BACKGROUND SUMMARY

Christine and Michael Fenton encourage students of all ages to develop a passion for learning and problem solving. They set up and managed the Nexus Research Group voluntarily, donating their time and expertise over many years, on top of work and family commitments. They have a wealth of teaching and research experience to draw upon, becoming known for their innovative approach in science & technology education and their experience with alternatives for educating gifted children.

Christine: After completing her Bachelors degree in Biochemistry, Christine joined the Microbiology and Genetics Dept at Massey University in 1989. She became the sole charge microbiologist of the Massey University Culture Collection, serving research and teaching institutions both nationally and overseas, and completed a post-graduate Diploma in Microbiology. She carried out her own research programme becoming New Zealand’s authority on Caulobacter, a non-pathogenic bacterium that appears to have a role in passing on antibiotic resistance genes to important human pathogens. From this she was awarded her Masters Degree in Science with Distinction. After a break at home raising her three daughters Christine returned to Tertiary teaching at the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT). She became Head of Science and in this role accomplished a great deal providing schools with the opportunity to work in the labs. She developed courses for senior Biology NCEA classes local High Schools and Gifted Children extension programmes. With the closure of the Science Dept in 2006, Christine became Special Projects Manager/Head of Nursing at WITT. Her vision and aptitude in improving the quality of courses and meeting accreditation requirements was central to regaining accreditation in 2007. She is currently WITT's Quality Systems Advisor and is working on her Ph.D.

Michael: After completing his Bachelors degree and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Microbiology, Michael worked in the Chemistry and Microbiology sections of a dairy factory laboratory. He joined Christine at Massey in 1989, taking on teaching and research duties. Although a medical microbiologist, Michael took the opportunity to carry out some innovative work on environmental gene transfer in the agriculturally important organism Rhizobium. From this work he was awarded his Masters degree in 1994, and completed his Teaching Diploma at the Palmerston North College of Education in the same year. As if this busy lifestyle wasn’t enough, Christine and Michael were partners in a software development business, writing tailor-made accounting applications for local businesses. They volunteered their skills to write database applications for the International Committee on Systematic Bacteriology, the Massey University Giardia Research laboratory and the Microbiology and Genetics Department.

The start of Nexus: In 1994 Michael and Christine left the Tertiary sector and Massey University and Michael began to teach at High School in 1995. Realising that they possessed a number of skills they wanted to pass on, they founded the Nexus Research Group (NRG) in 1997. The NRG was a non-profit educational and research facility, the only High School based research organisation in New Zealand run by Christine and Michael on a voluntary basis in their "spare" time.This unique approach to education uses the principles of 'authentic learning' and provided students of all ages to make original discoveries. NRG associates and advisers have included some of the worlds leading authorities in their field, university professors from around the world, and various government and industrial advisers. The NRG reported its findings at conferences, in journals and on its website ( http:// www.nexusresearchgroup.com ). They are proud and honoured to have been associated with Dr Sir William Pickering, former head of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and widely recognised as responsible for America's success in exploring the planets, as patron of the Nexus Research Group.

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RECENT PROJECTS

Recognising that her daughter was an able and gifted student, Christine became the dynamo behind exploring ways of motivating and meeting the needs of such students who were still enrolled in State Primary schools. She paved the way for primary age students being permitted to sit Year 11 national examinations at the school her daughter attended. She continued to explore and initiate the dual-enrolment of primary students with the local Institute of Technology resulting in Jamie graduating from WITT at age 10. Initially employed as a lecturer at WITT, Christine ran the successful series of Crime Scene Investigation workshops with Michael at the end of 2002. In 2005, along with Michael, she organised the extremely popular "Science Big Day Out" to assist the Science Fair organising committee. Approximately 250 Science Fair students were busy for the entire morning, programming computer games, dissecting piglets, taking part in a light hearted quiz or one of the other great activities. Students of all ages reported that this was a valuable experience and was quite different from the usual practice of waiting at the venue while judging occurred. In general she places a great deal of importance and attention to detail to ensure course have an emphasis on high quality education, with worthwhile learning activities and meaningful assessment tasks. This has encouraged her on to write a number of articles examining the education system and reflecting on the consequences for the future of current policies and practices. Christine is the New Zealand Microbiolgical Society Education Special Interest Group Convenor. In this role she initiated and was the head of a review panel that looked at Level 1 NCEA Microbiology teaching resources. One susccessful outcome for 2006 was a significantly improved resource that is commonly used throughout New Zealand schools. Christine is looking forward to progressing a Ph.D. when she gets a chance to slow done a little!

