12 October 2009 - ‘Solar Powered Lunch Box’, ‘Plants and Aspirin – fact or folklore?’ These are some of the hundreds of student science projects to be showcased at the annual Auckland City Science & Technology Fair, held at the Alexandra Park Raceway Function Centre from 19–21 October.

The fair, sponsored by the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA), is open to all primary and secondary schools in the Auckland City Region.

More than 240 entries are expected, covering all areas of science and technology, from Year 7 to 13 students representing 21 schools.

NIWA’s Education Coordinator, Dr Julie Hall, says “Science and Technology Fairs are a great way to get kids to think about and be active in science, have fun with it, and get a sense of achievement.

“As well as gaining knowledge of science and the scientific process, they develop critical thinking skills and perseverance that can be taken into other areas.

“NIWA is proud to again sponsor this event as part of our commitment to fostering scientific knowledge among young people and the wider community,” says Dr Hall.

On Monday 19 October, the students will be interviewed by a panel of judges and the best project in each category will be selected.

Prizes, totalling more than $5,000, have been donated by a range of Auckland businesses and science and technology organisations.

Winning projects will be nominated for a place at the national Genesis Energy ‘Realise the Dream’ festival – a week-long event for young scientists and technologists, held in December.

“Naturally, NIWA hopes that many of the students exhibiting at this year’s fair will take up careers in science, which are vital to sustaining New Zealand’s economy and environment,” says Dr Hall.

The Auckland City Science & Technology Fair follows other successful fairs NIWA sponsors each year in Wellington, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty.

Public viewing:

9 am – 8 pm, Tuesday 20 October
9 am – 3 pm, Wednesday 21 October
Alexandra Park Raceway Function Centre, Greenlane

Prizegiving:

7 pm, Wednesday 21 October
King's School War Memorial Hall, 258 Remuera Rd, Remuera 

For more information contact:

Sandra Jackson
Chairperson
King’s School
258 Remuera Rd, Remuera
Tel: 09 520 7770 ext 825 (wk)
Mob: 021 2365342
s.jackson@kings.school.nz 

Davina Hosking
NIWA
Tel: 09 375 4646 (wk)
Mob: 021 105 0433
d.hosking@niwa.co.nz