Roadshow spreads the word on science

QUEENSTOWN Primary School pupils enjoyed a bicycle ride with a skeleton and got to see mock faeces and intestines at the Science Roadshow this week.

The school hosted the event to give the youngsters an interactive lesson in all things science as part of the roadshow’s 120stop tour of New Zealand.

With live shows and more than 70 exhibits to engage pupils, the roadshow taught them about a range of topics, including astronomy, ecology, biology, sound and movement.

Roadshow director Ian Kennedy said the event focused on giving pupils ‘‘early opportunities to connect with science and technology’’.

‘‘Having a fun, handson programme that is supportive of student learning, extra resources for teachers and travelling into smaller and more isolated rural towns through to larger cities and various communities within, reduces many of the barriers to science engagement.’’

Two live shows, ‘‘Fire and Ice’’ and ‘‘Am I Living?’’, explored temperature and the key processes of life, with lifelike props used for both comic and educational effect.

The roadshow uses apps and technology to create an interactive platform for the children to learn, with pupils in white coats on hand to help demonstrate scientific principles to their peers through practical demonstrations.

More than 47,000 pupils from about 500 schools are expected to visit the roadshow this year.

The event was organised by the National Science Technology Roadshow Trust, with the support of the Ministry of Education, The Southern Trust and Community Trust South.