There are hopes the first ever science expo in the Cook Islands will inspire the next generation of scientists.
About 2,000 students, teachers, locals, and visitors are expected at the National Auditorium in Avarua, Rarotonga for the event this week.
Tūhura Otago Museum in New Zealand initiated the festival.
The museum's Science Engagement Coordinator Pasifika, Emily Eastgate, said resources have been shipped from Aotearoa, including solar telescopes, so kids can look at the sun without harming their eyes.
"Those telescopes have a hydrogen alpha filters on them so you can get a really clear picture of the sun and you can actually see solar flairs coming off it. We have our lab in a box which is a container that has been converted into a science lab that we have shipped to Rarotonga," she said.
The event organiser from the Office of the Cook Islands Prime Minister, Melina Tuiravakai, said for some students, this will be the first time they step into a star dome.
Photo: 123RF
"For us this is an opportunity that our children, a lot of them have not had the chance to actually see the science on the ground, to touch and see things and it is exciting to have our Pasifika children have that opportunity, where they can play with mini drones, they can look at look at little robots," she said
Every school on Rarotonga is scheduled to attend the festival.