GrowingNZ Innovation Challenge

This five lesson programme challenges year 9-11 students to research a real problem within the context of the primary industries. This cross curricular teacher led resource has strong links to Level 4 and 5 of the science, technology, social sciences and English learning areas. Each term, teams can submit digital entries into a nationwide inter-school competition and be in to win up to $250.

Student learning 

Through The GrowingNZ Innovation Challenge, students will:

  • Investigate a problem
  • Develop and evaluate potential solutions
  • Build a prototype solution
  • Gather feedback from stakeholders
  • Persuasively present a solution 

Curriculum links

The GrowingNZ Innovation Challenge has strong links to Level 4 and 5 of the science, technology, social sciences and English learning areas. 

Competition (Optional)

Any teams using the standalone resource can submit one entry into a national competition. There are four intakes a year and winning entries are chosen and announced at the end of each term. Each winning entry receives $250.

GrowingNZ Innovation Challenge

  • Year 9-11
  • 1-2 wks
  • Social Sciences
    Technology
    Science
    English
  • Free to NZ schools
  • Led by teachers
    Training Available
Download overview

Programme Chapters

1. GrowingNZ

Students taking part will:

  • Investigate a problem
  • Develop and evaluate potential solutions
  • Build a prototype solution
  • Gather feedback from stakeholders
  • Persuasively present a solution  

Download includes:

  • GNZ TeachingGuide InnovationChallenge
  • GrowingNZ Student Guide
GrowingNZ young enterprise programmes use a combination of teachers, students and scientists, farmers and plant growers to give students a real world and relevant educational experience. I endorse your workshop, programme and project as highly useful for students and teachers and unreservedly recommend it.Tony Cairns, Wellington College

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