7 Feb	National Periodic Table day http://www.periodictableday.org/
11 Feb	Kohia PLD for new secondary teachers. Info here.
11 Feb	International Day of Women and Girls in Science http://bit.ly/UNESCO2Rp0zpr
12 Feb	International Charles Darwin Day www.darwinday.org/index.php
15 Feb	RASNZ webinar series on Exploring the Solar System. Info here.
Moon	NM Feb 1     1Q Feb 9     FM Feb 17     3Q Feb 24

1. Nick Mortimer, GNS, is giving a talk on NZ geological history at Oamaru Library, 62 Thames St, 6-7 pm, 17 Feb. While starting broadly this will hone in on local geology.
2. Brian Cox tour of NZ which was due to begin in Feb, will now start in December http://lateralevents.com/theatre-events/brian-cox-2022/
3. Wondering about appropriateness of practicals with COVID? A reminder of this advice from 2020. https://www.education.govt.nz/assets/Documents/School/SchoolsBulletin/2020-Bulletins/2020MAY19KeepingSafeinSchoolLabsFINAL.pdf

Info

1. Mātauranga Māori
   • Article about importance of mātauranga Māori in instigating climate change action https://theconversation.com/how-maori-knowledge-could-help-new-zealanders-turn-their-concern-for-the-environment-into-action-168831
   • Mātauranga around catching piharau / lamprey https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/te-ohu-kaimoana/te-wai-maori-trust/09-11-2021/understanding-the-ugly-yet-noble-piharau/
2. Pedagogy:
   • Sequencing science lessons using the 5E model https://www.keslerscience.com/sequencing-your-science-lessons-how-to-use-the-5e-model-effectively/
3. Literacy:
   • Teacher support material for using comics in science https://instructionalseries.tki.org.nz/content/download/42590/471492/file/ReadingComicsTSM.pdf
4. Revision:
   • This article on lost learning has a useful infographic on retrieval practice http://theflippedscientist.blogspot.com/2021/07/learning-lost.html
5. HoD:
   • Vivienne Robinson describes the use of the Ladder of Inference in our decisions as leaders or teachers https://www.educationalleaders.govt.nz/Problem-solving/Online-tools-and-resources/Ladder-of-inference
6. Info on subject support in the sciences: https://www.mikesnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Science-Subject-Support-full-220201.docx

Resources

1. Biology:
   • TedEd video on animal sight https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjVqIW281Qo
   • Article about Neanderthal hands https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/neanderthals-used-their-hands-precision-not-just-power-180970422
2. Earth & Space Science:
   • A series of readings about the moon
   • An activity to consolidate understanding about the greenhouse effect and counter misconceptions. https://www.earthlearningidea.com/PDF/310_Greenhouse_effect.pdf
   • An online stratigraphy lesson https://igws.indiana.edu/outreach/WhichCameFirst.pdf and a video simulation https://www.iris.edu/…/stratigraphy_geologic_history_of…
3.  Chemistry:
   • Electron Configuration Battleship is a game to help students see elements’ valence electron configuration trends across the rows and columns on the periodic table. https://www.chemedx.org/activity/periodic-table-battleship
   • This article has links to different uses of spectroscopy https://www.chemedx.org/activity/spectroscopy-everyday-life
4. Physics:
   • Activity measuring the friction of sticky note pads
   • Rutherford video 4 from NZRS- what it means to split the atom, what Rutherford did & how we use that knowledge today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb1aRTaRTeA
   • A schol Physics workbook by Matt McG https://kiwiphysics.wordpress.com/2022/01/19/scholarship-physics-in-nz
5. Primary & intermediate:
   • Earth science videos on rocks, soil, water and fossils for 7-9 year-olds https://www.earthlearningidea.com/home/Tchg_vids_wkshps_primary.html
   • Some practical ideas to help youngsters understand the world around them.
6. Nature of Science:
   • Lesson on mis- and dis-information. (you need to join SML). https://sharemylesson.com/teaching-resource/lesson-plan-what-difference-between-mis-and-disinformation-328575
7. Science of COVID:
   • Video showing how to isolate an infected person at home among family. https://www.facebook.com/preparepacific/videos/209407941386394
8.  EfS:
   • An article about teaching climate change https://journal.cascience.org/application/files/2916/3413/9858/Teaching_Climate.pdf
   • A video and activity from Active Learn on weather vs climate (join to access). https://reader.activelylearn.com/authoring/preview/751737
9.  Science:
   • Paintings that are optical illusions https://mymodernmet.com/magic-realism-art/
   • Smithsonian Natural History museum webinars, originally made for 2020 lockdown but still being added to. https://naturalhistory.si.edu/education/live-video-programs/archives

Professional Learning & Development (PLD) Opportunities

1. Education Perfect is holding webinars on their new mātauranga Māori projects. Dates up on FB soon. Sign up here https://www.educationperfect.com/science-alive-matauranga-registration
2. Free PLD webinar from Science Learning Hub demonstrating changes to the site Th 17 Feb, 4-4:45pm – new resources, Google classroom accessibility. You will get a chance to ask Qs and discuss any planning you would like help with.
3. With COVID limiting best practice workshops, NZQA has recorded webinars on internals, with judgement samples, for BEANZ members on B2.1, B3.2, B3.4 and B3.7.
4. Thom Adams is running a 6-week online course on The Physical World in primary school. Starts 25 Feb. $350 + GST. Runs 4-5:30 pm. Guided pracs & short lectures.
5. Leaders Connect webinar with Anne Milne: Leading out of white spaces, Th 17 Feb 4-5pm. https://leadershiplab.co.nz/events/leading-out-of-white-spaces/

Cheers, Mike

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