Challenging issues provide authentic contexts for cross-curricular learning. Our new resources feature some of the biggest challenges facing Aotearoa New Zealand and provide opportunities to build science literacy and student agency.
The science of superbugs
The World Health Organization considers antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to be one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. If you are wondering what antimicrobial resistance is – or how to teach it – then join our webinar: The science of superbugs – teaching antimicrobial resistance awareness in Aotearoa.
Date/Time: Thursday 26 October, 4:00–4:45 pm.
Dr Siouxsie Wiles, Associate Professor of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, will join us to answer key questions about AMR. This article offers pedagogical insights and curriculum links and our planning pathways interactive curates Hub resources in one handy location.
For educators with an interest in global citizenship education, World AMR Awareness Week is 18–24 November 2023.
The science of climate change
We’ve collaborated with the Ministry for the Environment and Stats NZ to create resources for their recent environmental report: Our atmosphere and climate 2023. The resources focus on the report’s themes of interconnectedness between systems and people and the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems.
The interactive Evidence of climate change in Aotearoa delves into a few of the issues our country is facing. Each icon features text from the report and wrap-around teaching resources. The evidence of climate change is also presented in a visual storymap – with interactive stories that show impacts in many areas of Aotearoa. This activity helps users navigate and deepen engagement with the storymap – and provides questions to promote understanding of key ao Māori and science concepts and to build science capabilities.
Climate change issues are confronting – especially for young people. The PLD article Climate change – classroom competencies addresses considerations for educators teaching about this wicked problem – along with ideas on building agency.
Evidence of climate change in Aotearoa
This interactive uses information from Our atmosphere and climate 2023 – an environmental report produced by the Ministry for the Environment and Stats NZ – to present evidence of climate change in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Select here to view the full transcript and copyright information.
The science of extinction
Aotearoa New Zealand’s favourite election is back! Bird of the Century marks 100 years of Forest & Bird speaking up for nature. This year’s candidates include five extinct species as a reminder of the biodiversity we have already lost and are at risk of losing.
The Hub is backing Team Huia. Check out our article and video on the bird species that held a privileged place in te ao Māori and whose feathers were coveted internationally. We echo the sentiment of Forest & Bird: encourage ākonga to “discover the amazing stories behind our living and dearly departed feathered friends, and ultimately be inspired to speak up for them.”
Voting opens on 30 October and closes on 13 November 2023. Meet the contestants and place your vote here.
Some things to think about
Keep these on your planning radar:
- What does the Hub look like in the classroom? This recently recorded webinar explores the steps teachers can take to tailor resources to meet their individual classroom/student needs.
- Summer science collection – ideas for taking advantage of warmer weather and outdoor learning.
November events:
- SCANZ 2023 conference – look out for the Hub team!
- New Zealand Association for Research in Education – annual conference
- Hive mind – Term 4, 2023 – looking at low cost, low risk, big wow activities (see our associated collection)
Wishing you all the best
As we head into the final weeks of the academic school year – good luck to all those starting their NCEA exams next month – and those who support them! And good luck to those of you in the middle of report writing – we appreciate your commitment to our learners.
Follow us
We offer added value through our social media. Contact us about creating collections or boards tailored to your needs. We can help foster connections between the education and science communities.
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/nzsciencelearn
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/NZScienceLearn
- Pinterest: nz.pinterest.com/nzsciencelearn
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sciencelearninghubnz
Your feedback
We hope you enjoy using the Science Learning Hub – Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao in your teaching and would love to hear from you. Your comments, ideas and feedback can be emailed to enquiries@sciencelearn.org.nz.
Noho ora mai
Science Learning Hub – Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao
See all news