FAQs

When can you visit us?

We are based in Tāmaki Makaurau but travel all over Aotearoa throughout the year. Our tour dates are kept up to date on the registration/booking form. You can also view our online calendar.

We don’t have a school hall … can we book Science in a Van?

Don't have a school hall or MLE? Don't panic! As long as there is space for the audience and Science in a Van, it should work.

Please keep in mind the following:

We are able to facilitate all our shows in a large empty(ish) space except 'Move It!'
We need a 4 metre x 4 metre clear space for us and our gear.
A 2 metre gap between us and the students
The students/teachers will also need room to sit comfortably
The space needs to be well ventilated with clear fire exits
We cannot perform shows outside
We don't need a stage for small groups. For audiences over 250 a stage is ideal if possible.

We have performed many, many shows for small groups in large empty-ish classrooms. Our Daring Demos shows are designed for small schools which often do not have school halls.

How much time do you need to set up in a school?

Timetable (we can adjust times to fit with your bell times):

9.00: Science in a Van arrives and sets up (usually in the hall or another big space)

9.45-10.30: Science Show 1

11.30-12.15: Science Show 2

12.15-12.45: Science in a Van packs up and leaves everything nice and tidy

Small school? We do offer a single show, all-age option.

9.00: Science in a Van arrives and sets up (usually in the hall or another big space)

9.45-10.30: Science Show

10.30-11.00: Science in a Van packs up and leaves everything nice and tidy

Do we need to provide students to help with set up?

No as we bring everything we need. All we require is:

An inside space, ideally your school hall or other large space.
Access to a power socket near the performance space.
Access to a sink, like the hall kitchen, before and after the show.
A normal sized car park as close to the performance space as possible OR step free access to the performance space (we have trolleys).
No unsupervised students left in the performance space/hall.

What’s the cost for Primary and Intermediate schools?

We come to you, there’s no paying for buses! The set up is simple (in your hall/large classroom) and so is our pricing.

Primary/Intermediate Schools:

$650+gst per show. This covers up to 100 students.
You can have more than 100 students in a show. Each additional student costs $6.50+gst (eg: 110 students $715+gst).
You can have less than 100 students in a show too. There is a minimum charge of $650+gst.
You won't pay anything if your booking clashes with planned Union Industrial Action or unforeseen events like a Covid lockdown situation.

What’s the cost for ECEs?

Auckland Kindergartens:

$350+gst per science show (up to 50 tamariki)

ECE outside of Auckland? If you're part of a network of centres and they are also keen to book - get in touch 🙂

Can we book you for a school PLD session?

Science in a Van is taking a little break from facilitating in-person PLDs. The good news is that you can access this experience for FREE!

Hive Mind is a FREE-to-access online space. Science in a Van, Science Learning Hub and Primary and Intermediate Teachers gather once a term on zoom to celebrate and share hands-on science classrooms ideas and experiences.

Find out when the next one is and register.

Can we book Science in a Van for our event?

Planning an event, looking for something extra? ‘Snapshot Science’ is the perfect addition!

Science in a Van will help create a buzz as we roam around your event with a range of their interactive and entertaining science demos. Imagine a mix of circus, science, magic and comedy.

Please note we do not take bookings for children's birthday parties.

Can libraries, museums and cultural institutions book Science in a Van?

With decades of combined experience, Emily and Alan specialise in crafting and delivering content development for schools, museums, and visitor attractions.

Our science shows could enhance your programme.
If you need assistance with scripting an educational show, tour, or interactive experience.

Can Holiday Programmes book Science in a Van?

We’re taking a little break from facilitating shows during the holidays. If you’re planning ahead and would like to double check with us, get in touch.

Can we book Science in a Van for a birthday party?

Thanks for asking but no as our focus is on enhancing programmes for schools, ECEs, libraries, museums and other cultural institutions.