5-11 May | NZ Sign Language Week http://nzslweek.org.nz/ |
6 May | World Asthma day. Info here. |
10 May | World Migratory Bird Day www.worldmigratorybirdday.org |
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 |
Moon | 1Q May 5 FM May 13 3Q May 20 NM May 27 |
- Talks that may be relevant for us
- Massey Uni has a series of online science webinars starting May 6. https://www.massey.ac.nz/about/events/science-webinars
- A resource for Rotuman Language week: Classroom phrases Rotuman 2025
- Primary Science Week (12-16 May) this year is all about Exploration – Discovering something you didn’t know. Some events
- Teacher PLD on Developing Observational Skills on Wed 14 May at Kings School, Remuera, Auckland. details and the RSVP link here
- Register your class here to join this free online Q&A with volcanologist Ben Kennedy on Thurs 15 May, 11:45 am–12:30 pm. This is open to all, though aimed at years 4–8. Once registered you will be able to submit two questions from your class. Science Learning Hub.
- NZAPSE Competition for Prim & Int teachers: Send in an image, video, observation or new discovery to say what you are getting up to this PSW – be in to win some great prizes.
- More info here https://nzase.org.nz/nzase-network-expertise/#primary_PLDnews
Info
- Pedagogy:
- Since the pandemic, class discussions have been harder to get working. Some strategies that may help https://www.facebook.com/edutopia/videos/1723917521493455
- Student opportunities:
- Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow comp challenges students to use STEAM to design a solution to a problem for their community. Tech & cash prizes. Link here. Apply by 23 June
- Is Engineering right for me? Ak uni evenings face-to-face in Ak and Wellington, some of which are livestreamed. https://response.auckland.ac.nz/EDIE25
- Analytical Chemistry Competition for yr 13 teams will be held at Waikato uni Tues 10 Jun. Analytical Chem Comp
- Teacher Opportunities:
- Applications for 2026 study awards for teachers & principals open 1 May & close on 30 May. https://workforce.education.govt.nz/current-teachers/sabbaticals-study-awards-and-study-grants
- Podcasts:
- Our Prehistory podcast chronicles human history from the origin of our species until the appearance of civilizations. https://open.spotify.com/show/4B12rrDdjGVaBL5Wh1cbEn
Resources
- Biology:
- Types of eyes and the reasons for them https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=677383084894610&set=a.158394650126792
- An activity showing the effect of mutations on an origami whale. Whale of a Change PPT and whale TchrN
- Agricultural and Horticultural Science:
- Sow the Seed/HATA Regional Hubs for Ag/Hort look at conference overview, L1 moderation, new resources, senior support, external prep & a tutorial on Mātiki Minecraft. Register here
- A reading from Science News Explores on some farmers looking at new methods for planting & managing crops that improve soil health & help trap & store carbon.
- Earth & Space Science:
- A star gazing guide: The May Night Sky
- A PowerPoint of key ideas from the book Blue Machine by Helen Czerski useful for L3 ESS. Make sure you look at the presenter notes. Blue Machine
- Chemistry:
- Types of reactions posters – useful for CB1.2? Part 1 and Part 2
- The Mandatory Experiment book to plug the gaps in junior science understanding & to build students who arrive in Yr 11 motivated, capable, and inspired to learn chemistry [Jason Morgan]
- Physics:
- Students use a wood block, spring scale, timer, & known masses to learn about work, power & energy https://www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/uoh-2800-power-drag-lab-work-energy
- A bubble activity to explore diffraction, interference and refraction https://www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/van_oddsofcancer_lesson02_activity1
- Primary & intermediate:
- Make instruments out of straws https://www.thenakedscientists.com/get-naked/experiments/straw-oboe
- A set of biology labs from UK’s Royal Society https://www.rsb.org.uk/images/RSB_Gopher_Science_Lab_booklet.pdf
- Science:
- Biology quizzes for primary, middle school & secondary https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hzAe0AD5gkpsREDTJRTv7ArHcJeT4uwPoV59CNQJ3PY/edit
- Talk a little about bubbles then challenge students to make the biggest bubble using pipe cleaners, straws and bubble solution and a couple of old towels. Think about how you might get students to write about the experience too.
- A science book you or your students might like to read
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- Wild Coasts – Exploring Aotearoa’s Marine Reserves by Ned Barraud looks at the role of marine reserves. Along the way it helps us to think about ecosystems, food chains and conservation from both a western science & Māori perspective.
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MoE/NZQA
- CB1.2 assessment pack is now available for members to download from https://nzic.org.nz/ Tasks with assessment schedules, a resource booklet and general assessment guidelines.
Professional Learning & Development (PLD) Opportunities
- Science Learning Hub: Teachers, register here to join this free online PLD webinar, Māori Knowledge in Science Education: He Mana Ōrite, He Awa Whiria, on Th 12 June, 4:00–4:45 pm.
- BEANZ has asked me to remind Bio teachers of the next 2 Making Assessor Judgement Workshops:
- Jet Park Hotel Auckland, 9-3 on 9 May https://biology-speaker-request-regional-conference-1.lilregie.com/booking/attendees/new
- New Plymouth Club, Gill St, NP, 9-3 on 12 May https://biology-speaker-request-regional-conference.lilregie.com/booking/attendees/new
- NZIP with VUW is planning a Physics Experience Day for Students to include quantum physics & its tech implications, astrophysics. Jun 3, 5 or 6. Please give some feedback in a Doodle online poll
- ESSENZ webinars this term on PES1.1 Human Induced Changes, running field trips, 91413 Ocean Systems, 91192 Stars and Planets. Sign up here https://forms.gle/uBSzQqD61LHo1sGCA
- ESS Astrobiology Conference, Mt Maunganui College Mon 22 – Tues 23 Sep. includes a field trip to Waimangu Volcanic Valley. https://www.earthspacescience.org.nz/2025-essenz-conference
- HHMI BioInteractive Resources is holding a free online workshop focused on engagement strategies Tues 6 May 8-9:30pm EST (12pm Ma7 NZT). Register here.
Cheers, Mike
Mike’s News is brought to you with the generous support of Warp Computers and NZASE