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

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!