Awareness of science and technology
Creating an understanding of science and technology
Who is the predominant audience for this work?
Science supporters who are looking to understand the science behind issues, those who are concerned about aspects of science and wish to get a better understanding of them and those who don’t see a great deal of benefit from New Zealand research and are looking to be convinced.
The Business of Science
This project is to be targeted at those 7th form students, who are currently studying science and maths subjects and are intending to enter courses such as business, law, or commerce at tertiary level.
The aim of the project is to encourage these students to continue with a science, maths or technology paper during their first year of study or to consider a conjoint degree such as BSc/LLB. This is to ensure that their knowledge of science and/or technology progresses beyond secondary school level so that when they embark on a business career they are capable of making effective financial/investment decisions in sectors such as biotechnology and information technology.
Career Services rapuara are piloting the design and delivery of a programme of activities promoting further study in science subjects at tertiary level (and the rationale behind it) to senior students and their key influencers. Secondary schools in the Waikato area have been selected to be involved in a range of events to establish whether some or all of these activities are seen as having a positive impact on the decision making of the students.
You can read an evaluation of the Business of Science project by downloading the document below.
Evaluation of Business of Science
Royal Society of New Zealand awareness activities
The Royal Society runs a number of programmes supported by funding from MoRST. These include:
- administration of the New Zealand Science and Technology Medals
- development and promotion of the communicators Programme that trains scientists to be more effective communicators and presenters to a diverse range of groups in the community
- organising a series of Masterclasses on topics of public interest
- fostering talented young New Zealanders and organising their participation in international events
- planning a national celebratory and promotional event in December 2003 for high achievers in research and technological practice in New Zealand schools.
Carter Observatory
The Carter Observatory runs a number of programmes on public astronomy supported by funding from MoRST. These include:
- a series of public lectures and research seminars
- information on astronomy distributed to New Zealand print media
- lectures to astronomy groups
- public presentations about astronomical events through planetarium shows.
Sci-art project
A joint initiative with Creative New Zealand. Find out more about Science-Art collaboration.