The Division of Sciences is proud of the work done by our students and staff in Community Engagement. Community Engagement is here to support both school students and teachers in reaching their potential in science.
Alongside the Community Engagement programmes developed by individual departments, the Division of Sciences has developed three important Community Engagement programs to support secondary school students.
Hands-On at Otago
Following the long-term success of Hands-On Science, Otago is very excited and proud to offer Hands-On at Otago. Hands-On at Otago incorporates projects related to science, health science, humanities and business.
Hands-On is a week long event run on campus, and is designed for secondary school students entering either Year 12 or 13.
Science Academy
Science Academy is a year-long programme, organised by the University of Otago, for Year 13 secondary school students attending rural / provincial, small, or lower decile schools. Science Academy has a strong emphasis on enhancing students ability to excel in their final year of secondary school science, analytical thinking, problem solving, and the important role of communication and the way science in the 21st Century considers social and ethical concerns.
Alongside the student programme, Science Academy also offers a Teacher Professional Development programme (see our website).
Science Wānanga
Science Wānanga are three-day hands-on experiences for Māori secondary students in Aotearoa / New Zealand. Staying on marae with university students, scientists and kaumātua, students get to hang out and do real science in their local communities.
Departmental Community Engagement
Alongside the Community Engagement activities organised by the Division of Sciences, most University of Otago science departments run their own specialised Community Engagement programmes.
Outreach Certificate
To recognise the valuable time and effort our students invest in science outreach, the Division of Sciences has created the Outreach Certificate. The Outreach Certificate celebrates students' achievements and endorses the time and effort they put into outreach.
Science Notes
Science Notes is a radio show broadcast on Otago Access Radio, our local community radio station. It provides a place where graduate science students can talk about their research and play some of their favourite music. It also provides a way for students thinking about getting into science, and the general public, to hear what doing science is actually like.