Mike’s News May 19

Posted on by Mike Stone
20 May World Bee Day https://www.un.org/en/observances/bee-day
22 May International Biodiversity Day www.doc.govt.nz
22 May 5pm deadline to apply for 2026 Science Teaching Leadership Programme
30 May Deadline to apply for 2026 study awards. Info here.
31 May World Smoke-free Day www.worldsmokefreeday.org.nz
I Jun World milk day https://worldmilkday.org/
1-7 Jun Samoan language week, Gagana Samoa www.mpia.govt.nz
2-6 Jun National Schools Pride Week Inside Out, Register here (Term 2 week 6)
Moon 3Q May 20      NM May 27      1Q Jun 3      FM Jun 11
  1. Talks that may be relevant for us
    • Dr Michelle Thaller is giving 3 talks about what it’s like to be an astronomer at NASA: Auckland 10 Jun 6pm, Wellington 18 Jun 3pm and 6pm. Free but please book.
    • UoA Gibbons 2025 Lecture series is How Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping Education. Live streamed speakers incl Kathryn McCallum (20 May), a panel (27 May) & Paul Denny (3 Jun). A link to the recording of Stuart McNaughton’s lecture last week is found at the link too.
    • Winter speaker series at Ngā Manu nature reserve, Waikanae. Tea/coffee at 1pm, start at 1:30. Entry by koha. Conservation theme.

Info

  1. Mātauranga Māori:
  2.  Pedagogy:
    • Approaches for creating trauma-informed classrooms from Monash uni.
  3. Professional reading/watching/listening:
    • How would you answer the interview question, “What piece of educational research has influenced you the most?” Here’s some ideas from the UK. In NZ’s prominent studies we might also refer to – Te Kotahitanga, Alton-Lee and the Learning in Science Project (described in Ch 4 here).
  4. Student opportunities:
  5. Digital tools:
  6. Examples of how South Auckland schools used Curious Minds funding – good ideas for projects https://cometauckland.org.nz/assets/files/STEM/CMSAkl-2024-Project-Showcase.pdf
  7. I recently was trying to access a really great American resource that I had seen 2 weeks ago, to be told DOGE had taken down the website. Beware! Download what you need before they go?!
  8. Congratulations to Aidan Kiely, Aorere College for receiving the PM’s prize for a science teacher. And to Rena Misra from EGGS for the PM’s future scientist prize.

Resources

  1. Biology:
  2. Agricultural and Horticultural Science:
    • A history of Māori growing wine https://e-tangata.co.nz/history/whakapapa-whenua-and-wine/
    • Farm2Future Camp is FREE, hosted by Lincoln Uni for Yr 12 students to learn about opportunities available in the Food & Fibre sector. Wed 9-11 Jul (hols). You need to arrange your own transport to and from LU, but free accom, meals & transport during the camp itself. Apply here by 5pm 30 May
  3. Earth & Space Science:
  4. Chemistry:
  5. Physics:
  6. Primary & intermediate:
    • A NASA activity making a rain gauge – PPT and teacher guide, along with other related activities on freshwater, precipitation and the water cycle.
    • An article on Rainbows then use a hose spray, a prism or a glass of water sitting in the sun to make the spectrum.
  7. A science book you or your students might like to read
    • Song of the Mekong River by Joy Cowley, describes how the life of a Vietnamese villager is dependent on the river and the importance of the environment

Can you help?

  1. PPTA is making a claim for time and remuneration for teachers who are Lab Managers in secondary and area schools. To help them quantify the issue, could lab managers please fill in this quick survey about your job. [Kieran Gainsford] https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/designated-lab-manager

Technicians

  1. No plucks or eyeballs are available from Auckland Meat Processor’s Educational Service Dept for now – they are closed as they are moving into a new plant.

Professional Learning & Development (PLD) Opportunities

  1. System Modelling with Photosynthesis asynchronous workshop: Login to hhmi –> join the group –> Announcements –> Start. You can join HHMI for free.
  2. Welsh webinar for teachers on nuclear chemistry – more than power stations, explores medical uses. Tues 17 Jun 4-5pm BST (Wed 18 Jun, 3-4am!! NZT)
  3. ESS Astrobiology Conference, Mt Maunganui College 22–23 Sep. includes a field trip to Waimangu Volcanic Valley. $110. Register here. Poster here. Program here. Apply for financial help on your registration form. PPTA also has conference support. Start 8:15 am Mon (after viewing eclipse) finish 4pm Tues.
  4. Looking for support with L2 & L3 ESS standards? Register for one of many webinars diving into a range of relevant topics. Led by experienced kaiako, these webinars are free to attend. Check out the focus of 9 remaining webinars and register here. Th 29 May is focused on field trips.

Cheers, Mike

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