Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Trust (Te Taumata) is pleased to announce that they been successful in their application to the Unlocking Curious Minds contestable fund – a cross agency programme of work led by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Enterprise, the Ministry of Education and the Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor.

Roana Bennett, General Manager for Te Taumata said “Our team will develop eight bi-lingual science kits to be used in local pre-school/kohanga reo, primary, kura kaupapa, intermediate and secondary schools. The content will be based on the successful Matakokiri Science Wananga that the Taumata holds during the first week of every school holidays for tamariki aged from 7 years to 14.”

Ms Bennett said “These bi-lingual science kits will be available to Iwi, whanau and schools within Te Arawa through a booking system administered by Te Taumata. The kits will increase engagement levels of students and whanau, and add to the knowledge-base of educators. The kits will facilitate the use of Matauranga Maori in the classroom and support the development of collaborative relationships between Iwi, the science community and schools.”

Ms Bennett said “Alongside the kits the team will provide opportunities for professional learning and development for educators. The professional development programme will first and foremost provide authenticity to the cultural components of the kits. Second, it will ensure that the science being taught through the kits is robust and practical. Third, it allows for on-going development and feedback on the kits’ usefulness and relevance.”

Ms Bennett said “The team, led by Renee Gillies, will work alongside the science community and local educators to develop a unique learning tool fit for purpose for Rotorua learners.”

ENDS

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