Mike’s News Jun 23

23 Jun Deadline to enter Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow comp. Link here
23 Jun 7pm Cafe Scientifique Tauranga is on AI. $10. Register with Julia
26 Jun 8-4, Engenuity Day for yr12 & 13 girls interested in Engineering. UoA Grafton Rd campus
28Jun-6Jul NZ Garden Bird Survey https://gardenbirdsurvey.nz/take-part/
28Jun-6Jul NZ International Science Festival will be held in Ōtepoti Dunedin https://scifest.org.nz
30 Jun Asteroid day https://asteroidday.org/
30 Jun Deadline to give the govt. feedback on Predator free 2050 strategy. Access here.
1-3 Jul Physikos conference, Ak uni. https://confer.eventsair.com/nzip2025/
1-4 Jul Sir Paul Callaghan Science Academy in Auckland https://www.scienceacademy.co.nz/
2-5 Jul SciCon Logan Park HS Dunedin. Start 6pm Wed, finish 12pm Sat https://scicon2025.nz
6-12 Jul Kiribati Language week, Te Taetae ni Kiribati www.mpia.govt.nz
Moon NM Jun 25      1Q Jul 3      FM Jul 11      3Q Jul 18
  1. Talks that may be relevant for us
    • The public lecture during Physikos is a panel discussion on The Quantum Centuries at 7-8pm Tues 1 Jul in Physics Lecture Theatre 1, Science Centre, 303 Symonds St, Ak. The event is free but seats are limited so you need to book as registration opens to the general public soon.
    • Philanthropy webinar series (first 25 Jun 1-2pm) on funding the oceans also includes the current state of oceans in Aotearoa, key challenges and possible solutions. Register here.
  2. Adding to last week’s notice, please be aware that CCSE’s STEMM challenge is being run by House of Science, Hutt Valley and that it is a Wellington region thing.

Info

  1. Pedagogy:
  2. Digital:
    • Knowledge Matters Podcast with Dylan Wiliam & Doug Lemov takes the science of learning into writing to see how the act of putting pen to paper boosts thinking & learning.
  3. Science in a Van brings a science show to primary schools – their new show is Full Force. They will be travelling SH35 and in Hawkes Bay in term 1 2026 (& in Auckland too). More info & booking form.

Resources

  1. Biology:
    • MAISUKA: The Silent killer is a documentary that looks at the pervasiveness of the Diabetes epidemic among Pasifika people in Aotearoa. https://tpplus.co.nz/category/maisuka/
    • Genetactics is a genetics resource to teach/reinforce/review protein synthesis. [Penny Daddy]. Download it here.
  2. Agricultural and Horticultural Science:
  3. Earth & Space Science:
  4.  Chemistry:
    • Useful student activity for CB1.2 Intended for students to identify observations that indicate a chemical reaction. Can also be used to match equations, identify reactants and products, group reaction types. Happy to collaborate [Kim Pickering, St Johns College]
    • Resources and activities on minerals: rare earth metals and another on Sn, Ta & W.
  5. Physics:
  6. Primary & intermediate:
    • The latest NZAPSE newsletter includes some great ideas for rich maths learning experiences using science & linking to the capabilities [Carol Brieseman]
    • School Gen has great (& free) resources on renewable energy – PPTs, posters, student activities and teacher guides from L1 – L6. https://www.schoolgen.co.nz/for-teachers/resources
  7. Nature of Science:
    • BEANZ members can access a set of biology articles to help students identify how science is used to support weak claims & create news. For yr 10-13 students. Sign in, then access here.
  8. A science book you or your senior students might like to read
    • Humankind by Rutger Bregman, subtitled A Hopeful Story, shows that we are geared towards kindness & co-operation which has its roots in our evolution. Preview here.
  9.  Numeracy:

Professional Learning & Development (PLD) Opportunities

  1. Mātiki Minecraft is a tool for bringing agriculture and horticulture alive. Join a free online workshop for teachers of years 1-6 (also relevant for Sci, Soc St, Tech, Hist). Tues 24 Jun 4-5pm. Register here.

Technicians

  1. Links to guides for identifying freshwater organisms https://www.inaturalist.org/guides/7609 & https://www.msnucleus.org/watersheds/mission/plankton.pdf and https://rsscience.com/microscopic-organisms-pond-water/ and https://niwa.co.nz/freshwater/freshwater-id-guides.

Vacancies

  1. King’s School (Remuera, Auckland) is looking for a person to teach science to years 3-8 (could be part time) + maths (makes the role full time). Contact Sandy Jackson (retiring) or principal Dave McEwan.

Cheers, Mike

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