In Term 2 Willow Blair and Olivia Morriss had the opportunity to participate in the Rimurimu Science Extension Programme along with 22 other Year 10 students from around the South Island.

Willow and Olivia were mentored by Post Graduate Marine Science students from the Otago University. In groups of six they conducted research and experiments on everything seaweed-related, from fieldwork recording kelp forests to lab work studying seaweed spores. They learned about how seaweed affects oceans and how it is a significant part of our marine ecosystem in Aotearoa—at the end of the programme, Willow and Olivia presented their findings to the public, as well as a novel presentation. It was a challenge working with people they had not met before, but soon had new friends. Every evening the group took a boat over to their accommodation on Quarantine Island in the Otago Harbour and then completed a whole bunch of fun activities together. This was a great experience, and the memories Willow and Olivia made will stay with them forever, as will the things they learned.

Willow Blair & Olivia Morriss