For two years, 1998 and 1999, Michael was a marker for the Year 11 (Form Five) School Certificate examination. He gave this up when in 2000 Michael completed his first draft of Physics Interactive, an interactive multimedia physics CD-ROM published by World Interactive Software in 2002. He was a member of the regional Science and Technology Fair Organising Committee unitl 2007, and, as Head of Physics at Inglewood High School, developed the NCEA Year 12 Applied Physics and Robotics course. He enjoyed involving his students in creating alternative technological solutions for equipment that many schools cannot afford to own. Examples are the SuperMouse, the Air Track, novel DNA isolation and Electrophoresis protocols, educational computer games, simple robotic systems, classroom astronomical imaging systems, unusual planetary models, and biotechnology projects. Many of these have featured on TV or have been published with in various journals. Even now, when visitng classrooms throughout the country, AgResearch uses Michael's protocol to isolate human cheek cell DNA and teaches it to science technicians. In 2004 Michael took up the position of ICT Discipline Leader in the Department of Computing at the local Institute of Technology. He taught programming, networking and hardware, as well as web design classes. Michael co-ordinated community ICT projects and various other ICT initiatives. He gave a number of talks to the general public and school students, ran ICT and Science workshops for teachers, and gave talks to WITT staff on research and teaching. In 2006 Michael returned to school having taught Physics, Biology and Chemistry. Currently Michael teaches Maths and Calculus at Inglewood High School. He initiated the 'Teachers as Leaders' professional development programme at Inglewood High School and is currently the convenor of the group. He was part of the New Zealand Microbiolgical Society review panel that looked at Level 1 NCEA Microbiology teaching resources. One susccessful outcome for 2006 was a significantly improved resource that is commonly used throughout New Zealand schools. With the launch of the Energy Conservation Pilot Project in 2007, Michael has taken on the role of Technical Advisor. His latest creations include MATRIX and RIGEL: Real world interactive games and electronic interface. Michael can project 3D games into a room and interact without a mouse or keyboard; create datalogging applications very quickly; control other electronic systems (eg process control).

Michael was awarded an eLearning Fellowship for 2008. His year-long research project is here: Authentic learning using mobile sensor technology with reflections on the state of science education in New Zealand

Michael also won a Microsoft Innovative Teacher award for his research and practical applications of authentic learning with ICT.

Michael Fenton, Andrew Hornblow and others helped artist Ian Clothier design a PICAXE robotic system to create an interactive analogue/digital art work for the 'Fresh out of the box' exhibition at Puke Ariki in 2009.

Christine and Michael continue to develop and promote alternative educational pathways for school age students and have been sought after for advice from all around New Zealand. The "fast-track" programs are published as case studies in the Careers Advice and Gifted Children sections of this website. Michael and Christine continue to be advocates for scientist, teacher, student and community partnerships. As part of their mission to encourage young scientists Michael and Christine have in recent years assisted Primary schools with the organisation and judging of mini-science fairs and pre-selection of entries for the Taranaki regional Fair. They believe learning should be stimulating, fun, meaningful, and based in the real world as much as possible. You can see from the activities and projects listed on this site that they really have a passion for what they do!

 

Two examples from 2005 include:

Science Big Day Out: The whole Fenton family gets in on the act to organise and take part in an enrichment/extension programme to assist the Taranaki Science Fair organising committee. The idea is to give the students attending the Fair some engaging and stimulating activities across the road at WITT while the judging is going on in the morning.

Approximately 250 Science Fair students were busy programming computer games, dissecting piglets, taking part in a light hearted quiz or one of the other great activities. Students of all ages reported that this was a valuable experience and was quite different from the usual practice of waiting at the venue while judging occurred. They even thought Michaels quiz session jokes were funny! The hugely successful "Science Big Day Out" at WITT was to be run again in 2006 but due to the closure of the Science labs this was held instead at Puke Ariki with a cut-down range of activities to suit the venue.

