House of Science kits prove popular

Science has come alive in classrooms across the Wellington region. The subjects’ reinvigoration is thanks to an initiative from House of Science. House of Science NZ is a charitable trust set up to help improve scientific literacy in primary and intermediate schools. 

To help teachers confidently deliver engaging science lessons, the organisation developed comprehensive bilingual resource kits that align with the New Zealand curriculum. Using a subscription-based library system, schools can tap into 70 different kits. The kits cover 40 topics, including forest health, climate change, electricity, bones, microbes, and forensic science. 

As one of 21 branches nationwide, the wider Wellington region has almost 50% of schools taking part. Branch manager Carol Brieseman is keen to support more. “We want to see every child in New Zealand become scientifically literate. This means they have a clear understanding of science concepts and processes encountered in their daily lives,” she says.

Fun kits engage students

The kits are put together by a dedicated House of Science resource developer and teams of scientists. They contain everything a teacher needs to teach the subject at hand. 

The hands-on kits see students doing a range of tasks. They could be examining skeletons, making batteries from salty water, germinating bean seeds, testing water quality, constructing bumble bee nests, or fingerprinting. 

“They really do cover all aspects of science: biology, physics, chemistry, the nature of science, and space science. All to get kids thinking about the different facets of science.” 

The age-appropriate kits are proving a huge hit with students and teachers alike. “This is such an engaging kit — the kids don’t realise they’re having fun doing science experiments,” says a South Wellington Intermediate School teacher. 

“Children love it, and having all the necessary equipment makes it very teacher-friendly. Each time we get a kit, more teachers use it,” says Porirua’s Postgate School.

Sparking a passion for science

Biochemist and secondary school science teacher Chris Duggan established House of Science in 2013.  She was concerned about the lack of science knowledge students had when they began high school. Her concerns were echoed in the 2013 Education Review Office (ERO) figures. They showed more than 70% of Aotearoa’s primary and intermediate schools lacked effective science programmes. 

A lack of interest or engagement in science can be established early on. Research suggests that by the age of 10, most kids have made up their minds about where they see themselves in the world when it comes to things like science. House of Science offers fun and engaging exposure to science so kids understand that it can be a part of their world. Having that positive perception means it stays an open avenue when they come to high school. 

A report conducted by Impact Lab measured House of Science’s social return on investment as $1:$10.20. This means that every dollar invested in House of Science Programme delivers $10.20 of measurable good to New Zealand.

Initiative relies on community 

House of Science relies on sponsorship and volunteers. Kit sponsorship from the likes of WellingtonNZ pays for the purchase and upkeep of each kit. A team of volunteers helps deliver and restock them. “We’ve got an amazing mix of volunteers, retired people, school students, new immigrants… all of whom form this dedicated team which makes sure schools are getting a top-quality experience from the kits they receive, every time,” says Carol. 

As a teacher of over 30 years, Carol understands first-hand the importance of science literacy. She's keen to bring in more local businesses to help fund the kits and grow the resource library. “This collaborative effort will see us make a difference in sparking a passion for science in Wellington’s kids.”