4 Nov	Diwali https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/new-zealand/diwali
10 Nov	World science day https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-science-day
13 Nov	Matauranga Māori webinar
14 Nov	World Diabetes day https://worlddiabetesday.org/about/theme/
15-17 Nov	NZ Association for Research in Education (NZARE) conference is now online
Moon	NM 5 Nov    1Q 12 Nov    FM 19 Nov    3Q 28 Nov

1. Wellington is planning a Junior Science Tournament very much like the NZYST and the Young Physicists’ Tournament, with teams of 3 students solving 3 problems and presenting their solutions. If you’re interested please contact Kerry at k.parker@wc.school.nz
2. Outdoor activities for kids during lockdown https://www.doc.govt.nz/kidsoutside
3. Professor Brian Cox fronts BBC’s new space series, Universe. In this interview he speaks about highlights from the series, the science that inspired it, what it’s like filming during a pandemic, and his tips for effective science communication.
4. NZ Young Physicist Tournament – a regional inter-school competition: https://www.mikesnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/NZYPT-and-IYPT-Competition-entry-details-2022.pdf

Info

1. Culturally Responsive & Relational Pedagogy:
   • An article from RSC on decolonizing science curricula
2. Mātauranga Māori
   • A video about Māori and fire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAzgHgdmgfU
   • In this video, expert Māori weaving teacher, Veranoa Hetet, shows how to cut harakeke properly (so your flax looks and grows well) and how to gather it for weaving.
3. Pedagogy:
   • Applying cognitive science principles in the science classroom https://edu.rsc.org/feature/improve-learning-with-cognitive-science/4014475.article
4. Professional reading/watching:
   • A new book – Literacy across the divide: Information literacy as the key to student transition, by Lisa Emerson, Ken Kilpin & Heather Lamond, NZCER Press.
5. Literacy:
   • Vocab activities for human evolution: https://www.mikesnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Essential-Vocab-for-L3-Human-Evolution-Trends.docx
6. Revision:
   • Jane Spenceley has been making flashcards on Brainscape for her classes. She has shared L2 Organic, L2 Str, B, Thermo, L3 Organic, L3 Part n Thermo.
   • Dave Thrasher’s lesson starter questions for L3 physics and L2 physics remote teaching may be useful for revision too.
   • Some L2 Biology revision ppts from Erica Jar, BEANZ. Too big to open in Google, you need to download them 1^st.
7. Science Careers
   • Otago uni poster on the value of a physics degree.
   • A Careers in Climate Change Fair. Online and free, taking place from 1-12 Nov to coincide with the Climate Change meeting in Glasgow. Register to receive the link.

Resources

1. Biology:
   • Catalyst teacher notes with lessons on vaccines, fungi, careers & tissue culture
   • A 42min video of NZ Marine studies people exploring the low tide zone in the Otago Harbour https://www.facebook.com/NZMarineStudiesCentre/videos/999538227555280
   • Alison Campbell is offering to do some zoom tutorials for Schol Bio students in lockdown. Teachers may contact her at alison.campbell@waikato.ac.nz
2. Agricultural and Horticultural Science:
   • A reciprocal reading activity on agriculture and ammonia
3. Earth & Space Science:
   • A video explaining the seasons https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwdB22opre0
   • An ELI activity about 3 sources of water waves.
   • Video and article about slow slips
4. Chemistry:
   • Reaction rate experiments with Alka-Seltzer, glow sticks and apple browning.
   • A collection of posters about aversion to chemicals
5. Physics:
   • Make electromagnets at home
   • Denis Burchill’s simulation for teaching radioactive half-life online
6. Primary & intermediate:
   • UK’s ASE free online magazine for Primary science
   • Outdoor Classroom Day happens twice a year, 20 May, 4 Nov – take students outdoors to learn. DoC has made some activity cards for this purpose.
7. Science of COVID:
   • Teacher Peter Wills has made an online game based on modelling research by Te Pūnaha Matatini. In the game you are Pirimia, using information to decide what action the government should take to stop COVID19. At your whanau Christmas lunch everyone tells you how they think you did. https://www.kiaoramrwills.com/COVID-19.html
8.  EfS:
   • Would your students benefit from joining a group to trap pests in the local area?
   • UK’s Royal Society resources on climate change https://royalsociety.org/teaching-resources
9.  Science
   • Silver Science sells science-themed jewellery and are offering 50% discounts with proof of vaccination https://silverscience.co.nz/collections/all
   • Resources and activities on tectonic plates & physical features, resources & energy, light pollution, biomes, ocean currents & more using National Geographic’s Mapmaker tool.
10. STEM
    • Recorded sessions (& teacher resources) of popular science personalities answering students’ questions about STEM. https://education.australiascience.tv/in-class/
    • STEM ED magazine https://www.stemedmagazine.com/

MoE/NZQA

1. SEG responses to sector feedback on the second phase of development of Level 1 NCEA subjects have been published on the NCEA website.

Professional Learning & Development (PLD) Opportunities

1. Accord Teacher only Days are PLD to discuss NCEA change package. The next one, Nov 23 – Dec 2 has a focus on local curriculum design. Information about accord ToD 4 here.
2. The 3-day Ocean Observers workshop, Nov 29 to Dec 1. Register here by 2 Nov https://forms.ifremer.fr/…/2nd-ocean-observers…/

Vacancy

Massey Uni is looking for an experienced teacher of physics and maths (0.7 position) to support students transitioning to tertiary studies. Based in Palmerston North but working online with Wgtn & Ak students too. Info here.

Cheers,

Mike

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