We’re Demystifying the Sci across the Waikato & Bay of Plenty!

“Science Spinners” is our youth engagement project supporting our vulnerable communities and lower decile high schools with a priority focus on our Maori/Pasifika students to:

Ignite an interest in Science and STEM subjects to build a higher level of scientific literacy and grow our pool of critical thinkers
Build aspirations for higher academic achievement by better Informing our youth on STEM subjects and the application in real-life context
Uncover the exciting world of Science/STEM careers to help boost STEM vocational aspirations

Established in 2015 with funding from MBIE Unlocking Curious Minds contestable fund, we are the home of Waikato’s first original “hands-on Science/STEM rotational programme”, Science Spinners now offers three fully interactive 1-day programmes for Yr 9-13 students.

Led by Kudos scientists, Industry professionals and Digi-Tech experts across a multitude of science disciplines, our programmes focus on interactive engagement, hands-on learning and PBL in “real life” context, relevant to challenges our students are facing at home & school, their environments and communities.

This entirely FREE programme is run annually as a massive event under one roof at the Claudelands EXPO centre and each year brings together even more students, industry and scientists to connect!

Up to 70 scientists and STEM professionals, 45 science, innovation and tech organisations, up to 600 students from nearly 30 high schools will take part in our 2022 event run over 4 days. Places are limited, with some schools operating a ballot system to attend this entirely FREE event.

Our Programmes

Year 9 & 10 students can register for our FREE one day programme featuring four creative mini-labs with Kudos scientists & experts.

July 5 / July 6
Claudelands Exhibition Centre

Year 11 – 13 students can register for our FREE one day programme featuring four awesome STEM hub stations with industry professionals.

July 7 / July 8
Claudelands Exhibition Centre

Frequently Asked Questions

How can your programmes be free?

The Kudos Science Trust is the region’s independent Science advocate and over the past 15 years has built long standing and loyal relationships with regional and national Science organisations, Crown Research Institutions, Education and Tertiary institutions and loyal partners. With nearly 300 Kudos scientists and industry experts working to support the Trust’s outreach work. This has become an invaluable resource and has greatly contributed to the success of our programmes and STEM education for in the region. In addition, the funding support from our loyal partners and sponsors has enabled the growth delivery of our free programmes to our most challenged communities.

Where else do we support education?

The Kudos Science Trust extends their support to all our schools and educators across the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Rotorua by recognising and celebrating top national and internationally achieving Science students and top Regional Science Fair winners. For the past 10 years these students have been invited to attend the annual Kudos Science Excellence awards to share the stage with our national and internationally recognised Kudos Scientists, giving them the opportunity to share their stories and winning science projects. Many have gone on to work with some of our scientists as interns, or to further science pathways through scholarship programme connections.

Do you work with other organisations?

We are highly collaborative and do not believe in recreating the wheel. We work together with other reputable STEM education providers to promote STEM education across the regions including, STEMWana Trust, STEMFest, STEM Pacifika Committee, Waikato Science Teachers Association, House of Science, Exscite Trust, NZ Science Learning Hub, Wintec, University of Waikato and Healthy Hearts for Aotearoa NZ (HHANZ) Centre of Research Excellence.

To find out more contact us at: projectmanager@thekudos.org.nz

Want to support the project?

Become a Science Spinners supporter and help grow the next generation of scientists. We have a range of sponsorship levels to allow your business to have the opportunity to inspire science at grassroots.

Download our sponsors pack

Huge thanks to our sponsors

Platinum

Gold

Our friends & collaborators

Aiyana

AgResearch

Ascend

BCD Group

CB Civil

Civtec

Couplands Bakery

Dairy NZ

Dairy Goat Co-op

Dempsey Wood

Downer

ESPlastics NZ

Hill Laboratories

LIC

Montana

NIWA

North Power

NZ Science Learning Hub

PharmaNZ

Plant & Food Research

Ruakura Research Businesses & Scientists

Science Box

Scion

Southbase Construction

STEM Pacifika

STEM Wana Trust

Vertex Engineers

Ventia

Waikato DHB: Waikato Cardiothoracic, Cardiology, Endocrinology and Orthopedics

Waikato Innovation Park

Waikato Regional Council

WEL Networks

Wintec: Centres for Applied Science & Primary Industries, Sport Science/Human Performance

University of Waikato/Tauranga: Division of Health, Engineering, Computing & Science

Zespri

Our participating schools

Within decile

Fairfield College

Forestview High School

Hauraki Plains

Huntly College

Melville Highschool

Ngaruawahia High School

Nga Taiatea Wharekura

Otorohanga College

Oho Mauri

Pio pio College

Putaruru College

Raglan School

Tai Wananga

Te Aroha College

Te Awamutu College

Te Kauwhata College

Te Kuiti College

Te Kopuku High School

Te Puke Highschool

Te Wharekura o Rakaumangamanga

Thames College

Tokoroa Highschool

Tuakau College

Waihi College

Outside decile

Hamilton Girls Highschool

Hamilton Boys Highschool

Hillcrest Highschool

Home school students – Independent

Morrinsville College

Sacred Heart Highschool

St Johns College

2022 Programme

Katikati College

Reperoa College

Rotorua Boys Highschool

Rotorua Girls Highschool

Tauranga Boys High school

Tauranga Girls High school

Te Wharekura o Mauao

TKKM o Te Kura Kokiri

Western Heights Highschool

Our scholarships and internships

Braemar Charitable Trust

Puatala Partner Internships