I wonder how we ignite creativity in young Kiwis?
The Wonder Project is Engineering New Zealand’s free programme for schools, designed to get young Kiwis excited about science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
STEM works wonders
The Wonder Project is a series of hands-on programmes that seamlessly knit into the New Zealand school curriculum. They’re designed to spark wonder and awe in young Kiwis from Year 5–13 and get them excited about a future STEM career.
In New Zealand, there’s a huge skills shortfall in STEM. We simply don’t have enough young people pursuing careers in these fields. The Wonder Project aims to change that by taking young Kiwis on a creative, dynamic and fun STEM journey.
Engineering New Zealand pairs teachers with STEM professionals across New Zealand to build confidence in students so they can achieve remarkable things at school, in their communities, and in their future careers.
I wonder how rockets fly?
Rocket Challenge
Year 5–6
Houston, we have lift off! Students will blast off into STEM by designing, building and launching a water rocket of their own with a little help from their teacher and a STEM professional. They’ll learn about Newton’s laws, the engineering design process, and working as a team.
Next Challenge: Term 2 2022 (registrations open soon)
I wonder how we can power a brighter future?
Power Challenge
Year 7–8
Power up! Students design and build a wind turbine and light up their town of the future with the support of their teacher and a Wonder Project Ambassador. Along the way they discover the amazing phenomena of electricity and renewable energy. Students need to use teamwork and creativity to keep the lights on, the schools open and the hospitals running!
Next Challenge: Term 3 2021 (pilot programme)
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I wonder how to grow food sustainably?
Plant Challenge
Year 7–8
Let’s grow! From farms in space to greenhouses in carparks, innovators are reimagining how we grow food in more sustainable ways. With help from a Wonder Project Ambassador, students work together to experiment, test and build a microgreen farm of the future in the classroom!
Next Challenge: Term 4 2021 (registrations open soon)
I wonder what the future holds?
STEM Careers
Year 7–13
The future is bright! Senior students have limitless job opportunities in STEM, they just don’t know it. We’ll inspire students to keep taking STEM subjects after Year 10, and give them a taste of the real world with industry visits and motivating career talks from STEM professionals.
Get involved
I’m a teacher
If you’ve ever wondered how to get your students excited about STEM, now’s your chance. You don’t need to have STEM experience, heaps of time or money to run The Wonder Project successfully in your classroom. We’ll pair you with a STEM professional and provide you with all the resources you need to integrate our programmes into your curriculum.
I’m a STEM professional
It’s time to give back. Share your personal experiences and inspire the STEM professionals of the future. We’ll pair you with a teacher and a classroom of passionate and curious young Kiwis who are eager to learn. For just a small time investment you can change the future of STEM in New Zealand.
I'm a supporter
You don’t have to be a teacher or a STEM professional to support the Wonder Project.
If you want to partner with us, or sponsor a programme, get in touch.
Curious? Help us spark wonder
If you’re a passionate teacher or STEM professional, we want you in the Wonder Project.
By donating a bit of your time, you’ll inspire a student for a lifetime.