The Forests of Life project has so inspired Mokoia Intermediate School student, Shannon Stewart that she’s decided a career in forest science is for her.
The bright and articulate twelve-year-old says that after she’s finished school, it’s off to Massey University to do a science degree and then she’ll work studying and preserving New Zealand’s forests.
Already conservation minded, Forests of Life further raised Shannon’s awareness of the need to protect and regenerate New Zealand’s unique forests; a responsibility she says we all share.
For Shannon, the project is a wonderful opportunity that is fun, ever-changing and an exciting way to learn. With its mix of theory and practical a lot of the learning happens outside the classroom.
“There is always something new to learn or discover, and we get to go outside and find the information or answers for ourselves. We don’t have to read it out of a book.”
Forest Research scientist Tim Barnard, has played an important part in Shannon’s decision to take up a career in science. Tim and his colleague, Andrew Dunningham, spent a day with Shannon’s class at a school camp conducting a variety of experiments measuring and monitoring such things as air and ground temperature, water connectivity and absorption rates and humidity levels.
Shannon describes Tim and Andrew as “cool” while Tim remembers Shannon as the girl who asked lots and lots of questions, but he adds she also went on to find the answers for herself.
Tim’s delighted with Shannon’s decision to pursue science, and that the project is creating a new generation of scientist to follow in his footsteps.
“One of the aims of the project is to encourage young people into the sciences, and I think it’s fantastic that Shannon wants to do that,” says Tim.
