29 Nov	Ocean Observers online workshop focuses on educational activities.
1 Dec	World AIDS Day https://www.nzaf.org.nz/ (Red Ribbon)
4 Dec	Total Solar eclipse, only visible from parts of Antarctica
5 Dec	World Soil Day www.nzsoils.org.nz
5 Dec	Tauranga STEMfest 2021 https://www.facebook.com/stemfestnz Cancelled
11 Dec	International Mountains day www.fao.org/mnts/intl_mountain_day_en.asp
14 Dec	Peak Geminid meteor shower 3am http://www.rasnz.org.nz/in-the-sky/meteor-showers
Moon	NM 4 Dec     1Q 11 Dec     FM 19 Dec     3Q 27 Dec

1. Kudos awards evening, celebrating science in the Waikato, has been postponed to 3 March 2022. https://www.thekudos.org.nz/the-kudos-awards/
2. Dan Hikuroa’s Hochstetter lecture on cross-cultural research collaborations in Geology (will not be recorded). Th 2 Dec 3-4:30 pm https://www.gleanreport.com/events/dan-hikuroa
3. Leaders Connect webinar: Wrangling adult tantrums discusses collaborations. 2 Dec, 4pm. https://leadershiplab.co.nz/events/wrangling-adult-tantrums-courageous-collaboration

Info

1. Mātauranga Māori
   • Whaanga, H., Harris, P., & Matamua, R. (2020). The science and practice of Māori astronomy and Matariki. NZ Science Review, 76(1-2), 13-19. Retrieved from https://scientists.org.nz/resources/Documents/NZSR/NZSR76(1-2).pdf
   • Science Learning Hub’s PLD with Tame Malcolm – indigenous pest management held in Sep is now live! Tame shares te ao Māori views and values about pest control.
2. Pedagogy:
   • A poster to remind us that we don’t know what is going on in students’ lives, so be patient and kind and give them the benefit of the doubt.
3. Literacy:
   • Jennifer Glenn and Irene Andersen, experienced facilitators in the field, have published their secondary literacy book: https://www.mikesnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Sec-Lit-Handbook-for-Teachers.pdf
4. HoD:
   • This MoE report describes the common features in schools that have reached achieved low levels of bullying. https://www.occ.org.nz/publications/reports/our-kind-of-school
5. Digital support:
   • Ada Twist, scientist – short Netflix videos show 3 kids using science to solve day-to-day mysteries. The Obamas are executive producers. Some episodes on YouTube.
6. An exam analysis for L2 Bio 91156 Cells [Dave Wedderburn]: https://www.mikesnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/L2-Bi-Cells-Exam-anaylsis-2020-to-2013.docx

Resources

1. Biology:
   • Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment report & animation on Managing our estuaries. https://www.pce.parliament.nz/publications/managing-our-estuaries
   • Image showing effect of oysters filtering algae from water – Nat Centre Coastal science
   • Last week’s Broken Genetics Blues link corrected with apologies
2. Agricultural and Horticultural Science:
   • LEARNZ field trip: Fishing in Tasman Bay https://www.learnz.org.nz/sustainableseas181
3. Earth & Space Science:
   • Moon observation journal https://moon.nasa.gov/resources/12/moon-observation-journal
   • An online tool for learning about the atmosphere https://applets.kcvs.ca/atmosphere/atmosphere.html
   • LEARNZ field trip: Preparing the West Coast for an earthquake in the next 50 years https://www.learnz.org.nz/naturalhazards203
4. Chemistry:
   • ChemTalk is a new website with lots of good tutorials, videos, expts, infographics etc. [Ian Torrie] https://chemistrytalk.org/
   • The chemistry of play-doh https://cen.acs.org/content/dam/cen/99/35/WEB/09935-feature3.pdf
5. Physics:
   • Article on windmill vs wind turbine https://science.howstuffworks.com/windmill-vs-wind-turbine.htm
   • Otago uni has sent out a physics careers poster to all secondary schools. Download here. More paper copies available from physics.office@otago.ac.nz
6. Primary & intermediate:
   • NZ Geographic series Together at Home had discussion questions based on a video or reading (for younger kids focus on the images to build a story or discussion). Also included were practical activities (these are great for littlies too). The sciencey ones: https://www.mikesnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/NZ-Geographic-Together-at-Home.docx
   • NZ has >100 native lizards, all endemic. Predator Free NZ has a $25 lizard poster and a guide for a lizard-friendly garden and a webinar with a lizard expert Th 2 Dec 1:30pm.
7. Nature of Science:
   • History of anaesthetics https://cen.acs.org/content/dam/cen/99/38/WEB/09938-feature4.pdf
8. Science of COVID:
   • The Whole Truth: Covid-19 Vaccination is a series of videos, graphics and text to counter misinformation, targeting those most at risk. https://interactives.stuff.co.nz/2021/the-whole-truth-covid-19-vaccine/#/
9.  EfS:
   • Generation Earthshot helps young people respond to our shared environmental challenges. It guides students & teachers thru’ the process of identifying problems, generating ideas, & then presenting their solutions.
   • Video: How to restore a wetland https://www.nzgeo.com/video/how-to-restore-a-wetland/

MoE/NZQA

1. MoE is looking for people for a Pacific studies reference group to help develop the new Pacific studies NCEA subject. Info here. Experienced senior secondary teachers + people from industry, academia and community across NZ & the Pacific are encouraged to apply. Send CV and a cover letter noting your relevant experience to here by Thurs 9 Dec
2. The new Safety and Science document has been released. It is downloadable, but is a ‘living document’ so changes will be made as necessary & you will need to keep an eye out for them. https://scienceonline.tki.org.nz/content/download/1611/21493/version/2/file/MOE-School+Labs+Guidance.pdf

Professional Learning & Development (PLD) Opportunities

1. STEM Learning (UK) has some free online PLD available on demand
   • Managing practicals in the secondary classroom https://www.stem.org.uk/cpd/ondemand/462640/managing-practical-classroom-secondary-science
   • Differentiation for learning https://www.stem.org.uk/cpd/499328/differentiation-learning
2. The Virtual Learning Network’s Online Learning Hui for teachers and school leaders is on 3 Dec 9-12:30 https://hail.to/vln-primary-school/publication/Zy7f2nQ/article/bQD1tZa

Cheers, Mike

P.S. next week will be the last newsletter for the year.

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