Quick Dips

Science on the Road

The Telecom Technology-Science Roadshow is halfway through its national tour of almost 50 centres from Dargaville to Invercargill, and is attracting excellent turn-outs.

"The Roadshow's success as a learning attraction is an indication of just what can be achieved," says Telecom representative Lyle Griffiths. "Skilled teachers, technicians and industrial designers have developed the 50 displays, including 45 new exhibits this year."

The 80-minute show gives children direct experience of basic scientific principles and modern technological applications. From Winton to Wairoa, Roadshow visitors get to make a tornado in a bottle, explore how black holes suck in matter and transmit sounds from one tube to another.

"The in-service training ensures that the Roadshow is not just a one-time event in the lives of the children," says Griffiths. "Instead, teachers are encouraged to try more experiments in the classroom using the Roadshow as a stimulus. Because these do not require the use of expensive resources, all teachers are able to implement the programmes in their own classrooms, no matter how small or isolated the school."