1-30 Apr | Ramadan http://islam.about.com/od/ramadan/tp/ramadan-hub.htm |
2 Apr | World Autism day www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/world-autism-awareness-day |
3 Apr | Tsunami warning siren test at the end of daylight savings |
6 Apr | National Biomechanics Day http://thebiomechanicsinitiative.org/#about-nbd |
7 Apr | World Health day www.who.int/ 🡪 Events calendar |
12 Apr | International Day of Human Space Flight www.un.org/en/events/humanspaceflightday/ |
Moon | NM Apr 1 1Q Apr 9 FM Apr 17 3Q Apr 23 |
- The next Café Scientifique from Auckland will be online 6-8pm Wed 30 March. Dr Heloise Stevance, talks about the collision of black holes and neutrons.
Info
- Mātauranga Māori
- Tame Malcolm on traditional Māori pest control https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/14-03-2022/is-poisoning-pests-the-maori-way
- Professional reading/watching:
- Carly Forina’s blog on the fundamentals of leadership, looking at Zelensky & Putin https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/president-zelensky-leads-carly-fiorina
- Student opportunities:
- Comet is bringing a STEAM initiative to Pacific Island students in west Auckland. Apply by 11 April for funding for opportunities to experience science and technology through hands-on activities and collaborative research. More info here.
- Wonder Project Rocket Challenge is a free schools STEM programme aligned to L3 of the NZC. They supply student modules (in English & te reo), lesson plans, a challenge kit, and, where possible, a volunteer industry professional. Register by 4 April.
- Project Jonah is offering FREE presentations to years 1-8 in Auckland on NZ’s special whales & dolphins, conservation issues and stranding response. Only available until 15 April. On Zoom or in-person. https://www.picktime.com/whaletales2022
- Teacher Opportunities:
- Are you over 50, living in PN or Ak and willing to participate in a Plant & Food Research study about the ability of blackcurrants to protect us from the flu? Info here.
- Digital support:
- Book a virtual visit to Maungatautari our largest fenced sanctuary, sessions tailored to support your needs. $50. https://www.sanctuarymountain.co.nz/educate-us
- Data-producing fair tests students can do at home [FaceBook]: https://www.mikesnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Fair-test-investigations-to-do-at-home.docx
- The latest NZASE newsletter has articles on Primary Science leaders and Fritz Haber for anyone and Complex Systems Thinking & James Webb telescope for members only, as well as a profile of Craig Rofe, Māori scientist. Sign up for the newsletter or find resources here https://nzase.org.nz/. Join NZASE here https://nzase.org.nz/membership/ .
Resources
- Biology:
- Identifying marine mammals https://blog.doc.govt.nz/2022/01/25/get-to-know-marine-mammals
- A video and reading on Batesian mimicry
- Agricultural and Horticultural Science:
- Farm to School lessons: https://growing-minds.org/lesson-plans-landing-page/
- School Garden Lesson Plans https://www.wholekidsfoundation.org/assets/documents/school-garden-lesson-plans.pdf
- Earth & Space Science:
- Video & transcript of Long Hot Summer Day explores daylength with respect to seasons
- How does climate change affect the ocean? https://climatekids.nasa.gov/ocean/
- Smithsonian webinar on volcanoes and pyroclastic flows
- Chemistry:
- A rap on states of matter
- JoVE Core: Organic Chemistry video textbook explains the basic concepts through concise and easy-to-understand animated video lessons showing scientists in action.
- Physics:
- Effect of heat on particle movement https://insidetheperimeter.ca/winner-of-kitchen-wars-contest-aims-to-inspire-a-love-of-science
- Poster on EMI
- Primary & intermediate:
- A Smithsonian webinar with paleontologist Laura Soul talking about pliosaurs.
- Some resources on Polynesian voyaging to support a National Geographic talk about a modern voyage on a traditional vessel from Lehua Kamalu. For grades 3-8 (US).
- Nature of Science:
- Science debate kits https://debate.imascientist.org.uk/the-kits/
- EfS:
- Climate Emergency: Feedback Loops is a series of 5 short films that introduces feedback loops & explains them in 5 different contexts. And a School Journal article with Teacher Notes that supports these films.
- Science:
- A Smithsonian webinar about how humans survive extreme environments
Can you help?
- The NZIC is proposing some big changes to their journal, Chemistry in NZ, and would appreciate some feedback from chemistry teachers (before Tues 29 March). Survey here.
Professional Learning & Development (PLD) Opportunities
- SCENZ information about PLD on offer for chemistry teachers: https://www.mikesnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/SCENZ-PLD-and-support.docx
- Register here to join Science Learning Hub’s free online PLD webinar, Get inspired about running Primary Science Week, on Thurs 5 May, 4:00 – 4:45 pm.
- Online PLD for ESS teachers on the L2 & L3 investigation standards (29 Mar) and on reading the rock record (5 Apr). https://www.earthspacescience.org.nz/workshops-and-webinars.
Technicians
- A reminder to bookmark the new health & safety guidelines (2021) for science. Involved in its development, Sarah Hay from NZASE will answer queries sarah.hay@iona.school.nz
Vacancies
- House of Science is seeking an experienced primary educator to work as a Science PLD facilitator for primary and intermediate schools in the Ruapehu area. Apply by 8 April
Cheers, Mike
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