New Zealand Science and Technology Contestable Promotion Fund 2002/2003

Individual projects can seek support from the fund up to a maximum of $100,000. Projects will be funded for a maximum of two years.

68 applications were received with bids totalling $3,828,989. 26 applications were invited to complete a stage 2 application and 23 stage 2 applications were received with bids totalling $1,284,235. The following 8 projects were selected by the Assessment Panel to receive funding in the year 2002/2003.

Recipients for 2002/2003

Sciboard

New Zealand Association of Science Educators

Project Leader: Jenni Edwards

Awarded 2002/2003: $53,000.00

Sciboards will be a popular science insert in the Hubbards cereals produced for children. Each Sciboard will contain information on the work of scientists with a focus on younger scientists; examples of the application of research findings in a form easily processed by both young and adult; and activities, puzzles and competitions for the children.

Summer of Discovery

Australis Consulting Ltd

Project Leader: Vicki Martin

Awarded 2002/2003: $85,000.00

The Summer of Discovery 'Summer Fun Kit' contains a video and activity book which are full of exciting experiments, fun-filled field trips and adventures to excite and inspire children aged 10-12 years and their parents about science and technology. A zany professor and his sidekick (animated character) present topics in science and technology. The video and workbook will be made available, free of charge, through Video Ezy stores.

Stonehenge Aotearoa

The Phoenix Astronomical Society

Project Leader: Richard Hall

Awarded 2002/2003: $56,500.00

This project, based in the Wairarapa, plans to build a working adaptation of Stonehenge to allow New Zealanders to experience for themselves how the technologies of these times were used and can still be used. A 30-metre diameter circle of 24 monoliths, capped with lintels will encompass a central design incorporating an obelisk sundial, meridian line and a solar and zodiac calendar.

Quickest, Strongest, Smartest: New Zealand Robotic Olympics

Massey University

Project Leader: Chris Messom

Awarded 2002/2003: $37,470.00

This project will be a first in a series of annual nationwide robotic competitions open to members of the public in particular secondary and tertiary students. Cheap robot starter kits and guides will be made available but individuals will be free to use their creativity to design their own solutions.

Maori in Science Research

University of Waikato

Project Leader: Meto Leach

Awarded 2002/2003: $18,000.00

This project will illustrate the usefulness of science to Maori by promoting/describing Maori-centred research projects that have strong iwi links, involve Maori researchers and have outcomes that directly benefit specific iwi. These research projects, once profiled on CD, will be distributed to Maori trust boards, kura kaupapa and secondary schools with high numbers of Maori to better inform Maori of the opportunities that are derived from science.

Integrated Garden Management : The Science Behind Your Garden

HortResearch Lincoln

Project Leader: Howard Bezar

Awarded 2002/2003: $60,000.00

The Science Behind Your Garden will promote science to gardeners from all walks of life. The project aims to work mainly through garden centres to capture gardeners' attention and bring science into their lives. 1000 staff in garden centres will be trained by scientists to help the general public understand pests, diseases and soil health. Audiences will be reached using a range of communication techniques based around resource kits.

Stokes Valley Science Initiative

Stokes Valley Rotary Club

Project Leader: Phillip Hankinson

Awarded 2002/2003: $25,000.00

The project is to develop a number of Science and Technology based exhibits to be installed in public places around the centre of Stokes Valley. Enclosed modules that can be user operated will be installed along with three dedicated sculptural style interactives. The project will place science on a parallel footing with the world of art of enable science to be admired for its beauty, knowledge and cause and effect. This science resource will be placed at the heart of a community bringing science into day to day life.

Science Role Model Calendar

Capital City Science Educators Association

Project Leader: Doreen Gates

Awarded 2002/2003: $40,000.00

Production of a calendar/monthly planner available for display in every intermediate and secondary science classroom in New Zealand. Each of the twelve calendar pages will display a large colour photograph of scientists at work with accompanying poster text. Emphasis will be placed on youthful role models representing a multicultural heritage and the interrelated role of the business and public sector science will be clearly illustrated. The contexts chosen will have meaning and appeal for a teenage audience.