Hui-tanguru Pānui/February newsletter
Science Communicators Mike Stone and Jenny Rankine welcome your feedback and suggestions at comms@nzase.org.nz ISSN 2703-5166
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Reduced membership rates for NZASE
From January 31, 2022 until January 30, 2024, NZASE had reduced annual membership fees to $100 for secondary schools, $50 for primary, intermediate and area schools and $20 for individual members. NZASE has secured Networks of Expertise funding for a two-year period to deliver professional development in Science to our sector. As part of this, the reduced fees will make our resources and support even more accessible. Sign up here.
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Unique resource: How local curricula work
Local curricula make learning relevant for our students and their interests, strengths and needs, within the context of their local community. Mike Stone talks with primary and secondary teachers about what this looks like in their schools in this publicly available resource.
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Unique resource: Teaching about climate change
Climate change is a ‘wicked problem’ and a real-world issue of concern to our students. But it involves some complex science and can make students anxious. How can we teach it in a way that is manageable for our students? Mike Stone talks to some with experience. For members only, 4-page PDF.
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Unique resource: Inorganic chemist profile
Jan Wikaira, right, has built a collection of small molecules with magnetic pathways that could be used to make superconductors. Read about her inorganic chemistry research in this profile by Jenny Rankine.
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PLD from NZASE
Four facilitators will be offering PLD for NZASE to primary and secondary teachers in 13 regions this term, with Networks of Expertise funding. The combined primary and secondary Term 1 full-day workshop will focus on mātauranga Māori and local curriculum, and participants will decide topics for clusters in Term 2 and 3. Webinars will be used for those in rural and isolated schools, and for other regions if COVID prevents face-to-face gatherings. Information was emailed to science leaders in December and early February; workshop dates will be emailed soon and put up on our website. If science leaders have not received an email about this PLD, they can check their spam first, and then email Mike Stone. In Terms 2 and 3, separate primary and secondary clusters will be held in each region.
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Seaweek Ocean Champion Challenge – Moana Toa Whakatara
Champions are people taking action to help solve a problem in marine environments. They can apply or be nominated for this competition, and must submit a 2-4m video in support. Categories include juniors (16 & under), seniors (17+) and groups (3+). Your students can enter by March 31.
Seaweek 2022: Connecting with our seas/Toi moana - Toi tangata runs from March 5-13; see the website for activities and resources. It is organised by NZAEE, part of the NZASE network.
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Apply for a Participatory Science Project
Participatory Science Platform (PSP) funding is available in South Auckland, Taranaki and Otago for community-driven research projects based predominantly in those areas, where students, citizens and scientists combine to tackle a shared problem or opportunity. All provide seed funding ($1,000 or $2,000) and project funding (up to $20,000). South Auckland schools have three application deadlines: February 25, March 25, and April 15. Download their Expression of interest form, or email them about your ideas. Taranaki applications close March 21; schools need to register their idea first; contact them. Otago Science Into Action welcomes applications on any topic by March 10, and encourages those exploring implications of climate change. Download application forms or contact them.
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Alphas online
Issues 104 (2000) to 138 (~2008) of the Alpha Series are available on the Royal Society of NZ website and in a dropbox. The Alphas were written and reviewed by expert scientists; while they have not been updated, some contain information unavailable anywhere else - items on harakeke, native frogs, the Yucatan peninsula asteroid, our Alpine fault, aquatic weeds and several on climate change.
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Past issues of printed physics journals available
A collection of most of the Physics Today journals from 2015-2021 and almost all the American Journal of Physics (by the American Association of Physics Teachers) from the 1930s to 2021 are available in Auckland. Please email Richard Storey. |
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CBT systems is offering a Gateway/STAR program in aeroscience for year 13 students, including NCEA credits. The course includes modules in physiology, meteorology and engineering as well as navigation, aviation law and flight radio telephone operation. Students can also sit their private pilot licence theory exams. Students may take experiential flights as optional extras. This course can open career options including pilot, meteorologist, aeronautical engineer, air traffic controller, and flight dispatcher.
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SunSmart school programme
With students spending much time outside over February, the Cancer Society’s free SunSmart schools programme works with early childhood centres, primary and secondary schools to help prevent skin cancer. The programme offers a teaching module, signs for the school and in some cases SunSmart hats, sunscreen, and seedling trees. The program supports schools to develop their SunSmart policies for shade and sun hats and to include the topic in teaching. See details, including sample SunSmart school policies.
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Deep Dive and sea monsters at Otago Museum
Dunedin area visitors can discover what it takes for us to plunge into the deep ocean world and see how sea creatures manage it, with Tūhura Deep Dive, free shows by Otago Museum science communicators, 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays until April 10. Bookings essential.
Visitors can also see the fossils and interactive exhibits in Sea monsters: Prehistoric ocean predators until May 1 at the museum, $10. See the 30 sec video - and book here. |
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Summer science-related events
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