Hills Laboratories Waikato Science Summer School
University of Waikato, Hamilton
3rd Dec 2012 - 7th Dec 2012
Check back in mid 2012 for details on registration for next year's event.
The Hill Laboratories Waikato Science Summer School offers Year 12 students a week of summer science fun.
Students must apply to their local Rotary Club to be considered for the Summer School. Those who are selected enjoy a fun-packed week of activities, including an overnight field trip to collect samples, laboratory sessions at the University of Waikato, a visit to Hill Laboratories and accommodation and meals at a University of Waikato Hall of Residence. Posters and brochures are in schools now.
The Hill Laboratories Waikato Science Summer School is open to Year 12 students who have an interest in science, and who will be going on to study Year 13. It is a residential course, and all participants will stay in accommodation on the University campus.
The Faculty aims to provide outstanding Year 12 science students in secondary schools with the opportunity to experience the wide range of science subjects in the Faculty of Science & Engineering at Waikato University, and to show how these various sciences are closely integrated. Students will be encouraged to develop their own ideas and methods to solve scientific problems.
Students work in groups and use a wide range of scientific techniques under close supervision in science laboratories. Examples may include DNA fingerprinting, material strength testing, water analysis, and electronics. Included in the programme will be a field trip to make scientific observations and to collect samples, including biological material. These materials and samples will be examined and analysed in the Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Biological Science and Earth Science laboratories. The aim of the Faculty is to accentuate the interdisciplinary nature of science, and its application in the study of the environment.
Photos from the 2011 Hill Laboratories Waikato Science Summer School
2011 Event |
| The 2011 Summer School took place 4-9 December and was a great success. The week kicked off with a visit to the The Mighty River Waikato exhibition at the Waikato Museum, followed by a road trip up the river with stops at Lake Taupo and Tokaanu Power Station, and an overnight stay at Turangi. The following day the group travelled back down the river, with stops to explore and collect samples at the Craters of the Moon, Wairakei, Aratiatia Rapids, Waipapa Dam, the Karapiro Stream and the Hamilton Water Treatment Plant. The remainder of the week was spent in Waikato University’s science and engineering labs, analysing samples and experimenting with the university’s state-of-the-art instruments. Among other experiments, the labs included examining Waikato River zooplankton under the microscopes in the biology lab, looking at how pumps are used within Hamilton’s water supply system in the chemical and biological engineering lab; analysing water samples taken from the river in the chemistry lab; investigating the hydrology around the river in the earth sciences lab; and building and programming water flow meters in the electronic engineering lab. The week culminated with group presentations by the students on the topics of the natural, unmodified Waikato River; dam and power generation on the river; the influence of rural land use on the river; and the effects of urban development on the river. |
Enquiries
Enquiries related to the application and selection process may be directed to the Rotary District Committee at: fgc@xtra.co.nz
Enquiries regarding the summer school programme may be directed to the Faculty of Science & Engineering at: science@waikato.ac.nz
The Science Summer school is a joint venture between:
Hill Laboratories
Hill Laboratories is New Zealand's largest privately owned testing laboratory, specialising in environmental, soil, plant, food, industrial, health and safety testing for a wide range of analytes including nutrients, heavy metals, organic compounds and pesticide residues. Founded in 1984, the company is owned and operated by its senior scientists. With over 100 staff working in its Hamilton premises, it is a significant employer of science graduates from New Zealand tertiary institutions.Rotary International (DISTRICT 9930)
New Zealand Rotary has a commitment to supporting a wide range of youth activities. Prominent among these is active encouragement for young people to undertake tertiary studies, and later employment in the various fields of science and engineering. In the area which focuses on The University of Waikato, the Clubs in Rotary District 9930 give strong support to the Hill Laboratories Waikato Science Summer School.University Of Waikato
The University of Waikato is renowned for its progressive approach to tertiary education. It has a reputation of modern thinking, innovation and academic excellence while offering flexible degrees, a great campus lifestyle and quality education.
