Kids get hands-on help with science

Budding Wairarapa scientists were given their science bent a prod by a visiting Massey University geologist, Dr Clel Wallace, over the past few days.
A selection of 11 and 12-year-olds from a range of Wairarapa schools were selected to take part in a science extension workshop at Rangiwhakaoma ? the former Castlepoint School.
The young people were shown the delights of rock structures, marine life and even astronomy, when the nights were clear, during their stay at the beach.
"Basically it was the stars, rock and the sea that we wanted their imaginations to be captured by," said Wendl Richardson from the Rural Education Activity Programme (Reap).
Reap now runs extension classes from the former old school and the latest science camp is the last of four held there in recent weeks.
"New Zealand is needing scientists and if we can foster that keen interest at an early age, it may set them on a path into the sciences," Mrs Richardson said.