For teachers looking to refresh their science knowledge, gather new classroom ideas, and connect with colleagues from around the country, the University of Otago offers a four-day professional learning and development programme for secondary school teachers in Dunedin during the summer holidays.
Every year, alongside its popular student programme, the Science Academy at the University of Otago opens its doors to teachers for a series of hands-on professional learning workshops. Designed primarily for teachers whose students attend Science Academy — but open to educators from any school — the programme offers an opportunity to reconnect with science, explore new teaching approaches and expand professional networks.
Rather than traditional lecture-style professional development, workshops focus on practical tools teachers can take straight back to the classroom. Participants spend several days learning alongside university academics and fellow science educators, experimenting with new ideas, sharing resources and discussing ways to make science more engaging and relevant for students.
The University also offers a Science Academy for high-achieving Year 13 students from rural, provincial, small, kura and formerly lower-decile schools. Designed for students with a strong passion for science, the programme introduces participants to real scientific research through practical projects that build knowledge, develop hands-on skills and highlight a wide range of science career pathways. The programme includes two week-long residential science camps in January and July, supported by online mentoring for science communication projects between camps and tutorials to help students prepare for their final NCEA and scholarship science exams. For more information on the students’ Science Academy programme, visit here.
A full campus experience
Teachers stay and dine on the historic Otago campus so conversations about teaching can continue well beyond the workshop sessions. The programme is designed as an all-inclusive experience, with accommodation and meals included.
Practical ideas you can use immediately
A key focus is equipping teachers with ready-to-use resources — from practical lab activities and experiments to field trip ideas and contextual learning strategies. The programme also emphasises Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC), exploring ways to connect science learning with real-world environments and authentic experiences.
Participants also gain access to a strong professional network, connecting with passionate science educators from across New Zealand while building relationships with University of Otago academic staff. These connections often lead to ongoing collaboration, resource sharing, and support long after the workshop ends.
Exploring cutting-edge science topics
Each year, the programme features a diverse range of science themes. The aim is not only to refresh subject knowledge but also to provide fresh contexts and approaches for teaching complex scientific ideas.
This year, the programme included a mix of practical experiences and professional learning, such as hands-on laboratory sessions for senior Biology, Chemistry and Physics teachers, and the exploration of sport and exercise science as an engaging context for teaching scientific concepts. Teachers also took part in field experiences, including a visit to the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre to develop marine science classroom resources and a guided visit to Orokonui Ecosanctuary to explore Mātauranga Māori perspectives on the natural world. The programme also featured a session with Taonga Natural Products on natural products chemistry and Māori knowledge, alongside collaborative workshops focused on resource sharing, networking and programme planning, and sessions that strengthened teachers’ approaches to literacy in science and scientific literacy.
Costs and support
The 2027 programme costs $450 and covers the workshop programme, accommodation, meals, and local transport during the event. Transport is also provided to and from Dunedin Airport or the bus station. Travel to Dunedin is at the participant’s expense, although travel subsidies may be available through the University of Otago Equity Fund for teachers from formerly low-decile schools.
2027 Applications
Applications will open in mid-August 2026. Keep an eye on the website for more information here.
For more information, contact:
Emily Hall MSciComm
Science Teaching Co-ordinator
Science Academy
Tel +64 3 244 8487
Email [email protected]