Five Bay of Plenty science students have been selected to join 35 of their peers at this year's Powering Potential event in Wellington.

They are Nicole Cameron, 16, Otumoetai College, Tauranga; Kerry Parkinson, 17, Mount Maunganui College; Shari Webber, 16, Tauranga Girls' College; Jack Nelson, 17, Trident High School, Whakatane; and Hyunjae (Jason) Lee, 17, Western Height's High School, Rotorua.

From December 11-15, these students will be tasked with finding answers to challenging questions posed by scientists.

Organised by Royal Society Te Aparangi in partnership with Freemasons New Zealand, Powering Potential will bring many of New Zealand's most promising science students together from all over New Zealand to work alongside a scientist, who will act as their a mentor over three days.

The students will work in teams of five on a question submitted by their mentor, before researching, investigating and collaborating to provide recommendations.

‘Past, present and future science' is the theme this year, and is particularly relevant as the society is celebrating its 150th anniversary.

The society has selected eight different events or happenings from its 150-year timeline and matched these up with a scientific topic.

For example, in 1933 the society established a medal to honour one of the key advocates of daylight saving, which remains a contentious issue in parts of the world.

One team of students will be mentored by a scientist from the Sleep/Wake Research Centre from Massey University to research the effects of daylight saving on our circadian rhythms.

The society is delighted the following businesses and organisations have volunteered a science mentor to help the students over the three days: Plant & Food Research, Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Dunning Thornton, Ferrier Research Institute, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Ministry of Primary Industries, University of Otago and Massey University.

'The students will need to think outside the square and use their creative capabilities to find solutions,” says Royal Society Te Aparangi chief executive Dr Andrew Cleland.

”They will also need to work well in a team situation and will be required to hone their research skills. At the end of the three days, each team will present its findings at a special presentation.”

To be selected for Powering Potential, each student was required to submit an in-depth application and video, which focused on their own science strengths or how they have contributed to an area of science in their school or community.

The students have been selected because they are serious about going on to study science at a tertiary level and have demonstrated a passion for science.

'The calibre of the students who applied was excellent and some tough decisions had to be made by the selection panel to get the number down to 40,” says Andrew.

Freemasons of New Zealand grandmaster Mark Winger says his organisation is ‘absolutely delighted' to be involved in Powering Potential in partnership with Royal Society Te Aparangi.

'Education is a cornerstone of freemasonry. Our organisation is all about self-improvement and having the courage to make changes for the benefit of all.”

All costs for the students, including flights, accommodation and social activities, are covered by Royal Society Te Aparangi, Freemasons New Zealand and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.