House of Science appoints new Board Chair

The board of House of Science are delighted to announce the appointment of Jen Scoular as a new director, and Chair of the Board. House of Science NZ is well on its way to achieving its mission to empower teachers to raise the scientific literacy of children across New Zealand. Their vision is that all New Zealand children are scientifically literate with the support of delivery into all schools of the amazing blue science kits containing hands-on, exciting, practical science lessons.

Jen is very excited to take up the role, to help enable the continued growth of House of Science. That growth has seen the first delivery ten years ago to 688 schools currently, with over 500 blue science kits actively utilised at any one time in classrooms across New Zealand. The growth has been phenomenal, and there now needs to be some consolidation, some technology upgrades and improved surety of income. House of Science are very appreciative of the generosity of some major sponsors and donors, and the board is always looking for new ways to support this fantastic initiative.

Scoular says, “I have spent over 20 years in the primary industry, through NZ Avocado and Zespri, and we know we need a future workforce that is curious, that looks at things differently, that can adapt. The delivery of these blue science kits into year 1 to 8 classrooms, encourages that curiosity, allows kids to play and explore shapes, smells, technology and practical science. Not only that but House of Science research has shown that kids want to come to school when the blue science kits are coming, so we are supporting school attendance as well.”

There are now over 40 different science kits, fully aligned to the NZ curriculum, with a very informative teacher manual enabling teachers to motivate and excite their pupils. Each blue science kit includes at least five practical science experiments, able to be adapted to suit years 1 to 8. Topics are diverse, from rocket science to rubbish, from climate change to electricity, from ?earthquakes to fireworks.

Jen recently completed 12 years as CEO of NZ Avocado, following a diplomatic posting as Consul General and Trade Commissioner in Hamburg Germany and 9 years at Zespri. Her early career was in merchant banking in London.

Outgoing Chair Maria Livingstone says it is great to get someone of Jen’s calibre and experience on board, to support the continued growth. Maria stays on as Treasurer, strongly endorsing the opportunity House of Science has to impact kids, providing fun, practical and exciting ways to enhance their learning.

“We have seen the impact of the blue science kits going into schools. We know the results that show only 20% of NZ children are scientifically literate at age 12. House of Science offers a tangible, real, and practical solution to change those results, and develop curious, scientifically literate kids.”

About House of Science

House of Science NZ is a charitable trust founded in Tauranga, in 2013. House of Science went national in 2017 and has grown from a one branch innovative concept to a 20 branch, semi national organisation with 45 staff, many of whom are rurally based, supporting the delivery of the science kits in their local community. House of Science is a donation-based organisation reliant on volunteers and is significantly constrained in achieving further growth under its current structure.

The mission of House of Science is to empower teachers to raise the scientific literacy of children across New Zealand. By providing accessible resources and connecting local science communities to schools, it plays a crucial role in nurturing scientific curiosity and understanding among New Zealand’s youth.