Careers Expo: In a whirl of activity the Fentons built a time machine and an alien creature...almost! Using popular movies or TV shows such as Dr Who as a theme can get students and teachers excited about learning, not just for exams, but also to create something in the real world. A reliable source told us that some people went to the Expo just to see the Dalek and TARDIS! Piloted by the older Fenton girls, the Dalek is a hands on vehicle to encourage students and teachers to develop practical skills and make their ideas a reality...with help from experts if needed! For physics teachers or primary teachers, the circuitry was very straight forward and a great example of where parallel and series circuits are appropriate. Bell Block Primary School turned out in force to see the famous creature from Dr Who as it roamed around their school hall!

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SCIENCE COMMUNICATORS / EDUCATORS

NEXUS RESEARCH GROUP www.nexusresearchgroup.com

Founders/Directors

Michael and Christine left academic research in 1994. By the end of 1997 they had founded the Nexus Research Group (NRG); New Zealand’s only non-profit educational and research organisation dedicated to promoting the activities of amateur scientists in every field of science possible. NRG associates and advisers have included some of the worlds leading authorities in their field, university professors from around the world, and various government and industrial advisers.

We are proud and honoured to have Dr Sir William Pickering, former head of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and widely recognised as responsible for America's success in exploring the planets, as our Patron.

PRESENTATIONS/WORKSHOPS

Fenton, C. 2009. Waikato Doctoral Scholar Christine Fenton Education blog Fenton, M.. 2009. Swine Flu in New Zealand Inglewood High School, April 31. Fenton, M. 2009. Diving in to Differentiated Learning Inglewood High School, March 30. Fenton, M. 2009. Tips and traps for ICT and eLearning - trends from ULearn08. Inglewood High School, March 12. Fenton, M. 2008. I don't use technology…does that make me a bad teacher? Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT) Research Forum workshop, November. Fenton, M. 2008. Interactive eLearning tools for Mathematics, Science and Robotics: The RIGEL project. ULearn08 conference, Christchurch Convention Centre, October 7-10. Fenton, M. 2008. ICT and 21st Century Learning. Inglewood High School. Fenton, M. 2008. Authentic learning using the RIGEL data logger and sensor system. Bell Block Primary School. Fenton, M. 2007. Interactive ICT tools for Mathematics. Inglewood High School. Fenton, C., and Fenton, M. 2005. The Science Big Day Out. Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT) and the Taranaki Science Fair Fenton, C.D. 2005. Avian Flu. Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki. New Plymouth. Fenton, M. 2005. Making sense of NCEA. Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki. New Plymouth. Fenton, M. 2005. Robots big and small. Bell Block Primary School. Fenton, C.D. and Fenton, M. 2005. Genetic Modification: Is New Zealand Swimming Against the Tide? University of the 3rd Age and Merrilands Ladies Probus Club. New Plymouth. Fenton, M. 2004. Using the Knowledge Network. Taranet cluster. Fenton, C.D. and Fenton, M. 2004. Understanding the difference betwen qualitative and quantitative research methods. Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki. New Plymouth. Fenton, C.D. 2004. What are Microbes? Public Address. Tui Ora Infection Committee. New Plymouth. Fenton, C.D. 2004. Safe Food Handling and Preparation. Maru Wehi Hauora. New Plymouth. Fenton, C.D. 2004. Keeping a Culture Collection. Workshop Training. Science Teaching Technicians. New Plymouth. Fenton, C.D. and Fenton, M. 2004. How did Ancient Cultures Engage in Science? Science Teacher Workshop. New Plymouth. Fenton, C.D. and Fenton, M. 2004. How to Motivate Science Students. Science Teacher Workshop. New Plymouth. Fenton, C.D. and Fenton, M. 2004. Genetic Modification: Do the Risks Outweigh the Benefits? Vital Issues Forum. New Plymouth. Fenton, M. 2004. Virtual Communities via Broadband Networks. Guest presenter. Project PROBE Launch. Ministry of Education. Stratford. Fenton, M. 2004. Artificial Intelligence and Computing. Future Problem Solvers. New Plymouth Boys' High School. New Plymouth. Fenton, M. 2004. Nanotechnology and Information Processing. Future Problem Solvers. New Plymouth Boys' High School. New Plymouth. Fenton, C.D. and Fenton, M. 2002. Crime Scene Investigation 3-day workshop Fenton, C.D. and Fenton, M. 2001.Teaching under the Microscope (NZMS conference) Rabbit Calivirus Media Wars Evolution – Fact or Fiction? Science & Religion – Much Ado about Nothing

Crime Scene Investigation 3-day workshop             e-Learning Seminar/Discussion. Getting staff to share a similar vision and finding where they fit in...             Fun with Science and Technology. Schools welcome a visit from a Dalek...

