More Maori at science school

Olivia King (16), of Invercargill, adds another paper ball to an outfit worn by Turi Insley (16), of Opotiki. The pair were among 243 secondary school science pupils making superhero outfits out of newspaper and tape as part of a team building exercise at the University of Otago Hands-on Science School, which opened in Dunedin yesterday. Photo by Craig Baxter.

Registration and orientation for the programme, run by the Otago Science School for Secondary School Students, began yesterday.

More than 240 14 to 18-year-olds from around the country registered, 49 of whom were Maori.

That number was up from 37 registered last year, school assistant manager Sam Lind said.

"We have no idea why the number has increased. It just appears more Maori are looking at science and technology.

"It's a positive thing for the future of sciences. Few Maori work in sciences, so this bodes well for the future," he said.

This week, the pupils will have an opportunity to study a human body, clone genes, create computer games, make cheese, dune surf and make medicines.

Mr Lind said many of the activities were usually carried out by third-year university science students and the pupils at the Otago Science School were fortunate to have the opportunity so early in their education.

The school ends on Friday.

- john.lewis@odt.co.nz