7 Feb	National Periodic Table day http://www.periodictableday.org/
11 Feb	International Day of Women and Girls in Science http://bit.ly/UNESCO2Rp0zpr
12 Feb	International Charles Darwin Day www.darwinday.org/index.php
16 Feb	Science Learning Hub PLD webinar with Rose Hipkins, 4-4:45pm. Register here
17-19 Feb	Stardate Festival astronomy convention at Aotearoa’s Stonehenge. Program here
20 Feb	Deadline to apply for Science Teaching Leadership Programme starting term 3 2023
21 Feb	International Mother Language Day link
Moon	FM Feb 6     3Q Feb 14     NM Feb 20     1Q Feb 27

1. Debbie Walker has set up a new Facebook page for NZ technicians https://www.facebook.com/groups/842023323557957
2. Rick Wentz talks about liquefaction for the 1931 Earthquake Commemorative lecture 16 Feb, 5:30-6:30pm at the National Aquarium of New Zealand, 546 Marine Parade, Napier.
3. Andy Brunning is asking for ideas for Today In Chemistry infographics on his Compound Interest website. Please suggest significant events or milestones you think should be highlighted, here.
4. MOTAT still has spaces in their Rocket Club afterschool programme! $50 for 9 weeks, 7 Feb – 4 April. Young rocket enthusiasts can design, build, test and launch a model rocket using 3D modelling design techniques with help from a Rocket Lab rocket engineer.  Read more

Info

1. Mātauranga Māori
   • Webinar by Prof Steve Pointing & Dr. John Perrott (Inst for Applied Ecology) on “Mātauranga Māori: Connecting indigenous knowledge with science”.
   • Tama Iti explains mana https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeK3SkxrZRI
2. Professional reading/watching
   • Derek Wenmouth’s paper on planning for resilience. He believes 2023 may be as disrupted as 2022 and schools need to be planning for this. https://futuremakers.nz/empty-seats/
   • Joan Dalton’s book Learning Culture for Learning Impact is jam-packed with practical suggestions for building strong learning-focused, collaborative culture with students
3. Teacher Opportunities:
   • If you are planning to go to SciCon this year, don’t forget PPTA’s grant to attend subject association conferences. You need to apply beforehand to be eligible for up to $700.
   • Participatory Science Platform funds research projects to connect scientists and community.
     • In Otago apply by 10 March. www.scienceintoaction.nz or OtagoPSP@otagomuseum.nz.
     • In South Auckland apply by 15 May https://cometauckland.org.nz/our-campaigns/cmsakl
4. A Scientist Just Like Me consists of videos & 100+ short slideshows to help raise awareness of diversity in science-related careers https://pstt.org.uk/resources/curriculum-materials/ASJLM

Resources

1. Biology:
   • Science Learning Hub has some new labelling interactives, each with supporting student activities, on human digestive system, tuangi cockle, and pua flower.
   • Article about how echidnas keep cool https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-64313853
2. Agricultural and Horticultural Science:
   • Article by scientist Jacqueline Rowarth on why we use glyphosate in NZ
   • David Attenborough on seeds (3 min) https://www.facebook.com/bbc/videos/645120350507674
3. Earth & Space Science:
   • Microgravity reading and demonstration (Pocket Lab is free to join) https://app.thepocketlab.com/lab-report/wkNk_wnQ0001OnrA
   • Activity comparing density of salt and freshwater https://www.earthsciweek.org/classroom-activities/ocean-currents-change-our-earth
   • Build a seismograph https://www.scienceinschool.org/article/2012/earthquakes-2/
4.  Chemistry:
   • Making rubber from dandelions https://www.scienceinschool.org/article/2018/turning-dandelions-rubber-road-sustainable-future/
   • Article on using a type of mass spectrometry called DART-TOF-MS to track down timber thieves. https://www.chemistryworld.com/opinion/mass-spectrometry-to-catch-christmas-tree-thieves-and-timber-traffickers/4016586.article
5. Physics:
   • In this Teach Engineering activity students create a tower that can support a weight 30 cm above the ground & predict which tower will be most stable.
   • US Naval facility at Carderock makes waves to test vessels. This video uses the facility to teach about waves. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pir_muTzYM8
6. Primary & intermediate:
   • The fun kids science weekly podcast focuses on the week’s biggest science story [HoS] https://www.funkidslive.com/podcast/the-fun-kids-science-weekly/
   • British Science Week activity packs on the theme of connections – ECE, primary and secondary https://www.britishscienceweek.org/activity-packs/
7.  Science:
   • The Wonder Project includes teacher & student resources for the Rocket Challenge (yrs 5-6), Power Challenge (yr 7-8) and STEM careers (yrs 7-13). https://wonderproject.nz/
   • GNS has a Virtual reality experience based on an underwater volcano. Anyone with access to an Oculus Quest head set can download the Brothers Volcano Virtual Experience for free from the app store. It is also available from libraries in Marlborough, Hamilton, Selwyn, Queenstown and Masterton. Jenny is happy to give demonstrations, contact her at j.black@gns.cri.nz
8. Education for Sustainability (EfS):
   • Sustainable Seas research challenge has a useful infographic on stressors affecting estuaries
   • NASA’s climate kids video is a great way of explaining the greenhouse effect.
9.  STEM:
   • Check Daily STEM http://dailystem.com/news/
   • Science Learning Hub’s articles Indigenous perspectives – giants of the forests and The Majestic Samaúma – art meets science are great starting points for exploring STEAM with videos and a 3D animated model that zooms into the tree to reveal its biological processes.

