Residential Science Extension and Enrichment Programme for gifted and talented students.

From July 6th to July 10th Massimo Pezzuto Yr 11 and Chris Klemetson Yr 11 took part in a five day residential Science Extension and Enrichment Program for gifted and talented Yr 11 and 12 students at the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre, in Portobello, Dunedin.  

They stayed overnight at the beautiful residency of Quarantine Island. The programme was delivered by the University of Otago and included:

● Introduction to ocean research

● Exploration of fieldwork Science at sea onboard vessels and/or on coastlines

● Living and working with ‘like-minded’ teams of young Scientists

● Ocean research investigation development, design and practical sampling and data gathering at sea

● Qualitative and quantitative information and processing of the information

● Preparing and presenting to an audience the process, analysis and synthesis of the project in various ways

● Engaging in the team and peer review and critique as part of the nature of Science

● Creative challenges in a marine context doing and thinking about Science in a historical and world context

● Engaging and sharing as young Scientists in a knowledge-building community.

Massimo was part of the Plankton Team, which investigated the abundance and biodiversity of Zooplankton in Otago Harbour in relation to water depth and nutrient concentration. Chris was part of the Physical Oceanography Team, which investigated the tides and how they affected the harbour waters.

Massimo and Chris would like to thank Hanna Ravn and the program mentors, Mrs Jopson and King's High School for this fantastic opportunity.

This was thoroughly enjoyable as well as incredibly engaging and educational.

Massimo Pezzuto