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:
   • A bilingual video series on the whakapapa o te wai – ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE.
   • A short video by Ngāi Tahu & AF8 that weaves together pūrākau & science to intro the Alpine Fault, & how to prepare for the big earthquake. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=os2-biC_bb8
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:
   • Engenuity Day is for yr12 & 13 girls interested in Engineering. 26 Jun, 8am-4pm, UoA Grafton Rd campus. https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/enginuity-day-2025-tickets-1313467559829
   • VUW hosts an Engineering Day on campus June 5 to engage the interest of yr 12/13 students in Engineering and what it has to offer with hands-on activities. Register here by 28 May.
5. Digital tools:
   • I found this new blog post on Kim Seaward’s journey with AI informative and interesting (and it made me chuckle). Great for an AI newbie. https://aizero2aihero.wordpress.com/
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:
   • Science Spot resources to teach microscope skills – stations (mystery pictures, puzzles, waterdrop lens, viewing prepared slides, observing pond water, parts of microscope), PPT
   • GeneTactics game to review DNA replication, transcription, translation and mutations [Matthew Simmons] https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qMNwOKb0gopraKaj5LqkAhcOtduLgMf8/view
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:
   • A short video of an ISS spacewalk https://dailyoverview.substack.com/p/earth-day-2025
   • UoC resource, Circulation in the Southern Ocean
   • A PBS volcanoes lesson – learn about volcano distribution, structure, viscosity, eruption types & their hazards then identify features of some eruptions in video clips.
4. Chemistry:
   • Cmpd Chem Infographics Radioactive C, food-gelling agents, blast furnace, papal conclave smoke,
   • James Kennedy chemistry posters – universal indicator, cappuccino, Lego, gold, ester smells, E numbers https://jameskennedymonash.wordpress.com/category/infographics/
5. Physics:
   • Jason Morgan’s Mandatory Expt Book Physics
   • A student project making a powerpoint to explain some applications of forces and momentum
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

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