Science in action day shows students the real deal

Six Manawatū Science and Technology Fair students spent the day with Horizons Regional Council at Tōtara Reserve today to witness science in action.

The Monrad Intermediate, Palmerston North Intermediate Normal, Carncot and Ashhurst school students were awarded the opportunity by Horizons who took part in judging the fair.

Horizons environmental educator Sarah Williams says the judges were very impressed by range of projects the students put forward.

“Each of these students has demonstrated a keen interest in the environment through their projects so we’re really happy to host them today and show them what environmental science looks like in the real world,” she says.

“In addition to gaining a better understanding of how the regional council uses science, the students also got an opportunity to collect data themselves. This included scrubbing rocks for algae, collecting macroinvertebrates, completing an ecological assessment and evaluating pest animal tracking cards.”

The day’s programme included how fresh water is monitored and sampled, what is special about macroinvertebrates, soil health, dealing with pest plants and animals, and discussing science careers options.
Staff from Horizons science and biodiversity teams took turns showing students what they do and talking about what a typical day for them looks like.

Palmerston North Intermediate Normal School student Nicole Piek says she enjoyed being at the river and seeing science in real life.

“It was a really good opportunity to learn and physically see what Horizons does for our community,” she says.

This is the fourth year Horizons has hosted students for a science in action day.