Helping hands needed for House of Science

House of Science is on a mission to engage and inspire, but more help is needed to ensure students continue to have access to science education in the Thames Valley.
Over the past year, 193 resource kits have been delivered to House of Science North Waikato member schools, being used more than 15,000 times by tamariki.
But there are no volunteers at the charitable trust’s Paeroa branch, chief executive and founder Chris Duggan told The Profile, and recruits are now required as the branch expands.
“Ideally we would like two drivers, each driving the House of Science vehicle for one day a fortnight, and two or three volunteers at our branch in Paeroa to help our branch manager top up the kits.
“This takes about six hours per fortnight in total, so three people for two hours each fortnight would be perfect.”
House of Science provides primary school teachers with resources to empower them to make science lessons engaging, hands-on and interesting. Its mission is to see every child in New Zealand become scientifically literate.
The trust was launched in the Western Bay of Plenty in 2014 and now also serves schools in North Waikato, including at Karangahake School and Kopuarahi School.
It receives no government funding, and relies heavily on grants, sponsors and volunteers.
“[We have] 11 member schools [in North Waikato], with 32 science resource kits available. This means we have the capacity to take on more schools – the only limiting factor is volunteers to deliver and service the kits,” Chris said.
Volunteers can assist in two key areas: helping with the delivery and pick-up of kits to local schools, and/or supporting the replenishment of kits at the branch based in Paeroa.
“Our drivers need a full, clean driver’s licence, and they need to be fit and healthy as some of our kits are over 15kg. We provide an electric car and a trolley to take the kits to the school door,” Chris said.
“Our kit maintenance volunteers need an eye for detail and ability to follow instructions. We provide a friendly and supportive environment – and snacks.”
DETAILS: To learn about volunteering with the House of Science North Waikato branch, contact info@houseofscience.nz for more details.