A 2013 report revealed 73% of New Zealand primary schools lacked effective science programs. I saw firsthand how many students entered secondary school with minimal science knowledge. Determined to address this issue, I left my secondary science teaching job to establish House of Science, aiming to equip primary schools with the resources and support necessary to deliver engaging science lessons.
The House of Science resource kit library is a nationwide system delivering hands-on, bilingual science kits to schools, equipping teachers with everything they need to confidently teach science. Each kit covers a specific topic aligned with curriculum standards and includes all materials, consumables, lesson plans, and student worksheets in both English and te reo Māori. Kits rotate fortnightly among schools, ensuring equitable access to quality science education, regardless of geographic or socio-economic barriers. This model addresses the lack of teacher confidence, time, and resources in primary science education. Independent evaluations show improved teacher capability and increased student engagement and achievement in science. The programme uses a proprietary delivery and curriculum model designed to be culturally responsive, scalable, and sustainable. This unique approach empowers schools, builds science capital, and fosters long-term impact in communities.
Over the past two years, House of Science has expanded to over 730 schools across New Zealand, reaching more than 180,000 students annually. This is a third of all schools in New Zealand. Growth is driven by a community funded model, accessing grants and sponsorship to establish and run kit libraries, with the support of many local volunteers. Key achievements include launching new kits in response to emerging issues (e.g. climate change, air quality, renewable fuels), winning international awards, and securing strong corporate and philanthropic partnerships. In the next 2–3 years, we aim to reach 900 schools, deepen our impact through teacher training, and pilot the model internationally, adapting it for diverse cultural and educational contexts to improve global science literacy.
The resource kits are reviewed regularly and updated as required. The delivery model has evolved over the last 12 years as we have grown from one region to 21 regions, servicing over 700 schools. The resource kits are delivered every fortnight thanks to the help of generous volunteers.
New Zealand teachers subscribe to House of Science for a heavily subsidised annual fee and get access to an online booking system. They select topics and delivery dates, and kits arrive at their school for two weeks. Adapting the program internationally will require planning and investment. CEO Chris Duggan is the key contact for exploring this option.
