This online PD session recorded on 19 May 2015 explores ideas for using the Science Learning Hub’s resources to introduce students to the wide range of science research carried out by New Zealand scientists.
The session also introduces ways the SLH resources can be used to encourage students to explore the Nature of Science aspects such as the ways science understanding changes over time and how socio-scientific issues lead to new science research. Links are made to the science capabilities, such as ‘Engage with science’, by modelling ways to use information from SLH science researchers including some of their data/evidence.
This PLD session was based on the legacy Science Learning Hub however all the resources are still available on the new-look Science Learning Hub site.
Selected resources highlight work of individuals and teams as well as ways communities have influenced decisions on further impacts of research. The session introduces two student activities that model one way to build student capability in using evidence and interpreting representations. The session also introduces a three-level reading guide to explore the role of observation in research using a SLH resource and a treasure hunt that highlights the interaction of scientists, technologists and consumers relating to the development of the biospife.
This is a great way to do PLD.
Teacher
Very, very useful – thanks a million.
Teacher
See above to view the video of this professional development session (we recommend downloading the video) and also links below to download the:
- PowerPoint presentation
- treasure hunt – biospife
- index for the PowerPoint and video.
In this video, scientists discuss the benefits of working with the Hub. They value the opportunities to showcase their personal stories, the opportunities for educational outreach and the accurate representation of their work.
Nature of science
Exploring New Zealand science research is a valuable way to consider aspects of the Nature of Science and links well with the achievement aims ‘Understanding about science’ and ‘Participating and contributing’. Building scientific literacy and developing students’ ability to interpret the many representations used in science are an important part of the Nature of Science.
Activity ideas
Developing students’ abilities to use evidence from a range of texts is part of communicating in science. It is also a capability that students need to develop as they engage with the many ways scientists present their ideas using conventions such as annotated diagrams.
This student activity engages students in using evidence from a diagram and article to explain what happens as water moves between solid, liquid and gaseous states.
Using evidence – heat and change of state
In this student activity, students can transfer their understanding of change of state and the energy involved to develop an explanation for how a heat pump cycle works.
Interpreting representations – heat pump cycle
In this activity, students use a three-level reading guide to locate information about the role of observation in science from a text, interpret what the text means and then apply the information to consider ways scientists use observation to gather evidence.
Observation in science – three-level reading guide
Our resources on Breeding red-fleshed apples looks at the research that has led to some innovative New Zealand biotechnology outcomes. At the bottom of this page are links to a number of different activities.
