INSPIRING STEM CURIOSITY THE FUN WAY IN PRIMARY ĀKONGA

Have a blast and gain con dence teaching STEM by signing up for the Wonder Project Rocket Challenge in 2023.

‘A fun way to learn’ is the most commonly cited reason why teachers sign up to participate in the Wonder Project Rocket Challenge – a sentiment frequently echoed by their students, and the industry professionals who support the challenge in classrooms across Aotearoa.

e free schools programme seamlessly blends the thrill of fun, hands-on activities, like launching rockets, with STEM learning aligned to e New Zealand Curriculum. And by connecting classes with volunteer STEM industry professionals, as well as supplying teaching resources, student resources, and a challenge kit free, participating schools are empowered to teach STEM with con dence.

“From a teacher who was always a bit scared to teach STEM with great con dence, I now absolutely love it thanks to the guidance in the Rocket Challenge!” says a teacher from Bankwood School.

Feedback on last year’s challenge highlighted that the opportunity to deliver a fun and dynamic hands-on learning challenge has not only kept students engaged with STEM, but also made the experience teaching STEM more enjoyable.

• 90% of teachers and 86% of students said they would do it again

• 85% of students were fairly or completely engaged in the learning

• 54% of students were more interested in STEM jobs after the challenge.