Step into the scene of the crime at MOTAT’s newest travelling programme, launched in late 2025 and now visiting schools across Auckland and the North Island. MOTAT Mysteries turns your classroom into a forensic investigation unit. A vital bulb has been stolen from MOTAT’s historic Mercury Arc Rectifier — and it’s no ordinary lightbulb. It contains mercury and plays a crucial role in powering the museum’s much-loved trams. With time ticking, it’s up to your students to piece together the clues. This hands-on, forensics-based experience challenges ākonga as they solve a high-stakes mechanical mystery.
Programme overview
MOTAT Mysteries has been designed to help learners in Years 5 to 8 develop their key competencies, foster leadership skills and develop an understanding of common forensic processes. Students will conduct forensic tests using the scientific method and fair testing methodology. Students use chromatography, cryptography, fingerprint analysis, footprint plaster casts and a design challenge to identify and arrest their suspect.
New Zealand curriculum connections
At its core MOTAT Mysteries is designed to build key competencies, it is also a great springboard for scientific exploration using standardised testing methods
Science (Pūtaiao): Students develop their understanding of science- ask questions, make observations, find evidence, investigate using scientific techniques, draw conclusions and communicate their findings using a range of scientific vocabulary and symbols.
Material World: Students will relate the observed, characteristic chemical and physical properties to technological uses and natural processes.
Technology (Hangarau): Students will work from a design brief to develop, build and test a functional prototype. Students will understand that materials can be formed, manipulates and/or transformed to enhance the fitness for purpose of a technological product.
Key Competencies: This programme aims to develop key competencies using the framework of forensic science. Students will manage self and their relationship to others while listening, recognising different points of view, negotiating and sharing their ideas. Students will think critically to make sense of information and develop understanding. They will utilise language, symbols and texts to make meaning of information and communicate their ideas.
Practical details
MOTAT Mysteries is run as a STEAM Cell (they come to your school) throughout the North Island. They can host three 90-minute sessions per day with a maximum of 30 students each. The cost is $10 per student plus a one-off travel fee. This travel fee depends on your location; more details can be found here.
Programme feedback
“The variety of interactive stations, real world clues and seamless organisation kept every student fully engaged from start to finish. It was not only a standout learning experience for the students, but also valuable professional development for me as I design a new science and technology programme. Highly recommended!” Teacher, Mt Maunganui Intermediate School
Contact details
For booking information please visit the MOTAT website.