University of Waikato | Science Outreach Activities
- Lian Soh
- Dec 6, 2025
- 4 min read
The University of Waikato offers a selection of science outreach activities at both Hamilton and Tauranga campuses.
This article provides information about science-related experiences to support school planning. You can view more experiences across Aotearoa here. |
Programme overview
The University of Waikato Science Outreach Programme offers a range of on-campus science learning experiences designed to support schools across primary, intermediate, and secondary levels. Activities are delivered at the Hamilton and Tauranga campuses and are led by university staff using specialist facilities, equipment, and specimens not typically available in schools.
These outreach experiences are designed to reinforce curriculum learning while giving students insight into how science is practised in real research and tertiary settings.
Learning focus
Across disciplines, the outreach activities support students to:
engage with authentic scientific practices
apply curriculum knowledge in laboratory and field-based contexts
develop confidence using scientific equipment and techniques
see pathways into further science study and careers
Activities are aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum and NCEA standards, with flexibility to suit different class needs and prior knowledge.
Programme structure
Schools can select from a range of standalone activities rather than a single programme. Sessions typically run between 30 minutes and 3 hours, depending on the activity, and are delivered in university teaching labs, field stations, or specialist facilities.
Activities are grouped broadly by year level, though some can be adapted across multiple age groups.
Who this programme is suited for
Senior Secondary | Year 12 - 13
Senior outreach activities focus on deepening conceptual understanding and exposing students to tertiary-style science learning.
Biology
Animal taxonomy and adaptation Explore how animals have adapted to life on land through structural and physiological features across major taxonomic groups. Supports NCEA Level 2 Biology (adaptation).
Biodiversity investigations Students examine specimens from major animal phyla and investigate soil invertebrates using microscopes, building food chains based on their findings. Group sizes can be adjusted to suit class needs.
Blood pressure and homeostasis Students investigate how exercise affects blood pressure, heart rate, and blood flow, linking practical measurements to homeostatic control. Supports NCEA Level 3 Biology.
DNA extraction and analysis Students extract DNA from cheek cells and are introduced to gel electrophoresis and micropipette use. Activities can be adapted to different levels of genetics understanding.
Chemistry
Hands-on spectroscopy Students collect and interpret IR and NMR spectra to determine the structure of simple organic molecules. Supports NCEA Level 3 Chemistry.
Titration workshops Quantitative analysis activities including iodometric and acid–base titrations, suitable for students with prior titration experience. Supports NCEA Level 3 Chemistry.
Orange oil distillation Students set up a distillation apparatus to extract limonene from orange peel, linking physical properties to material use. Supports NCEA Level 1 Chemistry and Biology.
Earth and Space Science
Geological processes of the central North Island Investigate the geological history of the region, including Zealandia, rock formation, and the rock cycle. Supports NCEA Level 2 Earth and Space Science.
Radiometric dating materials Explore how geological events are dated using materials such as zircons and carbon-based samples. Supports NCEA Level 3 Earth and Space Science.
Marine Science (Tauranga)
Coastal Marine Field Station and Algae Farm tour A short behind-the-scenes tour introducing students to current marine research and facilities.
Water quality sampling Students collect and interpret water quality data, exploring links between environmental conditions, land use, and ecosystem health. Supports NCEA Levels 1–3 Nature of Science and Chemistry.
Shell Shocked: ocean acidification A hands-on investigation into how increasing acidity affects shell material and marine food webs.
Middle Years | Years 7 - 11
Offered primarily in Term 4, these activities support curiosity and conceptual understanding through short, adaptable sessions.
It’s all in your head Students investigate attention, reaction time, and learning through a series of interactive activities. Highly adaptable for age and duration.
Using sediments to look back in time A practical introduction to how sediment layers are used to reconstruct Earth’s past. Supports Planet Earth and Beyond and Nature of Science.
Primary | Years 1 - 6
Offered on a case-by-case basis, primary outreach focuses on engaging, hands-on exploration of Earth systems.
Fire Breathers: exploring volcanoes Practical activities exploring volcanoes, Earth’s structure, and eruptive processes.Supports Planet Earth and Beyond.
Don’t call me dirt! An exploration of soil as a vital, non-renewable resource, examining soil properties and how they vary across landscapes.
Cost and access
Costs vary depending on the activity, duration, group size, and campus location. Schools are encouraged to contact the University of Waikato outreach team directly to discuss availability, pricing, and suitability for their class.
Contact / Next Steps
View the full range of science outreach activities at the University of Waikato website.
Book a science outreach activity for your class here.
Gallery
Images coming soon.
The University of Waikato Science Outreach Activities provide schools with flexible, curriculum-aligned opportunities to extend classroom learning through authentic science experiences. By engaging with university facilities, equipment, and staff, students gain insight into how science is studied and applied beyond the school environment.
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