The Science and Technology Promotion Fund 2000/2001

Successful Applications

The following projects have received funding from the 2000/2001funding round. It should be noted that the fund is often only one of a number of sources of funding for the projects. For the up to $100,000 (including GST) category the applicant must be able to demonstrate matching funding from other sources.

Up to $100,000 (including GST)

National Science-Technology Roadshow Trust

$100,000

‘Ingenious Kiwis’ will be a touring multimedia exhibition show casing the achievements and ingenuity of New Zealanders. It will tell the story of how they identified problems, explored possible solutions and then went on to develop new concepts or products, a number of which have gone on to be commercial successes. The scientific and technological principles on which these solutions were developed will be presented in an interactive format. Real objects and products will be featured which will be recognised by visitors who will be able to identify the links between the products and the role of the science and technology sector.

A family oriented education resource and an interactive website will support this exhibition which will tour over 20 towns and cities in venues where New Zealanders get together such as A&P Shows and major events.

Up to $30,000 (including GST)

New Zealand Ecological Society

$30,000

‘Tui Time’ will be an interactive CD —ROM that will distributed free to all primary schools in New Zealand. Tiaki Tui will lead children through three fun activities that are linked to an "encyclopedia" of ecological information and pictures. Part of the CD will be presented both in Te Reo Maori and English. The CD will deal with adaptations of various native bird species, an interactive activity about a day in the life of a tui, and stories about the tui from kuia, scientist and kids.

Lincoln University

$29,000

This project involves establishing ‘biodiversity farm trails’ in Canterbury and East Cape. The trails are designed to explain and promote the usefulness of biodiversity on cropping land. The trails will include information booths, demonstration sites showing a range of native and non-native biodiversity improvements, and interpretive signs on the farm walks. The trails will be oriented to the rural community in particular.

University of Canterbury

$30,000

This programme will involve developing a series of presentations by Ph.D. students on topical issues which will be delivered to Year 11 school students. The presenters will be selected for their potential to communicate effectively. Their presentations will encourage an appreciation of the pivotal place that science holds in modern society, describe how scientific research can help solve some of the really big problems in our modern world, and to demonstrate to young people that study of science at tertiary level is rewarding and worthwhile.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

$20,000

‘Living Treasures in Science’ will involve developing and implementing a programme of presentations, demonstrations and displays at Auckland Museum using invited researchers to discuss their particular area of expertise. By using ‘real’ researchers the public will feel they are being informed on a direct level and from a unique source, and the Museum will be able to tap into the infectious enthusiasm of researchers.

The Auckland Observatory and Planetarium Trust

$30,000

Based on the explosion of a large meteor over Taranaki in July 1999 ‘Aotearoa Armageddon’ will see the public exploring this event by using an interactive multimedia production similar in nature to an "adventure game". The audience will take on the role of scientists using the multimedia database to decide what the Taranaki object was. The game will be programmed in such a way that there are branch points where the audience needs to make knowledge based decisions in order to proceed, with the knowledge they need being supplied via videos, slide and sound media.

Science Alive! The New Zealand Science Centre

$30,000

‘SciTech on the Move’ is an integrated science and technology programme involving stand-alone modular interactives, activities and shows. This programme will be designed to be set up in shopping malls and presented to the general public. Each of the eight interactives will present a simple science and technology principle. The four themes covered will be lifestyle, communications, the body, and forces.

Discovery World Otago Museum

$15,850

‘Amusing Science’ is a 15 minute interactive science and technology show that will take place at venues such as school fairs, quiz nights and community events which attract parents and grandparents. By presenting the science message in a positive, exciting and interactive way, audiences will see the relevance of science and technology to everyday life.

Rutherford’s Den Trust Board

$30,000

This project is to create an innovative and unique set of visitor experiences centered on the authentic site of Rutherford’s Den. The Den is the original space within the Arts Centre in which Rutherford undertook his early experimental research at Canterbury College. As part of the new visitor experience it is planned to create a virtual presentation of Rutherford "live", interacting with visitors within his original setting, using very special effects.

The National Science-Technology Roadshow Trust

$15,500

‘Street Shows’ will be a series of science and technology based shows for people on the streets of metropolitan Auckland. The street shows will be entertaining in a way which will stop "the traffic" and hold interest, be informative, and link science and technology phenomenon to our everyday world.

Victoria University of Wellington

$30,000

‘Imaging the Earth’ is a hands-on outdoor road show that will include an interactive slide presentation and allow students to operate equipment that will enable them to image the earth under their school. This experience will be followed up by an evening lecture for parents and other community members demonstrating the geophysics experiments their children were engaged in during the day.

The Waikato Polytechnic and the Exscite Trust

$25,000

‘Techno-Fest’ is to be a Waikato based festival celebrating technology. It will emphasise the links between science, technology and a range of industries and activities in the community. It will demonstrate the links between science, technology and the arts and will give insights into employment and community activities.