 

ADVISORS ON SCIENCE

In 2000 Michael attended the SciCon 2000 conference and presented a paper exploring how students and scientists can become real partners in research. Michael and Christine continue to be advocates for scientist, teacher, student and community partnerships. As part of their mission to encourage young scientists Michael and Christine have begun assisting Primary schools with the organisation and judging of mini-science fairs and pre-selection of entries for the Taranaki regional Fair.

 

BOOKS / CD-ROMS/ SOFTWARE RESOURCES

Nexus Research Group website, M and C.D. Fenton, © 1998-2007. www.nexusresearchgroup.com Physics Interactive CD-ROM, World Interactive Software, distributed by Roadshow Entertainment (NZ) Ltd. GeneE: DNA Fingerprinting and DNA gene sequencing simulator. RIGEL: Real world interactive games and electronic interface. MATRIX: Multimedia capable database. GraphX: Interactive graphing tool

Interactive whiteboard (IWB) or SMARTboard ready programmes made by Michael...

 

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

AWARDS

• New Zealand Ministry of Education E-Learning Fellow (2008)
• Microsoft New Zealand Partners in Learning Innovative Teacher (2008)
• New Zealand INTERFACE magazine 'Best use of ICT in teaching' finalist (2008)
• Daily News The Wow! Factor "Mad Scientist of the Year" (2007)

• Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki Research Leadership Award (2009)
• Waikato Doctoral Scholar (2008, 2009)

CITATIONS / NEWSPAPER ARTICLES

2009 North Taranaki Midweek, June 24. “Robots test skills”

2009 Taranaki Culture: fresh out of the box. Edited by Susette Goldsmith. Published by Puke Ariki, New Plymouth, New Zealand.

2009 Daily News, 8 June. "WITT work in gallery spotlight"

2009 Game Maker Technology Magazine Issue 16, June. "Game Maker in Schools"

2009 North Taranaki Midweek, May 20. “School radio station a tool for learning”

2009 Daily News, 6 May. "High school teachers bound for Asia"

2009 New Zealand Doctor, April 22. "Official HPV DVD gets 'not achieved'

2009 North and South, March. “Making school work”

2009 Daily News, February 18. “School science gains an F”

2008 The Press, Christchurch, November 29. “Papers: must try harder”

2008 Stratford Press, October 29. “Finding the missing link”

2008 EDUVAC Education Weekly, October 20. "Award for Inglewood innovator”

2008 North Taranaki Midweek, October 15. “Innovation has its rewards for teacher”

2008 Daily News, October 16. "Invention one out of the box”

2008 Daily News, April 30. "Shining a light on the future "

2007 Daily News, December 26. The Wow! Factor "Mad Scientist of the Year"

2007 Ministry of Education Press Release, October 10 "Innovative teachers to explore new technology horizons"

2007 Daily News, June 4 "Teacher's invention makes a lot of sensor" - RIGEL system main feature in the Breakthroughs section

2007 Daily News, June 4 "Science-fiction fuelled Dad" - other things Michael makes for his children

2005 Daily News, November 2 "Avian flu action plans outlined"

2005 Daily News, October 1 "Special projects keep girls at school " - using WITT science facilities for gifted children.

2005 Daily News, August 27 "Career search quite a science" - using WITT science facilities for NCEA practical work.

2005 Daily News, August 18 "Timeless Robot" - Bell Block School pupils get a visit from a Dalek!

2005 Daily News, June 4 "Robots inspiring young engineers" - Mike's Cybot as example of cross discipline co-operation to run novel courses for school students.

2004 Daily News, December 15 "WITT scores lab testing deal" using WITT science facilities for work of natioanl significance to the dairy industry.

2004 Daily News, August 20 "Dissection just one tasks for studenmts" - using WITT science facilities for STAR practical work.

2003 Daily News, December 19 "Jamie aims higher than the lab bench" - 10 year old Jamie graduates from the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki. She also receives the Science Departments award for consistent high standards.

