Pupils study sampling

Secondary school pupils Rachel Rajwer (16), of Auckland, and Josie Broadbent (17), of Blenheim,...
Secondary school pupils Rachel Rajwer (16), of Auckland, and Josie Broadbent (17), of Blenheim, participants in the University of Otago hands-on science summer camp, use a hand auger to take a soil sample near the Dunedin Gasworks Museum yesterday. Photo by Jane Dawber.
A dozen enthusiastic school pupils learned a great deal more about the Dunedin Gasworks Museum and environmental sampling yesterday during the University of Otago's latest hands-on science summer camp.

Museum supporters and Sara Sinclair, an Otago Settlers Museum educator focusing on learning experiences outside the classroom, discussed the gasworks and its history, and an Otago Regional Council staff member demonstrated environmental sampling techniques in the gasworks grounds.

The 21st annual camp runs for a week, and has attracted 230 leading high school science pupils from throughout the country.

The pupils work on their respective research projects in the mornings and sample a series of shorter "science snacks" covering various subjects in the afternoons.

The camp encourages the pupils to consider science study options at Otago University, as well as the attractions of pursuing a science career.

Hands-on science co-ordinator Rose Newburn said the mood at the camp was "very calm", with participants happily pursuing their projects.

The gasworks museum had become part of the science snacks programme for the first time, adding a welcome "real-world flavour".

Theatre studies and the university's science communication programme were also part of a "really exciting" range of science snack options, she said.

 

 

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