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)
5 Jun	World Environment Day www.4million.org.nz www.mfe.govt.nz
5 Jun	Arbor Day https://www.tfsnz.org.nz/
8 Jun	World Oceans day www.theoceanproject.org/wod/wod_ideas.php ???
10Jun1886	Mt Tarawera erupts www.teara.govt.nz/en/historic-volcanic-activity/page-2
11 Jun	ASTA Numeracy event 4-6pm, Tangaroa College, sign up here
12 Jun	4pm SLH webinar on Māori knowledge in science education. Register here.
13-15 Jun	World Vision 40h Challenge weekend Website
14 Jun	World Blood Donor Day www.nzblood.co.nz
15 Jun	Global Wind Day www.windenergy.org.nz/resources/for-teachers
Moon	1Q Jun 3      FM Jun 11      3Q Jun 19      NM Jun 25

1. Matariki events
   • Rangi Mātāmua talking about Puanga https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJ8ahOCzFMx
2. Some resources for world environment day
   • From PBS https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/collection/climate-change-understanding-the-impact
   • From RŪNĀ a prior knowledge quiz https://www.runa-yachtingnz.org.nz/moanamana-1/prior-knowledge
   • Outdoor activities Sun 8 Jun 10-5 at Sir Peter Blake MERC, Long Bay Park. Info here.

Info

1. Professional reading/watching/listening:
   • This article includes link to a summary of Graham Nuthall’s work as well as some practical applications https://teacherhead.com/2020/02/15/re-reading-nuthalls-hidden-lives-of-learners-insights-from-a-classic/
2. Student opportunities:
   • The Science Roadshow  currently touring nationwide strongly supports the Nature of Science strand and the 5 Foundational Science Capabilities.  The programme includes 2 live shows plus hands-on interactive exhibits that broaden students’ knowledge of the STEM subjects.
   • Registration is open for the 2025 Cawthron Scitec Expo – for Nelson Tasman students to explore topics of personal interest through science experiments, research, technology or art. More info & resources here. To receive updates about the expo subscribe to the newsletter.
3. Teacher Opportunities:
   • Teach Engineering is looking for engaging student activities on chemical reactions, earth & space, ecosystems (energy flow, element cycles, food webs, symbiosis, or environmental change. Find out more https://www.teachengineering.org/getinvolved/submitcurriculum
   • Nominate a colleague for the Peter Spratt award https://nzase.org.nz/lifetime-members/ – fill in the form https://nzase.org.nz/about/regional-branches/#regional-support. Awarded at SciCon.
   • NZASE $500 Grants are still available for SciCon – apply now.
4. Digital tools:
   • ABC science podcast for kids https://www.abc.net.au/education/imagine-this/103191946
5. Science gifts
   • Pūkorokoro Shorebird Centre has a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle on kuaka migration $50 https://shop.shorebirds.org.nz/shop/jigsaw-puzzle-marathon-migrants-1000-pce/

Resources

1. Biology:
   • Two different paper eye models: eye model layers and eye model 3D
   • A taboo-like game to review genetics, meiosis and mutation [Matthew Simmons] https://drive.google.com/file/d/1idpifiUuXQcdhPUltbwXLhpEJASJnDjm/view
2. Agricultural and Horticultural Science:
   • In this presentation, Prof David Norton explains what biodiversity is, why it’s important and how to incorporate biodiversity into your farm
   • Fonterra is developing a ‘Careers in Dairy’ digital hub for use in the classroom. To ensure it is relevant and useful, please answer their survey. https://app.ballparkhq.com/share/self-guided/ut_e56e1cb8-8ca0-485d-9772-c545cc49ce0a
3. Earth & Space Science:
   • A star gazing guide: The June Night Sky
   • Information on Induced Atmospheric Vibration, thought to have caused the Spanish power outage recently
   • A video about supervolcanoes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbSHVjPD_6Q
4.  Chemistry:
   • The map of chemistry video and poster https://www.openculture.com/2017/05/the-map-of-chemistry-new-animation-summarizes-the-entire-field-of-chemistry-in-12-minutes.html
   • PhET simulation on models of the H atom – spectra, models, orbitals. Customisable.
5. Physics:
   • Tips for making a paper airplane fly further https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77S_Fs6lGvQ
   • Glow-in-the-dark objects offer a fundamental lesson in quantum mechanics https://perimeterinstitute.ca/news/quantum-origins-glow-dark
6. Primary & intermediate:
   • A short video from Heather Goodey about an activity to build students’ observation skills – exploring nature through colour: https://bit.ly/437pjqQ
   • A Cutlass activity on native plants & animals: BB 06 Natives
7. Middle School
   • Science Badges: Year 7-10 students choose a badge and earn it by completing a series of activities by themselves. $6 per badge. Engages students without a lot of extra work for teachers. NZASE will fund a class set of Science Badges for 10 schools per term.
8. Nature of Science:
   • New Science Learning Hub article on the history of Science which includes a video clip about Tātai arorangi /Māori astronomy.
   • There are concerns about low numbers of monarch butterflies (wasp predation?). MBNZT is urging people to record & monitor monarch behaviour in overwintering sites. Info here.
9. A science book you or your students might like to read
   • Kōwhai and the Giants, by Kate Parker (read aloud) is about the extinction of the moa & huia. Explores bush, Māori arrival, introduced species, seeds, human impacts, the need to protect the environment. An Aotearoa equivalent of The Lorax by Dr Seuss?
10.  Assessments
    • No brain Too Small has resources for CB1.2 https://www.nobraintoosmall.co.nz/html/Level1_chemistry/NCEA1_CB_reactions_in_context.html
    • SCENZ task for CB1.2 needs some changes after the QAAM process, out soon. This week an updated PPT on the teaching & assessment of this std should be available to download.

MoE/NZQA

1. A report by ERO on NCEA level 1
2. Latest TIMSS Results of the 2023 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study: NZ Results and info on the international study.

Professional Learning & Development (PLD) Opportunities

1. The Sir Paul Callaghan Science Academy, 1-4 July, Ak, www.scienceacademy.co.nz offers a fresh approach to equipping primary & intermediate school teachers with skills, resources and techniques to feel more confident in delivering the science curriculum through an intensive 4-day programme.
2. ESSENZ webinar on Ocean Processes (L3) Th 5 Jun. Hear from experienced kaiako on teaching & assessing this challenging standard – sequence, activities, simulations + A/M/E. Sign up.
3. NZ Association of Environmental Educators is presenting an online webinar on Nature connection in Primary & Intermediate. 10 Jun 3:30-4:45pm. Register here to be sent the link.
4. The SciCon 2025 Primary day will be held on 3 July (in Dunedin). Guest speaker from the National Poisons Centre, workshops from Science Alive, Wonder project, Starlab (portable star dome with a Matariki focus) and education kits for the local Botanical Gardens. To register, please follow the link.
5. NZ Sign Language training for teachers. Info here. Sign up here (spelling mistake in the FB pdf)

Technicians

1. Try using dried flax/cabbage trees for splints. Cut them to the right thickness and length, dry them in a warm oven till crispy – they work a treat and don’t kill the budget! [Karen Daly]

Cheers, Mike

Mike’s News is brought to you with the generous support of Warp Computers and NZASE