Science Alive Sponsorships and Networks

The Magnetic Observatory exhibition at the Christchurch Botanical Gardens was developed in 2021 and tells the stories of past exploration and continuing discoveries through interactive science exhibits, videos and graphics.

The Magnetic Observatory originally opened in 1901 in the Botanic Gardens as a complex of buildings devoted to magnetic, atmospheric, gravitational, seismic and celestial studies.

The observatory was famously used by both Captain Robert Falcon Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic teams to make magnetic surveys in preparation for their expeditions.

In keeping with the history of the site, Botanic Gardens staff use a Climatological Station right next to the old Magnetic Observatory workshop to observe air, grass and earth temperatures, wind direction and force, visibility and evaporation daily.

Visit the Magnetic Observatory at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens - Open Daily: 10am-4pm

Science Alive Charitable Trust partnered with the Science Roadshow to support their mission of delivering hands-on science experiences to tamariki across Aotearoa. By contributing funding towards the Science Roadshow bus, we helped make it possible for the Roadshow team to travel to schools nationwide—bringing interactive, engaging science directly to learners and sparking excitement and curiosity in classrooms from the top of Te Ika a Māui to the bottom of Te Waipounamu.

The Science Roadshow bus served as a mobile science discovery centre, filled with interactive exhibits, captivating demonstrations, and hands-on activities that allowed students to explore scientific concepts in a fun and memorable way. From physics and chemistry to biology and environmental science, the experience brought learning to life, encouraging tamariki to think critically, ask questions, and see science as something they could connect with and enjoy. It was a powerful tool in building confidence and inspiring a lifelong interest in science.

This collaboration enabled the Science Roadshow to reach schools far and wide, including many in rural and remote areas that might otherwise miss out on such opportunities. It was a meaningful part of Science Alive’s broader mission to make science education more accessible and equitable across Aotearoa. The partnership reflected our shared commitment to inspiring the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators—by bringing science directly to where young minds could experience it best: in their own communities.

A few years ago, we proudly partnered with the International Antarctic Centre to develop an inspiring, curriculum-aligned unit exploring the wonders of Antarctica and Aotearoa New Zealand’s deep connection to the continent. The Antarctic Centre generously provided access to expert interviews, in-depth resources, and behind-the-scenes photography that enabled Science Alive to craft engaging and accurate content that helped us bring to life the stories of legendary explorers, groundbreaking science, and the importance of Antarctica in a global context.

Initially targeted at Levels 3 and 4 of the New Zealand Curriculum, the unit was made freely available to schools across Aotearoa (and still is!). It introduces tamariki to a wide range of themes, including the Antarctic Treaty, unique wildlife, ecological challenges, historical milestones, and the evolving future of human activity in the icy continent. The content blends storytelling with science, featuring real voices from the field and hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and critical thinking in young learners. New Zealand’s leadership in Antarctic research and conservation was a key focus, connecting classroom learning with national identity and global responsibility.

Since its release, the unit has had a lasting impact and remains a valued resource on our education platform today. Teachers across the motu continue to use it to engage students in meaningful conversations about our role in protecting the planet and understanding its most remote environments. As our very first unit developed, it has a special place in our heart - It has paved the way for future resources and demonstrated the powerful potential of combining expert knowledge with a passion for education.

Science Alive Charitable Trust collaborated with Education Perfect to create a series of engaging online STEAM resources, developed in partnership with our Science Alive Mātauranga team. This collaboration marked a huge first step in our journey toward providing free, high-quality educational content for tamariki across Aotearoa. By combining Science Alive’s expertise in science communication and education with Education Perfect’s digital platform and team of content designers, we were able to create content that is interactive, inclusive, and aligned with New Zealand’s curriculum.

The resources, shaped by the Science Alive Mātauranga team, were designed to weave together science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths in ways that resonate with young learners. Grounded in real-world relevance and cultural context, these online modules provide both depth and flexibility—allowing students to explore key STEAM concepts while engaging with interactive activities and stories that reflect our unique environment in Aotearoa and knowledge systems. The digital format also ensures broad accessibility, supporting both classroom and remote learning.

Since their release, the STEAM resources have been widely accessed by teachers and students across the country, supporting a growing demand for culturally responsive, future-focused learning tools. This project was a foundational moment for Science Alive’s commitment to free education content, setting the tone for future initiatives that continue to blend innovation and excellence in science education. The partnership with Education Perfect demonstrated the impact that can be achieved when organisations come together to empower educators and inspire learners.

Bring Earth, Space And Ice To Your Christchurch Classroom!

Kids in Space is an educational programme that can come to your school and spend half a day inspiring kids about all things aerospace.

What should we expect?

A fun and interactive science programme with an adaptable educator right in your classroom.

• Interactive discussion and demonstrations
• Inflatable space models
• Powerpoint and videos
• Astronaut flight suits dress up
• Samples of astronaut food from NASA
• STEAM activities subject to age groups – robotics, straw rockets, space shuttle gliders, planet plates, planet crowns, astronaut puppets, astronaut bookmarks, or other activities for senior students if you indicate your classes are Year 7 or 8
• There are media opportunities for the school to take photos of students in Astronaut Flight Suits. We will send you a photographic consent form if required.

Anne-Marie Robinson, the United States Space Camp Ambassador to New Zealand and a qualified primary school teacher, will come out to schools and present a programme of Space exploration and STEAM activities.

Get in touch with Anne-Marie from Kids in Space!

Science Alive Charitable Trust partnered with MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology) to support the creation of the Science Alive Te Manawa Magic Box—a vibrant, hands-on feature within MOTAT’s refreshed interactive space, designed to ignite curiosity in science, technology, and innovation. With support from Science Alive, the Magic Box was developed at MOTAT as a flexible, multi-functional structure that could host a variety of engaging activities for tamariki and whānau. The collaboration brought together MOTAT’s commitment to learning and technology, and Science Alive’s expertise in delivering accessible, exciting science education.

The Science Alive Te Manawa Magic Box operates like an interactive stall and is designed to adapt to different themes and purposes. It includes dedicated zones for science demonstrations, art and craft activities, and innovation tables, and also provides practical storage and display space for equipment. Whether it’s sparking creativity through hands-on making or demonstrating scientific experiments in action, the Magic Box is a dynamic space that encourages exploration, interaction, and learning in a playful, accessible environment.

Since its launch, the Science Alive Te Manawa Magic Box has become a key feature of MOTAT’s visitor experience, engaging groups of all ages and supporting ongoing public education initiatives. It continues to be a well-loved platform for showcasing the wonder of science and technology in everyday life. This collaboration with MOTAT reflects our ongoing mission to bring science to everyone—creating fun, meaningful encounters that inspire the next generation of thinkers, makers, and problem-solvers.