Power Challenge
Level 4, Year 7–8
Term 3
Power up! Ākonga design and build a wind turbine and light up their own mini town. Along the way they’ll discover the amazing phenomenon of electricity and renewable energy and learn how teamwork can keep the lights on.
Kaiako are supported with a high-value power kit, ākonga learning material, and detailed lesson plans completely free of charge. Where possible, classes are matched with a volunteer STEM professional to build confidence, raise aspirations and illuminate future career opportunities.
The 2024 Power Challenge is currently full for new kaiako. Returning kaiako that can reuse their kit will still be accepted into the challenge. New kaiako are welcome to register for our waitlist to be first to know if a spot opens up.
ENERGISED BY
SUPPORTED BY
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Electricity
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National power grid
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Teamwork
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Renewable energy
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Engineering design process
Impact
Here’s what participants said about the 2023 Power Challenge:
- 98% of kaiako increased their confidence in teaching STEM
- 93% of kaiako and 67% of ākonga said they would do it again
- 43% of ākonga were more interested in STEM jobs after the challenge
- 91% of kaiako said ākonga were engaged with the programme
- 98% of ambassadors would recommend the experience to others
How it Works
Any teacher or industry STEM professional in Aotearoa can register their interest to take part. They must be available to participate in Term 3. They then complete some easy-peasy online training and we contact ambassadors to assess their suitability. Once buzzing to go, we work to match every school and volunteer Wonder Project Ambassador so they can provide the best learning experience for students. We then send out access to our online Learning Hub packed with all the student learning content and teaching guides, and send out our epic free power kits.
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Register your interest online
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Watch videos to prepare
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Get matched with a local school or STEM professional
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Receive free power kit
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Inspire ākonga with the Power Challenge
Power Challenge Ambassadors
If you're a STEM professional, we'd love you to join our community of Wonder Project Ambassadors on the Power Challenge. Once you’ve registered online, we'll get in touch to discuss what's involved, and get you started with the training you need to feel confident supporting a kaiako. We'll then match you with a local participating school to launch your electrifying STEM journey.
And there's no need to be a power expert to get involved! Everything you need to know about the challenge is in our online Learning Hub, with lesson guides, support notes, ākonga learning material and helpful videos.
The challenge takes ākonga 1–2 hours per week across 6–8 weeks to complete, but you only need to be available for at least 3 hours during the challenge to visit the classroom – either in person or online.
Power Challenge Teachers
Getting your class involved in the Power Challenge is easy! Simply register online (each participating kaiako needs to register separately). Once we’ve confirmed your spot based on challenge capacity, we’ll get to work to try and match you with a local STEM professional.
Before the end of Term 2, you'll receive access to our online Learning Hub with lesson guides, support notes, ākonga learning material and helpful videos, to ensure you feel confident before the challenge. You’ll also receive your free power kit! Kits are carefully curated with high-value STEM equipment worth over $400, like printed circuit boards and 3D printed turbine parts, to light up the lesson! You’ll need to supply recyclable materials to create your turbines, and a fan and lamp for the final activity.
The challenge takes around 2 hours per week for 6–8 weeks to complete. Your ambassador will be available for at least 3 hours during the challenge to support the class, so use their time wisely!
Resources
Challenge impact report
Read about the impact of the Power Challenge.
Report (PDF, 5.9 MB)Overview of the programme
Learn about the modules and what ākonga will learn during the Power Challenge.
Programme overview (PDF, 1.1 MB)Being a Power Challenge ambassador
Learn more about being a Power Challenge ambassador or share with your employer.
STEM professional overview (PDF, 874.8 KB)Join the Power Challenge!
We’re still looking for STEM professionals across Aotearoa to join the 2024 Power Challenge. For new kaiako, we’re now running a waitlist. Returning kaiako that can reuse their kit will still be accepted into the challenge. New kaiako are welcome to register for our waitlist to be first to know if a spot opens up.