Sparking Kiwi kids’ interest in STEM through ice cream

3 MINUTE READ

In celebration of World Ice Cream Day on 21 July, we’re excited to share details about a new initiative that will see ice cream being used to inspire more Kiwi kids to get into STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

Fonterra sponsors the Wonder Project – Engineering New Zealand’s not-for-profit free schools programme focused on STEM – and we’re proud to have helped them develop their latest hands-on challenge for schools known as the Ice Cream Challenge.

This challenge is designed to spark curiosity, build scientific thinking, and introduce the innovation behind everyday dairy products — starting with a Kiwi favourite: ice cream.

It also connects closely with Fonterra’s Careers in Dairy Programme, which helps showcase the diverse career opportunities in dairy — from food technology to engineering and inspires young people to see how STEM skills can shape their futures in this vital industry.

At the heart of this initiative are passionate STEM champions like Matt Murrell – a Technical Assistant working in Fonterra’s supply chain and operations team – and Shelley Pearce, Director of the Wonder Project, who are helping shape the way young people experience and engage with science in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Where is the project at?

Fonterra is working closely with the Wonder Project team to finalise the challenge content and classroom resources. A pilot programme is scheduled for select schools in Term 4 of 2025, with the initiative set to be available in schools across the country in 2026.

As the development progresses, feedback and insights from those involved are helping shape how STEM is brought to life for students, demonstrating the power of practical, real-world learning.

Students won’t just enjoy making ice cream — they’ll come away understanding the science behind it and be inspired by Kiwi STEM professionals.

Shelley Pearce, Director, the Wonder Project

What’s the challenge about?

The Ice Cream Challenge is all about combining fun with meaningful learning. Students will create multiple versions of ice cream, using experimentation to explore scientific concepts and develop critical thinking skills.

Shelley Pearce shares a strong passion for making STEM education more engaging, hands-on, and meaningful for young people.

“The Wonder Project brings the real world to rangatahi, building their confidence and self-belief in STEM subjects. Students won’t just enjoy making ice cream — they’ll come away understanding the science behind it and be inspired by Kiwi STEM professionals,” says Pearce.

Fonterra has helped bring the challenge to life, and the two partners hope it inspires students to imagine tomorrow and link STEM learning to exciting career opportunities in dairy.

Key learning concepts

The Ice Cream Challenge offers a rich, hands-on learning experience where students explore real-world science through the lens of food. From understanding food safety and states of matter, to investigating heat transfer, emulsification, and nutrition, ākonga  (students) dive into the science behind ice cream.

They also examine the role of flavour, texture, and sensory perception, while considering sustainability and ingredient sourcing. All of this is grounded in the scientific inquiry cycle, encouraging students to experiment, question, and learn through discovery.

As they progress through the challenge, ākonga (students) won’t just make delicious ice cream — they’ll gain a new appreciation for the science behind food and the role innovation plays in our everyday lives.

Why this matters

The goal is to open doors — helping students see that STEM is not only relevant, but exciting and full of opportunity. As a New Zealand dairy Co-operative owned by thousands of farming families, Fonterra is committed to showing tamariki (youth) what a career in dairy could look like, from on-farm innovation to food technology and beyond.

Matt Murrell, who previously participated in the Fonterra Technical Graduate Programme, supported the Wonder Project as an ambassador. He worked directly with students, helping them navigate the challenge and build confidence in their own abilities.

“It’s not just about teaching science or engineering — it’s about showing students what’s possible when they believe in themselves,” says Murrell.

Fonterra’s partnership with the Wonder Project is just one of many ways our Co-op is investing in future talent — making science real, relatable, and rewarding.

From inspiring classroom ambassadors to real-world challenges like the Ice Cream Challenge, we’re proud to be helping young people imagine their tomorrow in STEM.