Donning their lab coats and name tags, 11 children from House of Science's inaugural Outreach Programme graduated on Monday.

The ceremony, held in-front of peers, parents, teachers, members of the Merivale Community Centre and House of Science volunteers, marks the culmination of an eight-week Outreach Programme, which was run in conjunction with the school, the centre and not-for-profit group House of Science.

House of Science Director Chris Duggan with the science students from Merivale School (L-R) Ataleah, Waiara-Aroha, Chance, Ellisae, Te Wehi, Ayla, Rawiri, Sanya and Rayuin. Photo: Bruce Barnard.

As well as receiving a certificate of completion at the ceremony, the nine and 10-year-olds also demonstrated what they learnt to a proud and captive audience.

'The children have been an enthusiastic group to work with,” says co-ordinator and House of Science teacher Alicja Ginders.

'They chose all of the activities for the term's final session and, with lab coats and glasses ready to wear, they are excited to have this opportunity to share some of what they have learnt with friends and family.”

House of Science was established in 2013, to provide resources, educational opportunities and connect the local community through the power of science.

It's supported through a generous partnership with Wright Family Foundation, who is committed to New Zealand education in all its forms and generously contributes to furthering the positive reach of the organisation.

This unique Outreach Programme has been transforming the lives of Year 5 and 6 students from Merivale School, as well as their extended whanau, through hands-on science experiments.

It might not seem like much, but fostering the curiosity and creativity of these children has bolstered their confidence and grown their STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) skills.

Every Monday afternoon, the children put science to the test through a variety of simple experiments, be it creating rockets and ice water slushies, or watching a tadpole turn into a frog over a number of weeks.

It's something many Kiwi kids take for granted – but for students of Tauranga's only decile one school, this tangible learning is giving the children a focus beyond the tough environment in which they live.

'Through the provision of inspiring science activities, these children have been given an outlet for their natural curiosity and a platform for expanding their inquisitive nature,” says House of Science director Chris Duggan.

'This will help them with their learning across the whole curriculum and it is a privilege to be part of this collaborative initiative.”

The programme will now break for two weeks during school holidays, before resuming on May 9.