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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.

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
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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 kaiako 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 ākonga. We then send out access to our online Learning Hub packed with all the student learning content and challenge guide, and send out our epic free power kits.

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    Register your interest online
  • WP_Numbers Icons_100 x 100px_WP_Numbers_100 x 100px_2
    Watch videos to prepare
  • WP_Numbers Icons_100 x 100px_WP_Numbers_100 x 100px_3
    Get matched with a local school or STEM professional
  • WP_Numbers Icons_100 x 100px_WP_Numbers_100 x 100px_4
    Receive free power kit
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    Inspire ākonga with the Power Challenge
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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 a challenge guide, 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.

Learn more about being a Wonder Project Ambassador

Register
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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 a challenge guide, 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!

Learn more about being a Wonder Project teacher

Register
Power Kit Staged

Reusing the power kit

To ensure as many ākonga as possible can experience STEM wonder, we’d love for all kits to be reused. Click the button below for a quick guide on how to make your power kit good as new.

Reuse your kit

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, 1.2 MB)

Being a Power Challenge ambassador

Learn more about being a Power Challenge ambassador or share with your employer.

STEM professional overview (PDF, 879.8 KB)

Join the Power Challenge!

Registrations for this year’s challenge are now closed. Register your interest for the 2025 challenge.

Register