22 Apr	Earth day www.earthday.net
23Apr-23May	Ramadan http://islam.about.com/od/ramadan/tp/ramadan-hub.htm
25 Apr	Save the frogs day www.savethefrogs.com/day/  www.nzfrogs.org/
25 Apr	World malaria Day http://www.who.int/mediacentre/events/annual/malaria/en/index.html
26 Apr 1986	Chernobyl  www.world-nuclear.org/info/Safety-and-Security/Safety-of-Plants/Chernobyl-Accident/
27 Apr	NASA scientist for a day NZ comp essay due. nzspaceagency@mbie.govt.nz
3-9 May	NZ Immunisation Week www.who.int/campaigns/immunization-week/2017/en/
5 May	World Asthma day http://asthmafoundation.org.nz/
6-12 May	NZ Sign Language Week http://nzslweek.org.nz/
6 May	National School Nurses Day (NZ)
Moon	NM 23 Apr       1Q 1 May       FM 7 May       3Q 15 May

Info

1. Literacy
   • A generic SOLO planning template on Google Slides that can be used to plan online learning. From Pam Hook & Joy Williams. http://pamhook.com/2020/04/03/hooked-solo-inquiry-byte-template/
2. Pedagogy: A couple of differentiated activities to use while teaching remotely-
   • A choice board gives students activities to choose from – set the number you expect them to complete in a given time. Template attached, amend as appropriate: https://www.mikesnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Choice-Board-Science-Template.doc
   • A differentiated activity on asthma: https://www.mikesnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Asthma.docx
3. Professional reading:
   • An interesting reading on agency http://blog.core-ed.org/blog/2020/02/childrens-agency-a-champion-and-a-model-for-advocacy.html
4. Digital support
   • Webinar from Karen Tui Boyes on teaching online https://vimeo.com/401810935
5. SouthSci funding for your STEM project up to $20,000. Send in your expression of interest now, full application due 1 May. cometauckland.org.nz/southsci
6. Squawk Squad has 150 extra spots to participate in their Term 3 Antarctic programme. Sign up here– spaces will go quickly! If selected, your class will participate in an 8-week interactive programme focused on learning about Climate Change via an expedition to Antarctica – you’ll receive lesson plans, videos, competitions … (if you later realise you can’t participate, just let them know and your spot can be allocated to someone else). 

Resources

1. Geology:
   • Interactive about earth’s structure and tectonic plates https://www.learner.org/series/interactive-dynamic-earth/
2.  Biology:
   • Alison Campbell talk on preparing students for the Schol Bio exam (available via Google Drive). This one covers general info on what the examiner is after, how it’s marked etc, plus some examples of resources: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fTSlA-H5nsnXFcHIT7RzSnJC3OQpoPq5/view
   • Poster on how COVID-19 affects gas exchange https://www.azuravesta.com/covid-19-pandemic?fbclid=IwAR12KUErbHdE2vRaBHviTXLt0tvYNW_HuAAwNXNT29FKVyZPepzkDiGp–k
3.  Astronomy:
   • DoC resource on exploring the night sky https://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/conservation-activities/explore-the-night-sky/
   • Video on equinox https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/space/equinoxes/
4.  Chemistry:
   • Prof Allan Blackman (Auckland uni) has started a YouTube channel containing videos which explain important concepts in First Year Chemistry that may also be relevant to our Yr12/13 students eg What is a mole. [Ian Torrie]  https://bit.ly/34AVVJq
   • Chemistry of Chocolate video uses a chocolate-making context to illustrate & explain chemical reactions related to heat, melting point, & formation of crystal structures. https://sharemylesson.com/teaching-resource/chemistry-now-chemistry-chocolate-265363
5.  Physics:
   • Simple physics expts https://www.rigb.org/families/experimental/physics
   • Explore physics of the 21^st century. A mix of text, animations, videos, expts. https://www.learner.org/series/physics-for-the-21st-century/gravity/
6. Science: MoE has made available a number of lessons for years 9 & 10:
   • Correspondence School units on genetics, microbes, body systems, light, astronomy, carbon https://learningfromhome.govt.nz/resources/te-kura-resources
   • Te Papa’s NoS, Living World & Material World lessons consist of a video and questions http://talesresource.tepapa.govt.nz/science.html
   • 16 practical lessons from School Gen, also good NoS https://www.schoolgen.co.nz/fun-home-activities/
7.  Digital
   • Mr Science: Sterling Cathman shares a fun science program live, online at 11am Mon – Fri while in lockdown https://mrscience.co.nz/ [House of Science]
8.  Primary
   • This year’s Primary Science week is 11-15 May.  The NZ Association of Primary Science Educators has a load of ideas for you to try out. The theme this year is “Sounds of Aotearoa”.  https://nzapse.nzase.org.nz/psw2020/
   • MoE has made a number of science lessons available for years 1-4 and years 5-8.
9.  Revision
   • StudyIt is for NCEA science (& other) students, & has info about what’s needed to achieve each external std, general study & exam advice and discussion forums. Particularly useful for scholarship. New address https://studyit.govt.nz & now works better on mobile devices. Available during lockdown.

Professional Learning & Development (PLD) Opportunities

1. Check out 42 On-Demand Webinars from Share My Lesson’s Virtual Conference 2020
2. On 7 May 4-4:45 pm Science Learning Hub is offering PLD on Sound, to support Primary Science Week (11-15 May). Simple activities using easy to source equipment. Valuable for years 1-10, supporting learning science at home. Register here.

Cheers, Mike