The NZMSC offers a series of opportunities for gifted learners from southern NZ secondary schools to take part in a science research programme based at the Portobello Marine Laboratory (University of Otago). You’ll experience an authentic research context, a unique learning environment (laboratory and research vessel) alongside other gifted students to extend your skills, enrich your understanding and foster a knowledge building community. The programmes cater to a range of ages, levels and support.
What you’ll be doing: You’ll get a chance to focus on an in-depth research project that blends marine science and the nature of science.
How long it lasts: Programmes range from 4 – 8 days in duration. Please see programme schedule below for more information.
You will need: to be self-directed and highly motivated. Each application needs to be accompanied by a student profile and an endorsement completed by a teacher (or parent in some circumstances). A small cost will be charged to attend ($10 per student per day) to ensure your commitment. The fee will be waived if this is a barrier to you participating. There is no cost for accommodation but the cost and organization of transport to and from the NZMSC will be the responsibility of your school/parents and some contribution to meals (lunches and dinners) is expected. Participants are notified of details on acceptance to the programme.
Due to COVID-19 some of our science extension programmes are cancelled for 2020 however our online programme “Is there an Ocean in the House” is now available!
To register email portobello.marinescience@otago.ac.nz. Please see below for further details on the programmes we are still offering on-site for 2020.
Watch the introduction to our online programme
Download an overview of the online programme (PDF)
Download an overview of the science extension programmes for 2020 (PDF)
Find out what students, teachers and parents say about the science extension programmes
Terms 1 and 2
Year 10 Programmes
Making Sense of the Marine World
Programme 1 –Cancelled 2020
Online programme available. Contact portobello.marinescience@otago.ac.nz to register.
Programme 2 – Cancelled 2020
Online programme available. Contact portobello.marinescience@otago.ac.nz to register.
Year 11 and 12 Programme
Deep Thought Expedition – Cancelled 2020
Online programme available. Contact portobello.marinescience@otago.ac.nz to register.
Terms 3 and 4
Year 9 Programme for Māori Students
Te Ara Wai Ki Te Oranga – Starting 16 October 2020
Applications close 11 September 2020
- Student Application Form (PDF)
Year 10 Programme for Māori Students
Te Rauawa O Te Pahī – Cancelled 2020
Applications close 29 May 2020
Online programme available. Contact portobello.marinescience@otago.ac.nz to register.
Year 11 and 12 Programme for Māori Students
Rangatahi O Te Moana – Cancelled 2020
Online programme available. Contact portobello.marinescience@otago.ac.nz to register.
Year 6, 7 and 8 Primary Programme
Science and the Sea – Starting 14 August 2020
Applications close 7 August 2020
Online programme available. Contact portobello.marinescience@otago.ac.nz to register.
- Student Application Form (PDF)
- Student Profile Form – to be completed by teacher (PDF)
Year 6, 7 and 8 Primary Programme for Pasifika Students
Mapu Kimi-Ara Pasifika – Starting 22 October
Applications close 25 September 2020
- Student Application Form (PDF)
- Student Profile Form – to be completed by teacher (PDF)
Customised science extension and enrichment programmes
As part of our Ministry of Education LEOTC school programme we will design customized science extension and enrichment programmes for individual primary and secondary schools or school cluster groups (15 student minimum group size). Examples of programme types are found below:
- One-day Primary Science Extension Programme (PDF)
- One-day Science Extension Programme (PDF)
- Two-day Science Extension Programme (PDF)
- Three-day Science Extension Programme (PDF)
Contact
For science extension and enrichment programme enquiries and bookings, contact:
NZMSC Reception
Tel +64 3 479 5826
Email portobello.marinescience@otago.ac.nz