11-17 May	Rotuman Language week Faeag Rotuam Ta www.mpia.govt.nz
12-16 May	Primary Science Week (Term 2 week 3) http://nzapse.nzase.org.nz/
12 May	World Nurses Day www.timeanddate.com/holidays/world/nurses-day
14 May	National School Nurses Day
16 May	International Day of Light
16 May	National Support Staff day www.nzei.org.nz
16 May	Pink Shirt Day NZ (bullying) www.pinkshirtday.org.nz/
18 May	Fascination of Plant Day www.plantday12.eu
20 May	World Bee Day https://www.un.org/en/observances/bee-day
22 May	International Biodiversity Day www.doc.govt.nz
Moon	FM May 13      3Q May 20      NM May 27      1Q Jun 3

1. Talks that may be relevant for us
   • Cafe Scientifique Tauranga: Dr Martyn Beaven talks preventing falls in older adults. 19 May, Tauranga Yacht Club Doors open at 6:30 for a 7pm start, $10. julia.banks60@gmail.com
   • Vertebrate paleontologist Prof Julia Clarke talks about dinosaurs, fossils, birds and evolution for teachers 20 May, 5 – 7:30pm. It’s free, but book by 16 May. Info and booking link here.
2. A reminder to acknowledge the work of the school nurse on Wed
3. The film Ocean with David Attenborough is currently showing in our cinemas.

Info

1. Mātauranga Māori:
   • The Science Learning Hub has produced a new context Kaitiakitanga o te moana / Marine biosecurity. More info here.
   • Two papers from Priscilla Wehi & others showing the ecological knowledge in whakatauki: Wehi (2018) and Whaanga et al (2018)
2. Pedagogy:
   • This article unpacks how cognitive load theory intersects with neurodiversity, highlighting why some learners struggle more than others in today’s classrooms.
3. Professional reading/watching/listening:
   • Video – rethinking school in the age of AI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYtoxKoMW0o
4. Student opportunities:
   • A Science Fair with a focus on mātauranga Māori – Te Tūkohu Ngāwha mātauranga Māori Science & Design Fair 23-25 July, Rotorua Energy Events Centre. Info & register here.
   • For teams entering the Analytical Chemistry competition, entries close 5pm 16 May.
5. Teacher Opportunities:
   • Do you have a teaching resource &/or assessment task that works well for C2.2 (or any chemistry standard)? SCENZ could pay you for it & share it. Pls send an outline to Ian Torrie.
   • Did you know many libraries have makerspaces? 3D printers, sewing machines, design- and music making-software, badgemaking …
6. The latest NZASE newsletter has articles on Tsunami in L Taupo, Bio Camp as well as the profile of microbiologist Jacqui Stuart. Sign up for the newsletter or find resources here https://nzase.org.nz/. Join NZASE here https://nzase.org.nz/membership/ .
7. For a bit of light relief https://www.facebook.com/reel/572079038696706 comedians’ science sketch, advertising their upcoming tour, Foil Arms & Hog, Jun 5 Wgtn, Jun 6 Ak

Resources

1. Biology:
   • A KS4 booklet and a stations activity on homeostasis
   • Short Cosmos article about Australopithecine hands. https://cosmosmagazine.com/history/palaeontology/australophithecus-hands-homin-human-tools
2. Agricultural and Horticultural Science:
   • Open days for prospective farm cadets
     • Coleridge Downs farm (Rakaia Gorge) 25 May starts 1pm. Information. RSVP.
     • Otiwhiti School of Agriculture (Hunterville) 7 Jun starts 9am. Info. RSVP
     • Smedley Station (Tikokino) 7 & 8 Jun 2-4pm. Info. Just turn up.
   • Auckland’s Botanic Gardens provides advice on horticultural activities for May: https://www.aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz/garden-advice/the-seasons/may/
3. Earth & Space Science:
   • Article from The Conversation on biosignatures that indicate life on other planets
   • An image of cloud types https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=675173161782269&set=a.158394650126792
   • A Mike’s News resource on glaciers in their international year: Glaciers of Aotearoa NZ
4. Chemistry:
   • Chemistry pracs in the context of glaciers from ACS
   • A forensic chemistry lab for L1 or L2? https://www.nclark.net/ForensicChem#google_vignette
   • Corrections were needed for CB1.2 Assessment task 3 Cooking with gas. Please download again.
5. Physics:
   • An infographic about permanent magnets http://www.cenm.ag/permanentmagnets
   • A forensic activity using kinematics http://www.shodor.org/workshops/forensic/cases/stapleton.html
6. Primary & intermediate:
   • Oak National Academy (UK) online science teaching resources for Key Stage 1 may have some snippets useful for us
7. Middle School:
   • Another middle school forensics activity https://www.nclark.net/Backpack_Mystery.pdf
8.  Science:
   • A Roy Mathews video to introduce S 1.4 (Demonstrate understanding of science-related claims in communicated information) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDNgkeri4hU
   • A new unit from NZASE – Which Drone should I buy. Suitable as a context for S1.2 or PES1.2, this NZASE unit is ready to teach. Download here
9. Nature of Science:
   • For those who explore fluoride as a socio-scientific issue, here is the story of what happened in 2 cities who stopped adding fluoride to the town water supply
10. A science book you or your students might like to read
    • Books to use with primary kids about women in science https://www.feministbooksforkids.com/childrens-books-about-female-scientists/

Can you help?

1. Benny Pan has developed a quick self-diagnostic survey on our understanding and use of AI from which he hopes to shape future learning resources for teachers. https://ai-literacy-ten.vercel.app/
2. The government is seeking feedback on the Predator Free 2050 strategy. Due 30 Jun https://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/have-your-say/all-consultations/2025-consultations/give-your-feedback-on-two-important-plans-for-nature/predator-free-2050-strategy-review-discussion-document/

Professional Learning & Development (PLD) Opportunities

1. Science is Cool online conference Thurs 24 Jul starts at 10 am ET (2am 25 Jul NZT !!). Register here to access the recording later.
2. Online tutorial workshops on Mātiki Minecraft for AgHort – 13 May 4-5pm, 14 May 7:30-8:30pm.

Cheers, Mike

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