Mike’s News May 5

Posted on by Mike Stone
5-11 May NZ Sign Language Week http://nzslweek.org.nz/
6 May World Asthma day. Info here.
10 May World Migratory Bird Day www.worldmigratorybirdday.org
11-17 May Rotuman Language week Faeag Rotuam Ta www.mpia.govt.nz
12-16 May Primary Science Week (Term 2 week 3) http://nzapse.nzase.org.nz/
12 May World Nurses Day www.timeanddate.com/holidays/world/nurses-day
14 May National School Nurses Day
16 May International Day of Light
16 May National Support Staff day www.nzei.org.nz
16 May Pink Shirt Day NZ (bullying) www.pinkshirtday.org.nz/
18 May Fascination of Plant Day www.plantday12.eu
Moon 1Q May 5        FM May 13        3Q May 20        NM May 27
  1. Talks that may be relevant for us
  2. A resource for Rotuman Language week: Classroom phrases Rotuman 2025
  3. Primary Science Week (12-16 May) this year is all about Exploration – Discovering something you didn’t know. Some events
    • Teacher PLD on Developing Observational Skills on Wed 14 May at Kings School, Remuera, Auckland. details and the RSVP link here
    • Register your class here to join this free online Q&A with volcanologist Ben Kennedy on Thurs 15 May, 11:45 am–12:30 pm. This is open to all, though aimed at years 4–8. Once registered you will be able to submit two questions from your class. Science Learning Hub.
    • NZAPSE Competition for Prim & Int teachers: Send in an image, video, observation or new discovery to say what you are getting up to this PSW – be in to win some great prizes.
    • More info here https://nzase.org.nz/nzase-network-expertise/#primary_PLDnews

Info

  1. Pedagogy:
  2. Student opportunities:
    • Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow comp challenges students to use STEAM to design a solution to a problem for their community. Tech & cash prizes. Link here. Apply by 23 June
    • Is Engineering right for me? Ak uni evenings face-to-face in Ak and Wellington, some of which are livestreamed. https://response.auckland.ac.nz/EDIE25
    • Analytical Chemistry Competition for yr 13 teams will be held at Waikato uni Tues 10 Jun. Analytical Chem Comp
  3. Teacher Opportunities:
  4.  Podcasts:

Resources

  1. Biology:
  2. Agricultural and Horticultural Science:
    • Sow the Seed/HATA Regional Hubs for Ag/Hort look at conference overview, L1 moderation, new resources, senior support, external prep & a tutorial on Mātiki Minecraft. Register here
    • A reading from Science News Explores on some farmers looking at new methods for planting & managing crops that improve soil health & help trap & store carbon.
  3. Earth & Space Science:
    • A star gazing guide: The May Night Sky
    • A PowerPoint of key ideas from the book Blue Machine by Helen Czerski useful for L3 ESS. Make sure you look at the presenter notes. Blue Machine
  4.  Chemistry:
    • Types of reactions posters – useful for CB1.2? Part 1 and Part 2
    • The Mandatory Experiment book to plug the gaps in junior science understanding & to build students who arrive in Yr 11 motivated, capable, and inspired to learn chemistry [Jason Morgan]
  5. Physics:
  6. Primary & intermediate:
  7.  Science:
  8. A science book you or your students might like to read
      • Wild Coasts – Exploring Aotearoa’s Marine Reserves by Ned Barraud looks at the role of marine reserves. Along the way it helps us to think about ecosystems, food chains and conservation from both a western science & Māori perspective.

MoE/NZQA

  1. CB1.2 assessment pack is now available for members to download from https://nzic.org.nz/ Tasks with assessment schedules, a resource booklet and general assessment guidelines.

Professional Learning & Development (PLD) Opportunities

  1. Science Learning Hub: Teachers, register here to join this free online PLD webinar, Māori Knowledge in Science Education: He Mana Ōrite, He Awa Whiria, on Th 12 June, 4:00–4:45 pm.
  2. BEANZ has asked me to remind Bio teachers of the next 2 Making Assessor Judgement Workshops:
  3. NZIP with VUW is planning a Physics Experience Day for Students to include quantum physics & its tech implications, astrophysics. Jun 3, 5 or 6. Please give some feedback in a Doodle online poll
  4. ESSENZ webinars this term on PES1.1 Human Induced Changes, running field trips, 91413 Ocean Systems, 91192 Stars and Planets. Sign up here https://forms.gle/uBSzQqD61LHo1sGCA
  5. ESS Astrobiology Conference, Mt Maunganui College Mon 22 – Tues 23 Sep. includes a field trip to Waimangu Volcanic Valley. https://www.earthspacescience.org.nz/2025-essenz-conference
  6. HHMI BioInteractive Resources is holding a free online workshop focused on engagement strategies Tues 6 May 8-9:30pm EST (12pm Ma7 NZT). Register here.

Cheers, Mike

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