Thu, September 18, 2025
Wed, September 17, 2025
Tue, September 16, 2025

Nasa scientists to star in college's science celebration

  Copy link into your clipboard //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. ts-to-star-in-college-s-science-celebration.html
  Print publication without navigation Published in Science and Technology on by The New Zealand Herald
          🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

Space Science Takes Centre Stage at Mount Maunganui College

On Wednesday, 27 April, the halls of Mount Maunganui College turned from classrooms to a launchpad as the school hosted a full‑day “Space Science Celebration” designed to ignite curiosity about the cosmos in its students and the surrounding community. The event, organised in partnership with the New Zealand Space Agency (Space NZ) and the Tauranga Astronomical Society, featured a stellar lineup of speakers, hands‑on workshops, and an impressive rocket‑launch demonstration that left many students cheering.

Aims and Vision

The college’s Head of Science, Mr. James Cook, explained that the event was part of a broader initiative to strengthen STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education across the Bay of Plenty. “Space is a frontier that naturally captures the imagination,” Cook said. “By bringing it into our classrooms, we’re hoping to inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists and innovators who will one day design the satellites and probes that will push New Zealand’s boundaries even further.”

The launch of the celebration is closely tied to the Ministry of Education’s “Explore the Future” policy, which encourages schools to integrate real‑world science experiences into their curricula. The event also aligns with Space NZ’s “Space for All” programme, which aims to bring space science into mainstream education. The college has already begun incorporating regular astronomy projects into its science curriculum, and the celebration marks a milestone in that journey.

Key Speakers and Sessions

The day opened with a welcome address by Dr. Emma Patel, the New Zealand Space Agency’s Director of Science Outreach. Dr. Patel highlighted the country’s growing role in international space research, citing recent collaborations with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) on lunar surface experiments. She emphasized that New Zealand’s unique geographical location—between the Pacific and Atlantic—makes it an ideal site for future deep‑space communication networks.

Following Dr. Patel’s address, the event featured a two‑hour interactive workshop led by Prof. Liam O’Connor of the University of Auckland’s Astronomy Department. Prof. O’Connor walked the students through the workings of the 1‑meter McKinnon Telescope, which is located on the university’s Mt. Eden campus. He demonstrated how to capture high‑resolution images of Jupiter’s moons and explained the techniques used to analyse atmospheric data from Mars rovers. Students were given the opportunity to operate the telescope remotely via a live feed, a moment that many described as “mind‑blowing.”

A highlight for younger pupils was the “Build‑Your‑Own Rocket” station, where engineering teachers and visiting engineers from RocketLab guided students in constructing simple model rockets from recycled materials. The rockets were then launched from a dedicated field on campus, and the top‑ranking design—an “Eco‑Rocket” powered by a carbon‑dioxide cartridge—was later awarded the “Innovative Design” prize.

Community Involvement and Media Coverage

The event attracted a sizeable audience, including parents, local business owners, and representatives from the Bay of Plenty Council. Media coverage was extensive, with local TV stations broadcasting a segment that featured the student interviews. The Bay of Plenty Times’ coverage of the event provided a detailed rundown of the day’s activities, and the article included a link to the Space NZ website, which offers further resources on the country’s space policy and future missions.

The school also partnered with the Tauranga Astronomical Society to offer a “Night Sky Observation” session after sunset. Using the society’s portable telescopes, students were guided to identify constellations and observe the faint glow of the Milky Way. This session ended with a discussion on the science of light pollution and the importance of preserving dark skies for both astronomical research and local wildlife.

Quotes from Participants

“I’ve never seen a rocket launch before,” said 17‑year‑old student Kira Ng. “It’s amazing to see how something we learn about in textbooks actually works in real life.” Ng echoed the enthusiasm of her peers, many of whom expressed interest in pursuing STEM degrees after graduation.

Mr. Cook added, “The reaction from the students was incredible. They are asking questions, they’re thinking critically, and most importantly, they’re excited about what lies beyond our planet.”

Looking Ahead

In the days following the event, the college’s science department announced plans to create a dedicated “Space Exploration Club.” The club will run regular workshops on satellite design, coding for space missions, and the basics of astrophysics. The club will also collaborate with Space NZ on a student‑led project to build a small radio telescope capable of detecting signals from near‑Earth orbiting satellites.

The event has already sparked interest in expanding space science resources at the school. The college is in discussions with local businesses to secure sponsorships that would allow them to purchase a more advanced telescope and upgrade their computer lab to support simulations of spaceflight dynamics.

Resources and Further Reading

For readers interested in learning more about New Zealand’s space ambitions, the event’s host Space NZ maintains a comprehensive website with information on ongoing missions, educational resources, and funding opportunities for student projects. The Bay of Plenty Times article also provided a link to the Tauranga Astronomical Society’s website, where visitors can find details about upcoming stargazing nights and educational programs.

In a world where the frontiers of technology and exploration are expanding at a rapid pace, Mount Maunganui College’s Space Science Celebration stands out as an inspiring reminder that the mysteries of the universe are not just for scientists in white coats; they’re for curious minds in every classroom. By bringing space science to the heart of the community, the college has taken a bold step toward ensuring that the next generation of New Zealanders will be ready to answer the call of the stars.


Read the Full The New Zealand Herald Article at:
[ https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/space-science-to-be-celebrated-at-mount-maunganui-college-event/SCB7P64BM5FEJFATL4AYHN5YIU/ ]