The New Zealand Marine Studies Centre (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.
Science Extension programmes will still go ahead under Alert Level 2 but students enrolled in residential programmes must arrange their own accommodation. NZMSC may be able to provide assistance if required. All onsite programmes will be cancelled at Alert Level 3 and 4 but we also offer an online course for students keen on marine science (see more below).
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 to 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 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.
Programme plans 2021
In 2021, we are offering 11 science extension programmes, including five residential programmes. Supervised and directed by our educators, these residential programmes involve in-depth and wide-ranging field and laboratory experiences, as well as mentoring by postgraduate research students in a supportive and friendly environment. Like minds living and working together develop an enriching, knowledge-building community.
Costs
The 2021 programme is offered at a reduced cost of $10/day per participant, thanks to Ministry of Education funding for gifted learners. Residential programmes include accommodation and boat transfers to Quarantine Island. Schools will be invoiced after the student selection process is complete, and it will be up to schools to determine the allocation of those costs.
Selection process
Due to limited capacity, allocation of places on these programmes will involve a selection process. Although some priority may be given to schools who have shown particular interest in the past, we are keen to attract new schools’ involvement. Each school is expected to use at least three identification criteria to determine up to three applicants to commit fully to the relevant programme.
For information on identifying giftedness please visit gifted.tki.org.nz
Application process
Application forms are available online. Please make sure both forms are filled out for an applicant to ensure consideration into a programme. Application deadline is 6 weeks before programme start.
Hard copies of the applications can also be arranged by contacting:
Email portobello.marinescience@otago.ac.nz
These can be posted in the mail to the New Zealand Marine Science Centre, 185 Hatchery Road, Portobello, Dunedin 9014.
- Download an overview of the science extension programmes for 2021 (PDF)
- Find out what students, teachers and parents say about the science extension programmes
- Meet the staff who support our programmes
Terms 1 and 2
Year 10 Programmes
Making Sense of the Marine World
Open to Year 10 students who are able and enthusiastic about science, and/or gifted (not necessarily in the sciences). Programmes 1 and 2 are both residential.
Schools are offered places in either Programme 1 or Programme 2
Programme 1 (predominantly Otago, Canterbury, Westland, Nelson/Marlborough)
Closing date for applications: 17 March 2021
8 days:
Wednesday 28 April to Friday 30 April 2021
Thursday 27 May to Saturday 29 May 2021
Friday 11 June and Saturday 12 June 2021
Maximum 25 students (up to three students per school)
Programme cost in 2021: $80 ($92 inc. gst) per participant
Programme 2 (predominantly Otago, Westland, Southland)
Extended closing date for applications: 11 April 2021
8 days:
Wednesday 12 May to Friday 14 May 2021
Thursday 3 June to Saturday 5 June 2021
Friday 25 June and Saturday 26 June 2021
Maximum 25 students (up to three students per school)
Programme cost in 2021: $80 ($92 inc. gst) per participant
Year 9–10 Programme
Moana Explorer - Stories of Change - NEW
Extended closing date for applications: 22 April 2021
Open to Year 9 and 10 Pasifika students who are able and enthusiastic about science, and/or are gifted – not necessarily in the sciences (e.g. have strong leadership and social skills, cultural specific abilities, sporting and/or creative skills). This programme is an ideal extension for those that have participated in the primary programme “Mapu Kimi-Ara Pasifika”.
3 days: Wednesday 5 May to Friday 7 May 2021
Maximum 25 students (up to three students per school)
Programme cost in 2021: $30 ($34.50 inc. gst) per participant
Year 11 and 12 Programme
Deep Thought Expedition
Closing date for applications: 25 May 2021
Open to Year 11 and 12 students who are able and enthusiastic about science, and/or are gifted (not necessarily in the sciences). This programme is an ideal extension for those that have participated in the Year 10 programme “Making Sense of the Marine World”. This is a residential programme.
5 days: Tuesday 6 July to Saturday 10 July 2021
Maximum 25 students (up to three students per school)
Programme cost in 2021: $50 ($57.50 inc. gst) per participant
Terms 3 and 4
Year 9 Programme for Māori Students
Te Ara Wai Ki Te Oranga
Closing date for applications: 10 October 2021
Open to Year 9 Māori students (in the Dunedin area) who are able and enthusiastic about science, and/or are gifted – not necessarily in the sciences (e.g. have strong leadership and social skills, cultural specific abilities, sporting and/or creative skills).
This programme is supported by three University of Otago departments/schools: Health Sciences (Te Tangata), Sport and Exercise Sciences (Te he Māoriora) and Marine Science (Te Taonga Moana). This is not a residential programme.
5 days: Dates TBC - This programme cannot run at Level 2
Maximum 25 students (up to three students per school)
Programme cost in 2021: $50 ($57.50 inc. gst) per participant
Year 10 Programme for Māori Students
Te Rauawa o te Pahī
Closing date for applications: 10 October 2021
Open to Year 10 Māori students who are able and enthusiastic about science, and/or are gifted – not necessarily in the sciences (e.g. have strong leadership and social skills, cultural specific abilities, sporting and/or creative skills). This programme is an ideal extension for those that have participated in the Year 9 programme “Te Ara Wai ki te Oranga”. This is a residential programme.
