1-30 Apr	Ramadan http://islam.about.com/od/ramadan/tp/ramadan-hub.htm
2 Apr	World Autism day www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/world-autism-awareness-day
3 Apr	Tsunami warning siren test at the end of daylight savings
6 Apr	National Biomechanics Day http://thebiomechanicsinitiative.org/#about-nbd
7 Apr	World Health day www.who.int/ 🡪 Events calendar
12 Apr	International Day of Human Space Flight www.un.org/en/events/humanspaceflightday/
Moon	NM Apr 1      1Q Apr 9      FM Apr 17      3Q Apr 23

1. The next Café Scientifique from Auckland will be online 6-8pm Wed 30 March. Dr Heloise Stevance, talks about the collision of black holes and neutrons.

Info

1. Mātauranga Māori
   • Tame Malcolm on traditional Māori pest control https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/14-03-2022/is-poisoning-pests-the-maori-way
2. Professional reading/watching:
   • Carly Forina’s blog on the fundamentals of leadership, looking at Zelensky & Putin https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/president-zelensky-leads-carly-fiorina
3. Student opportunities:
   • Comet is bringing a STEAM initiative to Pacific Island students in west Auckland. Apply by 11 April for funding for opportunities to experience science and technology through hands-on activities and collaborative research. More info here.
   • Wonder Project Rocket Challenge is a free schools STEM programme aligned to L3 of the NZC. They supply student modules (in English & te reo), lesson plans, a challenge kit, and, where possible, a volunteer industry professional. Register by 4 April.
   • Project Jonah is offering FREE presentations to years 1-8 in Auckland on NZ’s special whales & dolphins, conservation issues and stranding response. Only available until 15 April. On Zoom or in-person. https://www.picktime.com/whaletales2022
4. Teacher Opportunities:
   • Are you over 50, living in PN or Ak and willing to participate in a Plant & Food Research study about the ability of blackcurrants to protect us from the flu? Info here.
5. Digital support:
   • Book a virtual visit to Maungatautari our largest fenced sanctuary, sessions tailored to support your needs. $50. https://www.sanctuarymountain.co.nz/educate-us
   • Data-producing fair tests students can do at home [FaceBook]: https://www.mikesnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Fair-test-investigations-to-do-at-home.docx
6. The latest NZASE newsletter has articles on Primary Science leaders and Fritz Haber for anyone and Complex Systems Thinking & James Webb telescope for members only, as well as a profile of Craig Rofe, Māori scientist. Sign up for the newsletter or find resources here https://nzase.org.nz/. Join NZASE here https://nzase.org.nz/membership/ .

Resources

1. Biology:
   • Identifying marine mammals https://blog.doc.govt.nz/2022/01/25/get-to-know-marine-mammals
   • A video and reading on Batesian mimicry
2. Agricultural and Horticultural Science:
   • Farm to School lessons: https://growing-minds.org/lesson-plans-landing-page/​
   • School Garden Lesson Plans https://www.wholekidsfoundation.org/assets/documents/school-garden-lesson-plans.pdf​
3. Earth & Space Science:
   • Video & transcript of Long Hot Summer Day explores daylength with respect to seasons
   • How does climate change affect the ocean? https://climatekids.nasa.gov/ocean/
   • Smithsonian webinar on volcanoes and pyroclastic flows
4.  Chemistry:
   • A rap on states of matter
   • JoVE Core: Organic Chemistry video textbook explains the basic concepts through concise and easy-to-understand animated video lessons showing scientists in action.
5. Physics:
   • Effect of heat on particle movement https://insidetheperimeter.ca/winner-of-kitchen-wars-contest-aims-to-inspire-a-love-of-science
   • Poster on EMI
6. Primary & intermediate:
   • A Smithsonian webinar with paleontologist Laura Soul talking about pliosaurs.
   • Some resources on Polynesian voyaging to support a National Geographic talk about a modern voyage on a traditional vessel from Lehua Kamalu. For grades 3-8 (US).
7. Nature of Science:
   • Science debate kits https://debate.imascientist.org.uk/the-kits/
8.  EfS:
   • Climate Emergency: Feedback Loops is a series of 5 short films that introduces feedback loops & explains them in 5 different contexts. And a School Journal article with Teacher Notes that supports these films.
9.  Science:
   • A Smithsonian webinar about how humans survive extreme environments

Can you help?

1. The NZIC is proposing some big changes to their journal, Chemistry in NZ, and would appreciate some feedback from chemistry teachers (before Tues 29 March). Survey here.

Professional Learning & Development (PLD) Opportunities

1. SCENZ information about PLD on offer for chemistry teachers: https://www.mikesnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/SCENZ-PLD-and-support.docx
2. Register here to join Science Learning Hub’s free online PLD webinar, Get inspired about running Primary Science Week, on Thurs 5 May, 4:00 – 4:45 pm.
3. Online PLD for ESS teachers on the L2 & L3 investigation standards (29 Mar) and on reading the rock record (5 Apr). https://www.earthspacescience.org.nz/workshops-and-webinars.

Technicians

1. A reminder to bookmark the new health & safety guidelines (2021) for science. Involved in its development, Sarah Hay from NZASE will answer queries sarah.hay@iona.school.nz

Vacancies

1. House of Science is seeking an experienced primary educator to work as a Science PLD facilitator for primary and intermediate schools in the Ruapehu area. Apply by 8 April

Cheers, Mike

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