Science Academy year-long programme
On completion of the Science Academy year-long programme, students will be able to:
- Transfer practical scientific skills learned during the programme to their laboratory work in school science subjects.
- Transfer knowledge gained during the Projects and Electives to NCEA Level 3 internal and external assessments.
- Plan, prepare and produce a science communication presentation for a public audience.
- Demonstrate increased confidence and ability to articulate ideas when communicating science to others.
- Recognise a range of tertiary science learning pathways, scholarship opportunities and career options for science graduates.
- Establish connections with other high-achieving science students from schools across New Zealand.
- Complete a full week of science-related academic activities at a university campus, with supervision.
- Develop teamwork skills during all parts of the camp programmes.
Morning seminars
After attending the morning seminar series, students will be able to:
- Describe key components of each presenter's area of research.
- Identify links between academic research and secondary school science subjects.
- Recognise the wide range of education and career paths that can lead to employment as an academic researcher.
Two-day Practical Science Projects
After participating in the Practical Science Project component of the programme, students will be able to:
- Identify links in terms of content and practical work between university level and secondary school science subjects.
- Develop their scientific practical skills using a range of equipment and/or technologies.
- Complete a range of practical science activities in a methodical and mature manner.
Short electives
After attending the short elective component, students will be able to:
- Describe how the Elective subjects relate to science subjects taught in schools.
- Discover how the Elective subjects have relevance to society.
- Develop new understanding and practical skills in a subject area of interest.
Science Communication component
On successful completion of the Science Communication component of the programme, students will be able to:
- Describe and apply how scientific information can be presented and communicated to a public audience in an engaging and relevant way using one of four media types:
- Interpretive talks
- Short science film
- Science Radio Podcast
- Museum science display/demonstration
- Select and research an interesting scientific topic and theme which would be relevant for a general audience.
- Work independently and collaboratively under the guidance of a science communication tutor, over a six-month period, to complete set milestones towards a team or individual project.
- Create a coherent and informative talk, podcast, short film or museum presentation within the context of a scientific topic or theme.
- Demonstrate practical application of key concepts and specialised techniques of science communication by putting these into practice in their final presentation.
Transition to Tertiary July sessions
On successful completion of the Transition to Tertiary component of the programme, students will be able to:
- Describe the online application process for university residential colleges and scholarships.
- Summarise some of the key aspects of course selection and degree planning.
- Recognise some of the social and academic challenges facing first year students.
- Identify some of the support services for first year students at Otago University.
- Identify ways to manage some of the challenges which face first year students.