Ambassadors to inspire young minds
South Canterbury professionals are being sought to be ambassadors for science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem).
The Wonder Project Rocket Challenge, a free programme for schools by Engineering New Zealand, was designed to get year 5-year 8 pupils excited about Stem subjects, Engineering New Zealand marketing manager Shelley Pearce said.
‘‘We have already finished school sign-ups and have allocated all the available spots. We have three Timaru schools signed up – Bluestone School, Timaru South School and Opihi College.’’
However, the programme was lacking Wonder Project ambassadors in the Timaru area, she said.
‘‘The brief would be aimed at local Stem professionals by encouraging them to support participating Timaru primary schools and help encourage Kiwi kids to be excited about Stem.’’
The programme pairs teachers and pupils with industry professionals who come into the classroom for an hour a week, for 6-8 weeks during term two.
‘‘Students work with their teacher and Wonder Project ambassador to design, build and launch their very own water rocket. Engineering New Zealand pairs schools with Stem professionals to support their teaching and provide resources to successfully run the programme.’’
‘‘Passionate’’ and committed professionals working in science, technology, engineering or maths fields who wanted to make a real difference, and inspire wonder in the minds of young people in their community were being sought, Pearce said.
‘‘We reached 13,500 year 5-8 students nationally in 2019 with our Rocket Challenge and we are aiming to double that this year.’’
Local schools were signed up and waiting to be partnered with a Stem professional who could enhance their learning, Pearce said. ‘‘Ambassadors will get all the training needed to support a teacher in their classroom for the Rocket Challenge. There is no need to be a rocket scientist to guide young people on the Rocket Challenge.’’
More information can be found at wonderproject.nz/rocketchallenge-info/.