30 Nov | VuW Chemistry PLD in Nelson Q’s to gabrielle.holmes@vuw.ac.nz |
30 Nov | Penumbral Lunar Eclipse 10:42pm https://www.rasnz.org.nz/in-the-sky/eclipses-2019 |
1 Dec | World AIDS Day https://www.nzaf.org.nz/ (Red Ribbon) |
4 Dec | Chemistry PLD in Auckland, from VuW Q’s to gabrielle.holmes@vuw.ac.nz |
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 3 a.m. |
14 Dec | Total solar eclipse (not visible from NZ) |
21 Dec | Summer Solstice NZ http://www.rasnz.org.nz/in-the-sky/sun-rise-and-set |
Moon | FM 30 Nov 3Q 8 Dec NM 15 Dec 1Q 22 Dec |
- ASTA exam evening is at Mt Albert Grammar School, Alberton Rd, Auckland Thu 3 Dec 6:45 – 8:45 pm. Please RSVP by Tuesday 1 Dec if you are coming along so we can sort the catering.
- We are starting to plan BioLive for Auckland next year and would appreciate some input. If you are considering going in 2021 please contribute to this short survey. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-oIWBjGMGrHiQ-stvxs_JeGnoZ5zKxq5MBUqGi_-TD1kb3A/viewform?usp=sf_link
Info
- Culturally Responsive & Relational Pedagogy:
- Society for Māori Astronomy Research & Traditions (SMART) https://www.maoriastronomy.co.nz/
- Pedagogy:
- Education Hub resources on motivation https://theeducationhub.org.nz/category/school-resources/motivation
- Podcasts with transcripts on evidence-based practice and learning https://www.learningscientists.org/podcast-episodes
- Literacy:
- Concept maps https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2020/11/19-1
- Science Careers
- STEM career resources [STEM UK is free to join] https://www.stem.org.uk/news-and-views/news/new-stem-career-resources-secondary-schools-and-colleges
- Digital support:
- A login-free lesson on Minecraft https://education.minecraft.net/hour-of-code-2020
- Edit McIntosh is doing a PhD on NoS and is asking interested science teachers if they would complete a short survey: https://www.mikesnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/PhD-NoS-survey.docx
Resources
- Biology:
- Geniventure engages students in exploring heredity, genetics, and the protein-to-trait relationship by breeding and studying virtual dragons https://geniventure.concord.org
- A padlet of teaching ideas about kōura https://padlet.com/TaupoForTomorrow/koura
- How do penguins stay warm? https://www.science-sparks.com/how-do-penguins-stay-warm/?
- Earth & Space Science:
- An activity that explores the importance of rocks, soils & minerals in engineering & using the right material for the right job. https://www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/cub_earth_lesson1_activity1
- An animation of planets orbiting the sun (need to join). http://astrostem.org/solar.html
- A pupil exercise in plotting echo sounder data to map the sea floor of the eastern Pacific Ocean https://www.earthlearningidea.com/PDF/352_Sea_floor_mapping3.pdf
- Chemistry:
- RSC resource using the Beirut ammonium nitrate explosion as a context for students to explore structure, bonding & enthalpy. (RSC education is free to join) https://edu.rsc.org/feature/beirut-explosion/4012636.article
- In this PhET simulation students build a molecule from its formula https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/build-a-molecule
- The biochemistry of fear https://cen.acs.org/content/dam/cen/98/40/WEB/09840-feature3-fear.pdf
- Physics:
- Article on artificial gravity https://science.howstuffworks.com/artificial-gravity.htm
- AstroQuest is a citizen science project to help identify galaxy boundaries from data, but also incorporates game-like elements. Physics & ESS Teacher guides available. https://education.australiascience.tv/unlocking-universal-secrets
- Some activities for teaching quantum physics. [STEM UK is free to join] https://www.stem.org.uk/quantum-ambassador-programme
- Primary & intermediate:
- Weighing a dinosaur https://education.australiascience.tv/so-how-do-you-weigh-a-dinosaur
- How strong is a gingerbread house? https://www.science-sparks.com/gingerbread-house-test-for-strength
- What does it take to become a zoo-keeper? https://wellingtonzoo.com/news/zoo-keeper-q-and-a/
- Science:
- Podcasts of some stories of science https://disappearingspoon.podbean.com/
- EfS:
- Recycling! Fun science games and videos dig into the science of recycling from ABC.
- Decorate your room with these native bird baubles. Use them as inspiration to make your own too. https://kcc.org.nz/portfolio/christmas-baubles
Professional Learning & Development (PLD) Opportunities
- Want some PLD for your science staff? Apply to MoE & if approved it is free to you. Next proposal deadline 19 Feb 2021 (week 2). Panel meets by wk 7, schools know wk 8 so can contact PLD facilitator & plan to start delivery term 2, 2021. https://pld.education.govt.nz/
- NZIP & Physikos conference will be held at Queen Margaret College, Wellington, 12-14 Jul 2021. https://confer.eventsair.com/nzip2021/
- MWC PowerPoints from this year’s PLD aren’t available yet, but you can access past resources by emailing maurice-wilkins-centre@auckland.ac.nz for the LI/PW.
- Online PD from Canterbury uni for teachers interested in Volcanology from 30 Nov for 7 weeks. Free unless you want a certificate. https://www.edx.org/course/exploring-volcanoes-and-their-hazards-iceland-and-new-zealand
- Judith Bennetts has asked me to let you know she is still working as a science facilitator in primary and secondary schools from Central South (bottom ½ North Island) and South Island. judith.bennetts@canterbury.ac.nz
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Cheers, Mike
Wishing you a refreshing break and happy festive season. I will be back on deck mid-January