Mangaia School students and island residents are being treated to a rare opportunity to participate in a science expo titled “Te Rangi Atea – Beyond the Sky,” held on the island this week.

The science expo, which ends tomorrow, is organised by Climate Change Cook Islands and other government agencies and supported by various organisations locally and internationally.

It was officially opened by Numangatini Ariki of Mangaia, Numangatini Ariki Tangitamaiti Tereapii, who challenged students to embrace, to value their environment and learn from their roots and aim high.

According to Climate Change Cook Islands, Mara Hosoda Su’a of the United States Consulate Auckland, one of the supporters of the expo, said: “Te Rangi Atea the theme for this year is a tribute to our voyaging ancestors who traversed the vast Pacific Ocean Te Moana Nui a Kiva with their navigational ingenuity of using and feeling the natural elements and the environment to take them to their destinations.”

The science expo included a tribute to the late Sir Tom Davis, a former prime minister of the Cook Islands, who was recognised for his many accomplishments, particularly as a NASA scientist.

The public will have an opportunity to view his profile when it is returned to Rarotonga after the expo on Mangaia, according to Climate Change Cook Islands.

The first day of the expo ended with the screening of the “Oppy” movie at the dome.

Rarotonga-based environment group Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) is one of the NGOs taking part in the expo.

In a statement, TIS said the students rotated between various booths, and its booth was buzzing with activity.

TIS had a Turtle Match Game which was a big hit, with students eager to play for a chance to win the signature Te Ipukarea Society water bottle.

“It was inspiring to see the kids’ curiosity as they shared their knowledge about turtles and showed interest in participating in our upcoming turtle survey,” TIS said.

“The excitement didn’t stop there – there was a thrilling rocket launch that had everyone’s eyes on the sky, and the day wrapped up with a fascinating movie about the Mars rovers Opportunity and Spirit.”

Tiare Karaponga and Stormy Kara from Korero o te Orau, another local NGO based in Rarotonga, were also at the expo, meeting students and sharing knowledge at their booth.

The science expo was supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZ MFAI) Fund, Green Climate Fund GCF, US Embassy NZ, Otago Museum, Auckland University, Landcare NZ, University of New South Wales UNSW, BYU Hawaii, Ministry of Marine Resources Cook Islands, National Environment Services NES, Ministry of Transport Met Office, Korero o te Orau, Te Ipukarea Society – TIS and Development Coordination Division - MFEM.