Fonterra Science Roadshow

• The Fonterra Science Roadshow is a nationally travelling programme to schools and their communities;
• Geared towards students in Years 5–9.
• 70 hands-on exhibits (in six themes) and two demonstrations, that change every year.
• Promoted to every school in New Zealand, every year, by direct mail and electronic database
• Sets up in a ‘host’ school hall and other schools in surrounding area come to pre-booked sessions.
• Host schools also provide student helpers (Explainers) who are trusted with assisting on specific exhibits.
• Bookings are done online. Upon booking a free 32 page resource booklet is posted out.
• Sessions for schools last 80 minutes — a 10 minute demonstration followed by 60 minutes on exhibits and then to finish, another 10 minute demonstration.
• A host school visit could be for anything from one day to four days.

The Fonterra Science Roadshow offers school children, their teachers and accompanying parents and wider public visitors an opportunity to explore various science and technology concepts by ‘touch and feel’. It provides a unique, informal learning opportunity that:

• excites and enthuses visitors;
• nurtures curiosity and discovery;
• improves motivation and attitude;
• adds to teacher knowledge;
• supports numeracy and literacy;
• encourages social interaction and co-operative learning;
• provides memorable real life contextual elements and exemplars.

Science is a global phenomenon

The Nature of Science Strand gives an opportunity to explore the impact of science on different problems and across different cultures and societies. What is a scientist? Where do they work? what do they do? Do different countries have different science needs? The British Council's Schools on line programme could be a really interesting way to connect with other schools from around the world and explore the role, focus and impact of science and scientists in different countries and societies.