GrowingNZ Innovation Challenge

This four lesson programme challenges year 9-10 students to research a real-life situation within the food and fibre sectors.

This fast paced three-week challenge is for teams of year 9 or 10 students with an interest in STEM or social science subjects. The challenge requires students to apply their subject knowledge and build a prototype solution to a real-life situation being faced by New Zealand’s food and fibre sectors. 

The challenge is based on the principles of learning by doing, design thinking and industry engagement. It is the perfect mash up of the science, technology and social science subjects.

The challenge can be done as a facilitated project with ‘live and online’ and classroom sessions, or as a standalone, fully teacher led, classroom project.

 NEW for 2021 – Live and online!

The challenge consists of four online live sessions and four stages for the classroom project. During the online sessions, students will gain insight, interview and collect feedback from sector experts.

This national event will run during week 2, 3 & 4 of term 2, 2021 and to a timetable with set and 'book in' times for the live online sessions. 

Register your interest here 

Curriculum links

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

GrowingNZ Innovation Challenge

  • Year 9-10
  • 1-3 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 the challenge
  • Choose enabling technologies and design a solution using these
  • Make a quick prototype of their solution
  • Present their solution
  • Celebrate success
  • At the live and online event, gain insights, advice and feedback from food and fibre sector experts.

Download topic resources Resources include:

  • GrowingNZ Teaching Guide
  • GrowingNZ Student Guide
  • GrowingNZ presentation examples

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