2003 The North Taranaki Midweek, November 5. "Website of wonders"

2003 Daily News, October 7. "Smiling Scientist" - 10 year old Jamie passes 12 Tertiary level papers studying part-time over two years.

2003 Daily News, August 13. "Laser Wars shines at Science Fair" - featuring the innovative Laser Wars combat game

2003 Kiwi in Taranaki CDROM and booklet. May. Taranaki Kiwi Trust

2002 Daily News December 12 CSI course - "Gore galore in latest WITT course". Christine and Michael run Taranaki's first Crime scence Investigation course with police co-operation and input from the New Plymouth CIB.

2002 Daily News November 22  Jamie Fenton at WITT - "Jamie (9) needs to take an education fast-track"

2002 Daily News August 27 "Nexus puts Taranaki students on course"

2002 About Kids. Issue 9 March/April. "Gifted children"

2002 Daily News January 22 Jamie Fenton passes School Certificate Science

2001 Daily News November 22 Jamie Fenton "Jamie proves she's a cert for bright future"

2001 TKI website (Min of Ed),“gifted children.” Section

2000 Educational / Key resource awards for the Nexus Research Group website.

2000 The School Daily magazine, June

1999 Eduvac, The Education Weekly, December. "Scientists impressed by New Plymouth school research"

1999 Otago Daily News, November 26. "Schoolboy scientist impresses meeting" - Jared Broad, 14, is the youngest researcher at an international Microbiology Society conference held at Otago University.

1999 Daily News, November 26. "Bug study earns accolades"

1999 The North Taranaki Midweeker, August 12. "Nexus Research Group"

1998 Daily News, September 9. "Lunch-time scientists too busy for tuck shop"

1991 New Zealand Microbiological Society award for best oral presentation of a scientific paper at the Wellington Annual Conference.

 

PUBLICATIONS / PAPERS PRESENTED

Fenton, M. 2009. RIGEL - Learning from Life: Communities of learning via a connected curriculum. Microsoft Partners in Learning Regional Innovative Teachers conference, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May 26th -29th.

Fenton, M. 2009. Ministry of Health vaccine DVD gets a Not Achieved - cause of concern for 2009 NCEA science exam.

Fenton, M. 2009. Did the Ministry of Health and schools share data in breach of the Privacy Act? Opinion column.

Fenton, M. 2009. New Zealand INTERFACE, Vol 19, No.761. Teaching and the F-word.

Fenton, C. 2009. Waikato Doctoral Scholar Christine Fenton Education blog

Fenton, M. 2008. Authentic learning using mobile sensor technology with reflections on the state of science education in New Zealand 2008 eLearning research report:

Fenton, M. 2008. Pedagogy and student involvement. In Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Generation (EnviroPower) Pilot - Completion Report. Venture Taranaki Trust.

Fenton, M. 2008. Understanding versus Knowledge…the new role of ICT and eLearning Opinion column.

Fenton, C.D. October 30 1996. Playcentre has much to offer all ages. Ruapehu Press, Taumarunui.

Brown,T.J., Kelly,P.J., Ionas, G., Clarke, J.M., Fenton, M., Pickering, M. 1994. Giardia and Giardiasis in New Zealand.  In Thompson,Reynoldson & Lymbery, (eds). Giardia: From Molecules to Disease. p124-125.

Fenton, M. 1994. The Expression in Soil Bacteria of the Symbiotic Genes from Rhizobium leguminosarum Biovar trifolii. M.Sc. thesis, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

Fenton, C. D. 1994. The Isolation and Characterisation of Caulobacter from Manawatu Water Systems. M.Sc. thesis, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

Jarvis, B.D.W., and Fenton, M.1994. Expression of the Symbiotic Plasmid From Rhizobium leguminosarum Biovar trifolii in Sphingobacterium multivorum. Canadian Journal of Microbiology. 40:873-879

Jarvis, B.D.W., and Tighe, S.W.1994.Rapid Identification of Rhizobium Species Based on Cellular Fatty Acid Analysis.  Plant and Soil

Rao, J.R., Fenton, M., and Jarvis B.D.W. 1994. Symbiotic Plasmid Transfer in  Rhizobium leguminosarum Biovar trifolii and Competition Between the Inoculant Strain ICMP2163 and Transconjugant Soil Bacteria. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 26:339-351.

Fenton,