Poutū-te-rangi pānui
March newsletter
In 2021, NZASE newsetters will be published twice in the first three terms, and once in the fourth term. Science Communicators Mike Stone and Jenny Rankine welcome your feedback and suggestions at comms@nzase.org.nz.
ISSN 2703-5166
|
|
|
Calderas around Aotearoa
|
|
It's time to renew your membership!
NZASE members not only get access to regular new and topical teaching resources, they get discounts to the biennial SciCon gathering, support from regional science teacher associations that NZASE co-ordinates; PLD run by NZASE; and a national voice representing them on curriculum, assessment and reviews. Renew or sign up as a school or an individual here.
|
|
|
Developing culturally responsive practice
This story of one school’s journey to improve culturally-responsive pedagogy may be helpful for others wanting to address similar issues. Download this members-only resource by Mike Stone.
|
|
Answering key questions about evolution
Download our publicly-available profile of Shane Wright (Te Ati Haunui, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Pākehā), whose scientific work explained why evolution is much more rapid among larger populations and in the tropics than in smaller and colder islands like Aotearoa/New Zealand.
|
|
Seaweek: March 6-14
Seaweek, organised by the NZ Association for Environmental Education, this year focuses on Connecting with our Seas; Toi Moana ~ Toi Tangata. See the Seaweek website and the Facebook page; attend events near you. See Science Learning Hub resources; or help build an inquiry into acting to protect our unique marine environments with DoC's Protecting our marine world or Protecting our estuaries resources.
Seaweek Ocean Champion Challenge - Moana Toa Whakatara
Seaweek is running a video competition for students - they can share their efforts and inspiration to protect/restore our marine environment in a short video or photo slideshow by March 31, and be in to win spot prizes. Relevant award categories are Youth (under 16) and Group. The outstanding school group entry will win a free visit to Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s for up to 30 students. See the details here.
|
|
|
LEARNZ virtual field trips
From March 8, the free ‘ Seaweed - An ocean of opportunity’ virtual field trip around Nelson and Kaikoura explores why seaweed is a future wonder crop, and how science and research are helping to develop seaweed aquaculture. See the details. The free ‘ Te Araroa trail: Connecting people and places’ field trip from April 5 explores part of the trail in Te Tai Tokerau/Northland, and efforts to support biodiversity in the region. Curriculum guidelines, background reading and quizzes will be available from March 8. See the details. |
|
|
|
March is Whio awareness month
|
|
|
Virtual reality school visits
Year 7-8 teachers in Northland, Auckland, Taupo and Gisborne can register their school for virtual reality (VR) tours of diverse marine environments, focusing on environmental sustainability. Sir Peter Blake Trust educators bring VR headsets for each student in a class, comparing overfished and polluted ecosystems with pristine marine environments, and focusing on what students and schools can do. Optional koha: $290/day. Register here, email Annika Andresen or phone (09) 307 8875.
|
|
Gifted extension programmes in te Waipounamu
The NZ Marine Studies Centre is again offering 11 science extension programmes in 2021, including five residential programmes, and new ones for Y9 in Nelson, for Y6-8 in Oamaru, and Y9-10 Pasifika students in Otago. Programmes involve in-depth field and laboratory experiences, and mentoring by postgraduate research students. Application deadlines are six weeks before programmes start; see dates and criteria here or email Hanna Ravn.
NZMSC's online programmes for gifted and talented students at levels 1-3 are free. Fill in the registration form and enjoy the videos and activities. |
|
|
Videos for Papatūānuku competition
The Department of Conservation invites 16-25-year-old rangatahi to create a video in te reo Māori or English, up to two minutes long, sharing their ideas on how the land can thrive. Videos can be entered until 15 March 2021, and will be posted online. Prizes include $1,000 for the winner and $500 for runner up in six categories. See the DoC website for details and to post videos. |
|
Otago Participatory Science proposals open
The deadline for proposals for the 2021 Otago Participatory Science Platform (PSP) is noon on Wednesday March 10. The PSP supports Otago-based, community-driven research projects, where citizens, school students, and scientists collaborate to tackle a shared problem or opportunity. Projects covering any topics are welcome for a maximum of $20,000 (excl. GST) each. See the website for guidelines and application forms. If you want to apply, please register here or contact Claire Concannon, (03) 4747474 ex 832.
PSP improve student perceptions of science
Read Cecelia Bachelor’s 2021 report about the positive impact on student understanding of science as a learning area and a career choice, related to their experience in PSP projects funded through SouthSci in South Auckland.
|
|
|
Events relevant to Science
|
|
|
|
|
