate, inspire and make science exciting at a crucial stage of their learning.”
Currently in its first term of operation, Scientists in Schools received three years of funding from the Tait Foundation, providing the stability needed to refine and expand the programme’s impact. A growing library of resources and evidence-based teaching practices is also being developed as part of the initiative.
“As New Zealand grapples with skills shortages in STEM fields, initiatives like this play a vital role in improving science literacy nationwide,” Swannell says. “By connecting young people with science in authentic, engaging ways, we can inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators.”
About the Tait Foundation
Established in 1994, the Tait Foundation exists to help fulfil Sir Angus Tait’s vision of encouraging a vibrant community of technology companies in Christchurch. The organisation's core charitable activity is to provide grants that support STEM subject initiatives at all levels of education, with a focus on Christchurch and Canterbury.
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