4 days:
Monday 15 November to Thursday 18 November 2021
Maximum 25 students (up to three students per school)
Programme cost in 2021: $60 ($69 inc. gst) per participant
Year 11 and 12 Programme for Māori Students
Rangatahi o te Moana
Closing date for applications: 12 July 2021
Open to Year 11 and 12 students who are able and enthusiastic about science, and/or are gifted – not necessarily in the sciences (e.g. have strong leadership and social skills, cultural specific abilities, sporting and/or creative skills). This programme is an ideal extension for those that have participated in the Year 10 programme “Te Rauawa o te Pahī”. This is a residential programme.
5 days: Monday 9 August to Friday 13 August 2021
Maximum 25 students (up to three students per school)
Programme cost in 2021: $50 ($57.50 inc. gst) per participant
Nelson programme
Year 9/10 Nelson Secondary Programme - NEW
Aquanauts: Spying on the Depths
Closing date for applications: 15 August 2021
Open to Year 9 and 10 students (in the Nelson Area), who are able and enthusiastic about science, and/or gifted – not necessarily in the sciences (e.g. have strong leadership and social skills, cultural specific abilities, sporting and/or creative skills).
5 days - Monday 18 to Friday 22 October 2021
Maximum 25 students (up to three students per school)
Programme cost in 2021: $50 ($ 57.50 inc. gst) per participant
Download details of the Year 9-10 Secondary Programme (Nelson) (PDF)
Apply by filling out our application forms online. (Links can be found above under Application Process.)
Primary programmes
Year 6, 7 and 8 Primary Programme
Science and the Sea
Open to Year 6, 7 and 8 students (in the Dunedin Area), who are able and enthusiastic about science, and/or gifted – not necessarily in the sciences (e.g. have strong leadership and social skills, cultural specific abilities, sporting and/or creative skills). This is not a residential programme.
4 days: Thursday 16, Tuesday 21, Thursday 23 and Thursday 30 September 2021
Maximum 25 students (up to three students per school)
Programme cost in 202 : $40 ($46 inc. gst) per participant
Download Year 6-8 Science and the Sea information (PDF)
Appy by downloading and filling out the application frms below:
- Student profile form (Science and the Sea) (PDF)
- Year 6-8 Primary Programme Application Form (Science and the Sea) (PDF)
Year 6, 7 and 8 Primary Programmes for Pasifika students
Mapu Kimi-Ara Pasifika
Closing date for applications: 29 September 2021
Open to Year 6, 7 and 8 Pasifika students (in the Dunedin Area), who are able and enthusiastic about science, and/or gifted – not necessarily in the sciences (e.g. have strong leadership and social skills, cultural specific abilities, sporting and/or creative skills). This is not a residential programme.
4 days: Thursday 28 October and 4, 11, 18 November 2021
Maximum 25 students (up to three students per school)
Programme cost in 2021: Free of charge thanks to the Ministry of Education
Download Year 6-8 Pasifika Programme (Dunedin) information (PDF)
Apply by downloading and filling out the application forms below:
- Student Profile form 2021 (Dunedin) (PDF)
- Application form Year 6-8 Pasifika Programme (Dunedin) (PDF)
Mapu Kimi-Ara Pasifika (Oamaru) - NEW
Please contact us if you are interested in this programme
Rescheduled due to Covid-19 - Dates TBC
Open to Year 6, 7 and 8 Pasifika students (in the Oamaru Area), who are able and enthusiastic about science, and/or gifted – not necessarily in the sciences (e.g. have strong leadership and social skills, cultural specific abilities, sporting and/or creative skills). This is not a residential programme.
3 days: Dates TBC
Maximum 25 students (up to three students per school)
Programme cost in 2021: Free of charge thanks to the Ministry of Education
Download Year 6-8 Pasifika Programme (Oamaru) information (PDF)
Apply by downloading and filling out the application forms below:
Customised science extension and enrichment programmes
We are now also accepting 2021 bookings for requested customised science enrichment programmes from individual schools and clusters (1, 2 or 3 days). Examples of customised programmes below:
Year 10 Programme
Making Sense of the Marine World Aids Survival and Enriches Lives
Introduction to key abiotic parameters of the marine world via senses and instruments. Exploring eld data gathering, boat-based and shore-based. Nature of teams, nature of science, higher order thinking in experimental design and practice, critique and communication. (1, 2 or 3 days)
Year 7 and 8 Programme
Biomimicry
Tackling human obstacles by looking into the natural world. Students will be challenged to come up with their own solutions while exploring physiological, morphological and behavioural adaptations of marine species. Science skills and tools; team research challenge. (1 or 2 days)
Year 9 to 12 Programme
The Litmus test
Exploration and enquiry into climate change in the marine world with particular focus on ocean acidification. (1 or 2 days)
Examples of customised 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)
Online programme
Our online programme is now available here:
Is There an Ocean in the House?
Watch the introduction to our online programme
If you have enquiries about the online programme, please contact:
Email portobello.marinescience@otago.ac.nz
Contact
For science extension and enrichment programme enquiries and bookings, contact:
The New Zealand Marine Studies Centre
Tel +64 3 479 5826
Email portobello.marinescience@otago.ac.nz