MoE/NZQA

1. Dave Thrasher has summarised the NCEA results for 2022. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IvXaGEmP00Ssl1163i3iZELk9RE1DWY6U-yo898zTV4/edit

Vacancy

1. Engineering NZ is looking for a Wonder Project Advisor to champion the Wonder Project & fun STEM learning in schools. This 1-year full-time position is based in Wellington. Apply before 19 Feb

Professional Learning & Development (PLD) Opportunities

1. Apply for Regionally allocated PLD by 25 Feb 2023. You’ll be notified of the outcome by wk 8 so you can contact a PLD facilitator & plan to start delivery next term. Schools can use this PLD to support the implementation of NCEA (in the ‘Local Curriculum Design’ priority).
2. Learning Network NZ, $595.
   • Dylan Wiliam, a UK expert in formative assessment, is presenting on 21 Aug, 9:30-3 at the Grand Millennium, Ak. https://www.learningnetwork.ac.nz/events/embeddingformativeassessment23/
3. Kohia Teacher’s Centre, Gate 2, 76 Epsom Ave, Epsom, Ak. Face-to-face unless otherwise stated
   • Programs for mentor teachers, provisionally certificated teachers & teacher education refresh
   • Intro to NZC for overseas-trained teachers – Jenna Wilkins, 16 Feb, 9:30-2:30
   • Strategies/Tips for Primary Teacher Aides – Kerry Upson, 23 Feb, 1-3pm, online
   • Self-efficacy – Chris Wall, 28 Feb 12:30-3:30pm and 28 Mar 12:30 – 3:30pm.
   • Understanding NCEA – Robyn Headifen, 6 Mar, 9:30-2:30.
   • Intro to NZC for overseas-trained teachers – Jenna Wilkins, 28 Mar, 9:30-2:30, online
4. Hive Mind, free PLD from Science in a Van with the Science Learning Hub, is next happening on Thursday 16 March, 4-4.45pm. Come along to hear what teachers from all around Aotearoa are up to and share planning tips and tricks.
5. Education Hub Free webinars
   • Culturally responsive maths – Jodie Hunter, 8 Feb 8:30pm
   • Retrieval Practice – Kate Jones, 8 Mar, 8pm
   • Indigenisation and indigenous inclusion  – Te Kawehau Hoskins & Alison Jones, 14 Mar, 7:30pm
6. NZASE will again be providing Science PLD, a workshop in term 1 and clusters in terms 2 and 3. Emails about this were sent out to science leaders mid Jan and another with details of venues and content due soon.

Technicians

1. Safety signs in te reo Māori https://safetysign.co.nz/te-reo-maori-signs-safety-signs/

The format of this weekly email has been changed because it was bouncing back from about 70 schools or individuals every 4 months or so, probably due to the large number of hyperlinks.

Cheers, Mike

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