Like science? You'll love Waikato

Budding young scientists get the chance to experience the latest scientific techniques, meet like-minded science students and experience university life every year at the Hill Laboratories Waikato Science Summer School.

In 2009, the summer school, an initiative of the Rotary Club, saw 40 Year 12 science students from the central North Island descended on Waikato University for the annual week-long event this December. The summer school has been running for 15 years and is the result of strong partnerships between Rotary, the University of Waikato, and sponsors Hill Laboratories and The Gallagher Group.

The students began with a fieldtrip to Waihi, investigating the area’s past and present mining sites, visiting spots such as Martha Mine, Golden Cross, Lake Gilmour and Karanagahake Gorge. They collected samples and returned to Waikato University’s laboratories, examining plankton from the waters of Lake Gilmour (biological sciences), rocks from Karanagahake Gorge (earth sciences), analyse rocks and tailings for gold and silver (chemistry) from Martha Mine and also learning about various areas of engineering.

On the last day the students presented their opinions on possible new mining sites in New Zealand, as well as rehabilitation plans for when mining has ended.

University biology lecturer Ian Duggan says the students involved in this year’s summer school were one of the most enjoyable groups he’s been involved with. “Many people become adults and stop asking questions, but successful scientists need to keep asking questions, so I hope the students we hosted never change in that respect - science will be in great health if we have students such as these coming through.”

SCIENCE SCHOOL: Students Jonathan Mayo from Mt Maunganui College and Liza Bickerton from Te Awamutu College experience Biochemical Engineering in the Waikato University labs during Science Summer School.
Photo: Michelle Armstrong.