Mike’s News Dec 2

Posted on by Mike Stone
2 Dec Workshop on enabling Pasifika success, 83 Selwyn St, Onehunga, Ak. 9:15-3. Book here.
3 Dec Phys & chem meeting (Vic-Uni): link to register Questions to gabrielle.holmes@vuw.ac.nz
4 Dec Auckland NCEA Exam-feedback evening.  https://www.mikesnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ASTA-Exam-Discussions-2019.pdf
5 Dec World Soil Day www.nzsoils.org.nz
11 Dec        International Mountains day   www.fao.org/mnts/intl_mountain_day_en.asp
14 Dec Peak Geminid meteor shower   http://www.rasnz.org.nz/in-the-sky/meteor-showers
Moon 1Q Dec 4         FM Dec 12        3Q Dec 19.       NM Dec 26

Info

  1. Culturally Responsive & Relational Pedagogy:
    • Russell Bishop’s latest book, Teaching to the North-East: Relationship-based learning in practice, asks how can we be inclusive of indigenous, migrant, refugee, faith- based students, students with learning difficulties, & students of difference. https://www.nzcer.org.nz/nzcerpress/books/teaching-north-east
  1. Professional reading:
    • How do we know that what we do really works? In this collection of Gold Papers, John Hattie and Arran Hamilton discuss the critical questions and critiques of the Visible Learning™ research and provide a compass for finding “education gold” in student learning. https://www.visiblelearningplus.com/content/gold-papers

Resources

  1. Geology:
  1. Astronomy:
  1. Biology:
    • Working with data collected in the Greek islands, students discover the influence of predation on lizards living on islands compared to those living on the mainland. https://bit.ly/2qJq9dS
  1. Chemistry:
    • Two apps developed to help younger students explore the invisible particle world of chemistry. In the Particle Modeler and the Thermonator students explore the behaviour of particles in the different states of matter. They change variables to change state, experimenting with cause and effect. https://bit.ly/33lc3fS
  1. Physics:
  1. Science:

MoE/NZQA

  1. In Oct MoE sought nominations for subject expert groups (SEGs) – experts in NZC subjects who will work with MoE as part of the Review of Ach Stds. While there were many expressions of interest MoE want to ensure a diversity of members in the SEGS – representation for Māori and Pacific peoples & a range of backgrounds across teaching, academia & industry. For that reason, they have re-opened applications for the SEGs to 31 Jan 2020. If you were interested but did not get around to applying now is your chance.

Can you help?

  1. The NZASE newsletter is wanting to write articles on mentoring Teach 1st teachers, preparing for innovative learning environments & integrated cross-curricular courses. If you have any relevant experience and would be happy to have a phone conversation about it this month or next please contact me. 027 8771 664 or mikhal@actrix.co.nz
  2. Please complete a Science Learning Hub survey to help improve their webinars https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHHEqw9_SP_DJWEi0HKwOk_BzVVgmI4oi9Gkumc_dhGxSavA/viewform

Vacancies

  1. PPTA is re-advertising for a new professional advisory officer.  The role would suit teachers with particular interest & experience in professional areas such as curriculum development, assessment & student pastoral care. Ad & contact details: https://www.mikesnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/PPTA-Advisory-Officer-Advertisement.docx  For more info contact Kirsty Farrant KFarrant@ppta.org.nz

Professional Learning & Development

  1. A Kohia course (Ak) introducing the New Zealand Curriculum for overseas trained teachers (& open to other interested parties) Feb 26 2020. https://tinyurl.com/ucffpj2
  2. Please consider presenting at SciCon next year. Flier: https://www.mikesnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/SciCon-Flier-V3.pdf

Looking for some science-themed gifts?

Cheers, Mike

This will be the last Mike’s News for the year. Wishing you all a refreshing and relaxing break.