In light of recent events SciCon has been postponed.  More info at https://nzase.org.nz/scicon-2020/

1-31 Mar	Melanoma March   www.melanoma.org.nz/news-events/recent-news
1-31 Mar	Hearing Awareness Month.  https://www.nfd.org.nz/hearing-awareness-month2020
17 Mar	Deadline for students to apply for international sci events. https://bit.ly/2Pjhrfs
18-21 Mar	Ak ASB Polyfest www.asbpolyfest.co.nz
19 Mar	Middle Leaders workshop, Mary-Anne Murphy, Learning Network NZ
20 Mar	Autumnal Equinox NZ http://www.rasnz.org.nz/in-the-sky/sun-rise-and-set
20 Mar	Workshop for teachers new to ESS, Kohia Teachers Centre, Ak. Register here.
20-21 Mar	SciCon is at Unitec in Auckland. https://nzase.org.nz/scicon-2020/ Now Cancelled.
21 Mar	World Forestry Day. www.fitec.org.nz
21 Mar	World Down Syndrome Day   http://www.un.org/en/events/downsyndromeday/
22 Mar	World Water Day www.emap.rsnz.org  http://www.worldwaterday.org/
23 Mar	World Meteorological Day www.metservice.co.nz –> Learning Centre
24 Mar	World Tuberculosis day www.stoptb.org
24 Mar	Dairy NZ Careers Day for yr 13 Science students at Lye Research farm 9-3:30.
27 Mar	Deadline to apply for SouthSci STEM funding. www.cometauckland.org.nz/southsci
27 Mar	Deadline to apply for the 2 American Meteorological Society PLD workshops
28 Mar	Earth hour 8:30 – 9:30 pm www.wwf.org.nz   www.earthhour.org.nz
Moon	3Q 16 Mar        NM 24 Mar       1Q 1 Apr.      FM 8 Apr.

Info

1. Literacy
   • Online tools for developing comprehension strategies. http://c-cluster-110.uploads.documents.cimpress.io/v1/uploads/96fe1abe-1c7b-4fd0-a7f4-e08506986d29~110/original?tenant=vbu-digital
   • Article on the importance of keeping teens reading in our classrooms https://natlib.govt.nz/blog/posts/keeping-teens-reading

2. Professional reading:
   • A chapter on Dyslexia, from The New Zealand Dyslexia Handbook, addressesDyslexia, family and the school. It is brief and most useful is the section on stress factors in the classroom, mid way through the extract.

Resources

1. Geology:
   • The latest understanding about mantle plumes. https://www.earthlearningidea.com/PDF/86_Mantle_plume.pdf
   • Recent research into plate tectonics https://www.earthlearningidea.com/PDF/333_Update_plate_tectonics.pdf
2.  Biology:
   • A collection of drawings of plant roots https://images.wur.nl/digital/collection/coll13/id/636/rec/97
   • The viruses behind colds & flu – including coronaviruses. https://www.compoundchem.com/2020/01/22/colds/?fbclid=IwAR2qtcrLeQvZQZ0iJH4Ft38WYNQ92NOwG40OBkC2Pb8kH9fjfb3b7x5YcT0
3.  AgHort:
   • Activity where students explore soil formation using a worm farm. https://www.earthlearningidea.com/PDF/58_Darwin_worms.pdf
4.  Astronomy:
   • Night Sky guide for autumn: https://www.mikesnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SKY-GUIDE-AUTUMN.docx
   • Demonstrate a solar eclipse https://www.earthlearningidea.com/PDF/56_solar_eclipse_new.pdf
5.  Chemistry:
   • A periodic table of elements in song https://i2.wp.com/www.compoundchem.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/21-%E2%80%93-The-periodic-table-of-elements-in-song-titles-v2.png?ssl=1
   • Chemistry of disposable nappies https://www.compoundchem.com/2020/01/14/nappies/
6.  Physics:
   • TED talk about miniaturizing an atomic clock for space exploration. https://www.ted.com/talks/jill_seubert_how_a_miniaturized_atomic_clock_could_revolutionize_space_exploration?utm_source=recommendation&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=explore&utm_term=newest-talks-2
7.  Science
   • Rachel Bolstad’s article (p26-30 in NZ principal magazine) on Climate change – what can schools do? https://issuu.com/nzprincipal.co.nz/docs/nzp_t1_2020_web/26

MoE/NZQA

1. TKI Guide on Universal Design for Learning https://www.inclusive.tki.org.nz/guides/universal-design-for-learning/

Professional Learning & Development (PLD) Opportunities

1. PLD from Learning Network NZ ph 09 835 0912:
   • Effective Writing yrs 1-8 with Murray Gadd, 28 March, Auckland
   • Make Learning Magical with Michelle Dickinson & Nathan Wallis, 4 April, Auckland
2. Science Learning Hub’s recording of their last PLD webinar ‘Flipping Science Fairs’ is now available to view online http://bit.ly/2VIlea4
3. NZCER and MoE are presenting free workshops for teachers, Making Progress in Science from L1-L4. The last few are in PN 18 Mar, Chch 31 Mar, Dunedin 1 Apr, Nelson 6 April. Useful ideas for teaching NoS and good for CoLs/ Kahui Ako too. Free booklets and posters. https://www.nzcer.org.nz/science-progress-workshops

Technicians

1. The Food Tech Solutions kit to test for E coli has recently been discussed on the technicians’ forum. As we cannot test for pathogens under health & safety rules, we cannot use this kit at school – neither teachers nor students. Another option may be to approach the local council about accessing their data on coliforms in the stream.
2. TANZ Annual General Meeting this year will be 2pm Tues April 28 at Mount Albert Grammar School, Auckland.

Cheers, Mike