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Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao

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FEATURED ARTICLE

Climate change – a wicked problem for classroom inquiry

Wicked problems are problems that are incredibly complicated and difficult to solve. In fact, solving one aspect may reveal or create other problems – but that doesn’t mean we mustn’t try! Often ...

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FEATURED ACTIVITY

Investigating sunscreens

In this activity, students use UV beads to investigate the effectiveness of different sunscreen lotions. Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato UV beads UV beads change ...

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FEATURED ACTIVITY

Making ice cream

In this activity, students are encouraged to think about the process of making ice cream and to explore the concept of states of matter through simple investigations. By the end of this activity ...

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FEATURED ACTIVITY

Greenhouse simulation

In this activity, students use a plastic soda bottle to make and test the temperature of a bottle ‘greenhouse’ and demonstrate how light energy is transformed into heat energy. By the end of this ...

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Trending topics and concepts

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Animal behaviour
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Mātauranga Māori
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Climate change
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Atmosphere
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Rockets
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CONCEPT

Chemical reactions
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Trending articles and activities

ARTICLE

Wings and lift

For a plane or bird to fly, its wings must produce enough lift to equal its weight. Most wings used in flight are a special shape – called aerofoils (or airfoils). This shape is needed to help ...

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    • ACTIVITY

    Finding out about chemicals

    This activity is designed to help students become aware that all substances are made of chemicals and that chemicals are made up of a combination of elements. By the end of this activity ...

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    • ARTICLE

    Rocket aerodynamics

    Rocket aerodynamics is the study of how air flows over a rocket and how this affects drag and stability. The nose cone and fins of a rocket are designed to minimise drag (air resistance) and to ...

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    • Trending teacher PLD resources

    TEACHER PLD

    Estuaries – a context for learning

    With 75% of New Zealanders living within 10 km of the coast, many students will be familiar with estuaries. In scientific terms, estuaries are the interface between the land and the sea – the ...

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    • TEACHER PLD

    Seaweek resources

    Seaweek is New Zealand’s annual national week about the sea. It is coordinated by the Sir Peter Blake Marine Education and Recreation Centre (MERC) and includes a wide range of events ...

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    • TEACHER PLD

    Introducing our PLD

    The Science Learning Hub – Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao offers a range of opportunities to support teachers’ science teaching and increase their own science knowledge and understanding. These include ...

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    • Trending events

    Otago

    International Congress of History of Science and ...

    The International Congress of History of Science and Technology, held every four years, is the world’s premier meeting for history of science and technology. The 27th Congress will be held as a ...

    29/07/2025 - 05/07/2025
    Wellington

    Lizard tales of Pōneke

    Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is so well known for its feathered fauna that it’s easy to forget about the many inconspicuous species that dwell under logs, in cracks in rock walls and high up in the ...

    09/12/2024
    Waikato

    Astronomy Photographer of the Year

    Glittering stars, shimmering galaxies, fiery suns, and silver moons – don’t miss this showcase of the world's greatest space photography. Landing in Aotearoa New Zealand for the first time ...

    12/12/2024 - 27/04/2025
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