Science Comes Alive for Roslyn Students

Jun 11, 03:36 PM

Current Headlines: By MCKAY, Caitlin

Science fizzed, foamed and overflowed in a test tube at Roslyn School yesterday.

More than 100 Year 7 and 8 students were taught by Hamilton AgResearch educator Colin Nichol.

Mr Nichol runs the Science Outreach programme and travels around New Zealand teaching science to students of all ages.

The best part of his job, he says, is working with children, but "without the paperwork".

When the Manawatu Standard arrived the class was a hive of activity as children filled test tubes with household products including floor cleaner, shampoo, vinegar, fizzy drink and tea - then tested the acidity with indicator paper.

A table of boys had a hard time sharing experiment duties. Filling the test tube was a sought-after job.

But, as Thomas Headey, 12, explained: "When you're 11 and 12 it's hard (to share) because you want to do everything."

Thor Severinsen, 11, said the best part of science was "blowing stuff up".

Team leader of Year 7 and 8 team Kara Mason said the lessons were to inspire students to enter the school's science fair. The winning entries would be forwarded to the Manawatu Science and Technology Fair.

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