Nurturing the next generation of scientists

media release

FOR IMMEDIATE USE

Nurturing the next generation of scientists

The Cawthron Trust is asking primary students ‘What will the next generation of scientists look like?’ this month, as part of the celebrations for National Primary Science Week, 20th – 24th May.

Students are invited to answer the question in a drawing competition and, “the more creative the better,” says Cawthron Institute community educator Jo Thompson. The winners of the competition will receive their own science kit.

“Scientists in today’s world are expected to be imaginative, creative and great team players - it’s no longer true that scientists fit the traditional image of a lab-rat introvert,” Mrs Thompson says.

“We’re looking forward to seeing what the students of today think the scientists of tomorrow will look like.”

In addition to the drawing competition, Cawthron Institute is also providing a primary teacher training lecture ‘The Next Generation’. The event will be led by Paul McNabb, team leader of the Cawthron Institute Research and Development Team.

Mr McNabb will discuss the characteristics required to be a successful scientist in today’s world. Through a current research case study, he will demonstrate how these skills are applied every day in a research organisation and how teachers and parents can support budding young scientists. Reservations are essential for this free event, to book contact Jo Thompson at jo.thompson@cawthron.org.nz .

Organised by the NZ Association of Primary Science Educators (NZAPSE), National Primary Science Week has been an important date on the Primary School calendar since 2011 and is growing in popularity each year. The national co-ordinator for Primary Science Week, Nelson-based Sterling Cathman, is excited about this year’s events.

”"It can be hard for primary teachers to represent science in the classroom due to the demands of a busy curriculum which focuses on literacy and numeracy,” he says.

“Science Week gives teachers an opportunity to celebrate science in their classroom and attend free training opportunities in their region. The selection of activities in the Nelson region this year ranges from how to help your students do well at the science fair to the future of solar power.”

The full list of nationwide activities is available on the NZAPSE website which lists 25 simple activities teachers can do in their own classroom. Go to www.nzapse.nzase.org.nz to find out more.

Conditions of the Cawthron Science Week drawing competition:

• A drawing competition for primary students. The theme of the drawing must be “What will the next generation of scientists look like?”
• There are prizes for three different year groups (years 1-2, years 3-4 and years 5-6) and each winning student will receive a personal science kit.
• Drawings should be sent to; Jo Thompson, Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson 7042 and the closing date for entries is Tuesday 28th May.
• All entries must have their name, age, school and contact details. The winning entries will be posted on the Friends of Cawthron Facebook page.

ENDS

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