Planning for term 2
We have new content that spans early learners to senior secondary – from hands-on to serious games.
Underground adventures
Whether you are a scientist, an adventurer or someone who simply likes stalactites, cave systems are important for lots of reasons. Find out why caves matter and then have a go at modelling the formation of stalactites and stalagmites. The activity includes ideas for differentiated learning. It provides observation and discussion opportunities for younger learners while senior students are challenged to critique the model from chemical and geological perspectives. Regardless of year level, it’s ideal for extending the science capabilities.
The beginnings of a stalactite
The jars hold a solution of Epsom salts. The mineral solution is carried along the string to its lowest point. When the water evaporates, it leaves the minerals behind. Each drip deposits more minerals – growing the stalactite. A stalagmite is forming under the stalactite. Dye has been added to the solution to aid observation of the solution’s movement along the string.
Stay underground with Magma Drillers Save Planet Earth. Ākonga take on the roles of scientists and engineers to help solve the planet’s environmental and energy issues. Teaching resources include engaging videos, student workbooks and online game maps. It’s all curated in this activity.
Magma Drillers Save Planet Earth – resources
This interactive introduces and houses resources developed by Magma Drillers Save Planet Earth – a University of Canterbury project funded by Curious Minds.
Select here to view the full transcript and copyright information.
Upcoming professional development webinars
In preparation for Primary Science Week, join our webinar, which will help you to bring fun, safe science into your classroom.
Date: 4 April, 4:00–4:45 pm
We are delighted to support Science in a Van’s Hive Mind – Putting the A into STEAM.
Date: 9 May, 4:00–4:45 pm
Save the date! On 30 May, the amazing illustrator Giselle Clarkson will be talking ‘Observology for the classroom’ We’ll have more information coming soon.
Protecting our biodiversity
Find-A-Pest is a citizen science project that helps to protect Aotearoa New Zealand’s primary industries and native species in two simple steps – simply snap it and send it!
Did you know that Aotearoa has over 2,000 species of lepidoptera – butterflies and moths – and roughly 90% of these are endemic? Helping the butterflies of Aotearoa New Zealand shines a light on our native pollinators and the threats they face.
Some things to think about
Keep these events on your planning radar. Each event lists a range of supporting resources:
- April is Takahē Awareness Month.
- Save the Frogs Day on 28 April.
- Primary Science Week 2024 (13–17 May).
- Garden Bird Survey 2024 (29 June–7 July).
Check out what’s happening during the Autumn school holidays – there are a range of exciting events all around the motu. If you know of any science-related events we have missed, please email us enquiries@sciencelearn.org.nz.
Follow us
We offer added value through our social media. Contact us about creating collections or boards tailored to your needs. We can help foster connections between the education and science communities.
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/nzsciencelearn
- X (previously Twitter): www.twitter.com/NZScienceLearn
- Pinterest: nz.pinterest.com/nzsciencelearn
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sciencelearninghubnz
Your feedback
We hope you enjoy using the Science Learning Hub – Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao in your teaching and would love to hear from you. Your comments, ideas and feedback can be emailed to enquiries@sciencelearn.org.nz.
Noho ora mai
Science Learning Hub – Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao
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