Science and Technology Fairs

Genesis Energy National Science and Technology Fair.

Here are the2002 winners..

2001: Who won what

Find out about previous national Science and Technology Fairs:

Science and Technology Fair projects can be big or small in scope. Any area of science can be covered, with projects in applied science and technology having become increasingly popular. An range of topics are explored in over 50,000 projects nationwide - all involve investigation, challenge and imagination. They can involve entire mangrove forests or a humble mosquito. Some are presented with computer graphics and some are hand drawn. Some are prepared in the kitchen and others in a laboratory. It is up to each student to decide how long to spend on their project.

A range of awards have been established as a reward for the most imaginative and challenging projects.
Here are some ideas and pointers for Science and Technology Fair projects.
Find out about Science and Technology Fair guidelines.

Regional Science & Technology Fairs

Who sponsors Science and Technology Fairs?

Genesis Energy, the retail arm of Genesis Power sponsored regional science and technology fairs and also the National Science and Technology Fair from 1999 until 2002 inclusive. However from 2003 each Regional Science and Technology Fair is now sponsored by a local regional sponsor. There was no National Science and Technology Fair in 2003. Realise the Dream replaced the National Science & Technology Fair.

Who coordinates Science and Technology Fairs?

The Royal Society has always administered and organised the National Science and Technology Fair and will continue to organise the new event “Realise the Dream”. Regional Science and Technology Fairs are organised by a local coordinator. See list of Regional Science & Technology Fairs.

For further information contact:

Debbie Woodhall Royal Society of New Zealand, PO Box 598, Wellington

(04) 472-7421 (ph) (04) 473 1841 (fax)

Each region has its own co-ordinator and supporting committee; the participants keep in touch with each other, with School Science HoDs and other interested teachers.

Serious fun - A week long programme

Hands-On Science has, over more than a decade, become an integral part of Science at Otago and science New Zealand. It is made possible by the enthusiasm and inquisitiveness of more than 200 students who spend a week in serious scientific fun working in scientific teams and forming new friendships. It is a great opportunity and if you are interested the website a address and email contact address is below.

The "Hands-On Science" experience is a week of serious fun. All students experience hostel life by living-in at Unicol, a student hall of residence. Each day begins in a University science department where the mornings are spent as mini researchers working with scientists on a scientific project. Projects chosen by the students range from checking the cholesterol levels in blood to designing a soccer game on the computer, or from making sunblock to tracking email messages. Two of the afternoons give a chance to check out where scientists are working, perhaps in the community or University. It's amazing the range of careers there are for a scientist.

Hands-On Science is for students entering years 11,12 or 13 next year.

If you want a full on action packed week with a mix of the academic and social then Hands-On Science is the place to be. For more information check out the webpage or email pam.quin@stonebow.otago.ac.nz

Human and Animal Ethics

Science and technology fair investigations and projects which involve humans or other animals must comply with ethical standards. Considering the ethics of a piece of work, and applying for approval if necessary, is a valuable learning experience for students.

An Animal Ethics Approval committee for use by students, teachers and schools is now operational and can be contacted at animalethicscommittee@rsnz.org Information about the Code of Ethical Conduct for the use of animals in schools and early childhood centres, guidelines and application forms can be found at www.nzase.org.nz

There are two main considerations for activities involving humans. The first is when humans are involved in activities such as tasting or smelling when the substances involved may be toxic or provoke an allergic reaction, or undergo exercise which may trigger unexpected effects in the subject; the second is when information such as weight, height, preferences etc is collected and presented - if this takes place then privacy must be ensured.

If your work involves humans, information regarding human ethics can be found here