16 Feb | Rick Wentz talk on liquefaction, 5:30-6:30pm at the National Aquarium, Napier. |
16 Feb | Rose Hipkins on designing learning pathways using enduring competencies. 4-4:45pm |
20 Feb | Deadline to apply for Science Teaching Leadership Programme starting term 3 2023 |
20 Feb | Deadline to submit a proposal to present at SciCon https://www.scicon.org.nz |
21 Feb | International Mother Language Day, link |
25 Feb | |
Moon | 3Q Feb 14 NM Feb 20 1Q Feb 27 FM Mar 8 |
- The zoo has installed a vivarium with some of our native reptiles at the Arataki visitor centre in the Waitakere Ranges, Auckland. https://www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/news/creating-an-ectotherm-experience-in-the-waitakere-ranges
- North Shore Aero club has an open day 23 March for physicists with an interest in flying
- Cafe Scientifique Tauranga, 20 Feb 7pm. Lake Ecosystems in the Face of Global Change. Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club, 90 Keith Allen Drive. Register here
- For Sea Week, Young Ocean Explorers is offering their 21 Day Challenge for term 1. Starts 13 Feb https://www.youngoceanexplorers.com/yoe/challenge/1893614956807
- An online NZ course on the solar system for students starts 14 Feb. $60. Find out about current missions and advances in exploring asteroids and comets.
Info
- Mātauranga Māori
- Georgina Stewart’s webinar has a permanent place at the Science Learning Hub
- A Fire in the Belly of Hineāmaru: A Collection of Narratives About Te Tai Tokerau Tūpuna 24 stories of Te Tai Tokerau tūpuna, written to inspire students. From Ak Uni Press.
- Pedagogy:
- Using video to dispel misconceptions https://edu.rsc.org/ideas/harness-the-power-of-video-to-dispel-misconceptions/4016630.article (you’ll need to join RSC for free 1st)
- Professional reading/watching:
- Using art may help students remember science. https://www.snexplores.org/article/art-can-make-science-easier-remember
- The Road to Gondwana by Bill Morris has been shortlisted in the non-fiction section of our most prestigious writing awards, the Ockhams.
Resources
- Biology:
- Infographic on skeleton https://cen.acs.org/content/dam/cen/100/38/WEB/10038-feature3.pdf
- Article from the Science Learning Hub on the evolution of divarication in NZ
- Biozone has a new website https://store.biozone.com/nz/
- Agricultural and Horticultural Science:
- Article by scientist Jacqueline Rowarth on the organics myth
- Video about reviving mussel beds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-FtWjOh-JI
- Earth & Space Science:
- Night sky this month: https://www.mikesnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/The-February-Night-Sky.docx
- Activities on plastic ducks and ocean currents
- Explore volcano explosivity: Use effervescent heartburn tablets to model the volcano action and measure the intensity of the explosions. Then use an interactive volcano simulator
- Chemistry:
- BEST resources (UK) provide items for use in building understanding and formative assessment, targeting misconceptions. The latest set is on substances and properties.
- Using nail polish remover and laundry detergent to demonstrate intermolecular forces and redox reactions. https://www.scienceinschool.org/article/2022/household-chemistry/
- Physics:
- Using marshmallows, rubber bands and graphite to show physics principles https://www.scienceinschool.org/article/2022/physics-with-everyday-objects/
- Use a rotating platform to explore how gravitational acceleration affects a simple pendulum https://www.scienceinschool.org/article/2022/centrifugal-force-awakens/
- Primary & intermediate:
- Stories w a science theme: Secrets of the Sea is a book about scientist Jeanne Power.
- Spring Edition of Primary Science Teaching Trust magazine https://pstt.org.uk/application/files/8716/7544/2704/WhyHow_Magazine_Spring_2023.pdf
- Science:
- Fingerprint Challenge from Rhonda Yntema at Fielding HS: https://www.mikesnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/fingerprint-challenge.pdf
- Forensic Insight offers 1-5 Forensic Science Lessons https://www.forensicinsight.co.nz/education
- Education for Sustainability (EfS):
- Big Blue Aotearoa is an interactive cartoon by Toby Morris designed to raise awareness of how human activity is causing harm in the oceans and to suggest ways to reduce it.
- Presentation and resources for Marine Metre Squared https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZFc-DHlxageno5aoILM5JcCQDYlJ3hVi
Can you help?
- Pūkorokoro Shorebird Centre, Miranda, is looking for volunteers to help build a deck at the manager’s house. 18/19 Feb. Saturday dinner. Accommodation for those who can help both days. Bring a salad for dinner; hammer and gloves; protection for eyes, ears & skin; raincoat. RSVP.
Professional Learning & Development (PLD) Opportunities
- Science is Cool online conference, Wed 5 April. 9am PT (6am NZST) register here https://www.thepocketlab.com/events/scic11
- Learning Network NZ, 214 Universal Dr, Henderson, Ak..
- Inspiring Middle Leaders: 4 days total. Mark Osborne. 9:30-3. Feb 23 FtF, online Mar 23.
- Simple Interventions for complex behaviours: Kathryn Berkett. 22 Feb, 9:30 – 3. FtF
- HATA conference is being hosted at Napier Boys HS, 11 -14 April. Info here. https://www.facebook.com/events/935256604518332/
- MoE updated their PLD dates on 7 Feb. There will be no applications accepted this term for Regionally allocated PLD, the 1st deadline for 2023 proposals is 12 May.
- Education Perfect has Science Alive Mātauranga resources available for free. Next webinar about these is on Mon 13 Feb 3:30pm. Register here https://forms.gle/GY3A22T1cRe6DHMp6
Cheers, Mike
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