28 Aug	9-11, Takapuna Grammar School, Alchemists Competition. Register here.
29 Aug	4pm deadline for y12 students to apply for Rotary Science & Technology Forum
29 Aug	International Day Against Nuclear tests www.un.org/en/events/againstnucleartestsday/
29 Aug	Daffodil Day www.daffodilday.org.nz/
30 Aug 1871	Ernest Rutherford was born http://www.rutherford.org.nz/ (& Stephen Hawking died)
31Aug-6Sep	Chinese language week https://www.nzclw.com/ & https://www.nzclw.com/resources
1 Sep	NZ Random Acts of Kindness Day https://rak.co.nz/
1-7 Sep	Conservation week www.doc.govt.nz
1-30 Sep	Save our Sight Month www.nzao.co.nz
4 Sep	New deadline to apply for PM’s Science teacher prize. Info here
7-13 Sep	Papua New Guinea Pidgin Language week www.mpia.govt.nz
8 Sep	Deadline to register for the 2026 NZ Chemistry Olympiad Competition
8 Sep	International Literacy day https://en.unesco.org/themes/literacy-all
8 Sep	Total lunar eclipse visible from NZ 3:30 – 7:30 am More info
Moon	1Q Aug 31         FM Sep 8         3Q Sep 14         NM Sep 22

1. Chinese Language Week resources here (NZCLW) and here (Chch Lib)
2. Papua New Guinea Pidgin Language Week resources https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/papua-niugini-tok-pisin-wik/

Info

1. Pedagogy:
   • An audio episode on prior learning from Trudy Mayo https://substack.com/home/post/p-170047977
2. Professional Reading:
   • Some readings on knowledge rich curriculum to prepare us for the new sci curriculum in term 4:
     • By Graeme Aitkin et al (June 2024): A knowledge-rich curriculum underpinned by the science of learning
     • By AERO (March 2024): A knowledge-rich approach curriculum design
     • By Ben Jensen (nov 2023): Fixing the Hole in Aus Ed
     • By John Hattie, Dylan Wiliam, Elizabeth Rata et al (1921): Fixing the Hole in Aus Ed
3. Two organisations that can work with students on water ecology
   • Matuku Link provides EOTC opportunity for West Auckland Schools on wetland restoration. Learn about native wildlife, tuna/eels and birds, and water testing in a hands-on way. https://matukulink.org.nz/ Contact Leah at schools@matukulink.org.nz
   • Te Wai o Pareira, Rivercare explores the biodiversity, health & restoration of freshwater streams and coasts using hands-on activities & citizen science tools. https://www.rivercaregroup.org/education 
4. Student opportunity:
   • Women in Engineering are offering NCEA L2 Revision hubs for girls in Maths & Physics at Ak uni. Register by 15 Sep. More info & sign up here.

Resources

1. Biology:
   • Article on combatting gene doping in sports includes a student map & a lecture https://www.the-scientist.com/what-is-gene-doping-in-sports-and-how-can-experts-detect-it-73016
   • Article about a diabetic producing his own insulin after a gene-edited cell transplant https://www.livescience.com/health/diabetes/diabetic-man-produces-his-own-insulin-after-gene-edited-cell-transplant
2. Agricultural and Horticultural Science:
   • An AI-generated lesson on the effect of fungicide on bees – includes a video and 3 practicals: Lesson Plan, Student Handout, Risk Assessment
3. Earth & Space Science:
   • Eclipse resource for the 2 events in September – PPT with student questions &  3 activities: Eclipse 250908
   • An animation of ocean currents. https://www.facebook.com/thebrainmazeofficial/videos/2070310936805350
4. Chemistry:
   • Some resources to develop an understanding of solutions https://edu.rsc.org/johnstones-triangle-resources/solutions-developing-understanding-11-14/4021601.article
   • Article on teaching organic chemistry to seniors https://edu.rsc.org/cpd/teaching-organic-chemistry-post-16/4014454.article
5. Physics:
   • Some force & motion self-marking activities – https://stpscienceportal.neocities.org (look under Yr 10 Sci). [David Gilmour, SPC]
6. Primary & intermediate:
   • A sensory treasure hunt for younger students uses the senses to match objects with similar properties https://www.earthlearningidea.com/PDF/225_Sensory_treasure_hunt.pdf
7.  Science:
   • Lab equipment bingo [Leah Hourston, Central Southland College]:
   • A cross-curricular unit looking at boat design with respect to waka hourua and Americas Cup yachts.[Navigators Toolkit] https://arl.co.nz/archimedesprinciple.pdf
8. Education for Sustainability (EfS)
   • Future Coasts is a game from NIWA & GNS looking at coastal futures with global warming https://futurecoastsaotearoa.niwa.co.nz/

MoE/NZQA

1. The latest Curriculum Insights results were released last week, providing a clearer picture of how students in Years 3, 6 and 8 are progressing in maths and writing. There’s a webinar on this for leaders, providing a guided walk-through with the study team, followed by Q & A.
2. In term 4 there’s a roadshow on the significant changes to National Curricula for leaders of years 0-8. Face to face and online options.

Technicians

1. STANZ is still looking for a cluster to host next year’s technician’s conference. The prep needs to start now and STANZ will help. Needs to be based in a city close to public transport (trains, planes). With a host school that can accommodate 100-150 people for 2-4 days with access to labs and classrooms for workshops and guest speakers. Please contact Megan stanzpresident@gmail.com.

Professional Learning & Development (PLD) Opportunities

1. Some subject association PLD days you can sign up for now:
   • ESS Auckland – 7 Nov at Ak uni. Sign up here.
   • Physics – HODs day 28 Nov Auckland. It’s free this year, but with a number limit it will be important to register. Info and sign up here https://sites.google.com/view/uoaptd2017/2025s-day-info?authuser=0

Cheers, Mike

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