Two students report on their experiences at Summer Science Schools Frank McGrath introduced our first guest speaker, Brayden Leicester, who is a year 13 pupil at Taradale High School, and who attended the Summer Rotary Science Forum (known as Nerd Camp) in Auckland for 13 days in January this year.Brayden spoke about the forum, explaining how the modules were held over 3 venues, being Auckland University, AUT and Massey. He participated in 15 modules and tech units covering subjects such as chemistry, Molecular biology, nutrition, Physics, Biological science, robotics, applied maths, food science. Included in the forum were special lectures and speakers, as well as Technical visits to Landcare Research, ESR forensics, and Auckland Watercare Labs.
He learned a lot about University life and played a lot of volleyball. Many thanks were passed onto the Taradale Rotary Club for their support and sponsorship.
Sarah Shand welcomed the 2nd speaker, Phoebe Laugesen, who is now doing a Vet Science Degree, but who also attended the Summer Rotary science Forum but in 2019.
Phoebe recounted how the camp gave her the skills to adapt to University lectures. She showed a video of the time she had at the forum and was also very appreciative of the assistance she received from the Taradale Rotary Club. Her parting words were, take every opportunity, and knowledge is power.