We update this page regularly with information and materials relevant to the
teaching and learning of science. There are links to over 600 quality-assured
materials in this community. Browse the material using the buttons under the
arrow on the right hand side of the page.
Note also the two curriculum items immediately below and check these regularly for updates.
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Science Learning Hub
This site explores New Zealand's world-class research, science and technology sectors, and provides resources to support fresh thinking in science teaching and learning in our schools. Newly added contexts include Nanoscience, Enviro-imprints, and Future Fuels.
http://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/
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New category of websites: User-contributed content
In response to the changing nature of the Internet, TKI will now link to selected social software (Web 2.0) sites. Social software allows users to contribute content and to collaborate with others using blogs, wikis, and other tools. These sites will have the head and shoulders icon to show that they contain user-contributed content. While all sites are still subject to rigorous quality-assurance processes, teachers are advised to evaluate this category of sites carefully for relevance and accuracy, and to consider any privacy and security issues before using them with students.
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Assessment Resource Bank
The focus for World Environment Day is ‘Kick the habit’. The following ARB resources are suitable for conversation starters about de-carbonising New Zealanders' life styles and economy:
PE9537 Level 5 Students review their knowledge of greenhouse gases and the effects of global warming. They identify areas where they are unsure, as well as things they know.
PE9535 Level 5 Students interpret two cartoon-style drawings of the enhanced greenhouse effect and write a short description of the artist’s message, as they see this.
PE9504 Level 5 Students transfer information about greenhouse gases from a chart to a graph, and answer questions about the greenhouse effect. They are assessed on (i) their graphing skills, (ii) their interpretation of data, and (iii) their understanding of the greenhouse effect.
PW4523 Level 5 This is an older resource that asks students about home insulation.
PW3003 Level 5 This is another older resource asking students to identify sources of renewable energy.
PISA 05 Level 5 Students interpret a chart and text to develop an argument. The assessment focus is on the effects of human activity on climate.
PE7544 Level 4 Students are given some information on how NZ's climate might be different in 2200 and use this to predict changes that would result in specific environments.
PE9522 Level 3 Students are asked questions about recycling aluminium and energy sources for doing so.
http://arb.nzcer.org.nz/
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World Environment Day – building a sustainable future
The Ministry of Education is still encouraging every school, wharekura, kura, kōhanga reo, and early childhood centre to visit the World Environment Day website and to share their plans to contribute to a sustainable future. Schools around the world are able to add their own future-focused sustainability pledge to show up on the world Google map.
http://efs.tki.org.nz/wed
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Climate Change
This collection of links includes interactive student activities and resources that illustrate the scientific basis of climate change, and show ways to adapt our lifestyles and business practices so that we can contribute towards a sustainable environment.
http://www.tki.org.nz/r/hot_topics/climate_e.php
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Eco News
Explore this interactive website for teenagers that collects environmental news, information on conservation, sustainability, eco careers, and biodiversity. The site also links to many online resources and to material held in the Wellington City Libraries.
http://www.wcl.govt.nz/teens/eco_news.html
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Professional Learning
Check out the revamped Professional Learning area on TKI and access professional learning resources and tools with a distinctly New Zealand flavour. Discover study opportunities, current research, how other schools manage their learning community, and much more.
http://professional-learning.tki.org.nz
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Community Facilitator's choice
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International Year of the Potato
In recognition of the major role potatoes play in feeding the world's population, the United Nations has designated 2008 as the International Year of the Potato (IYP). Visit this site from Horticulture New Zealand, which includes information about potatoes, a calendar of IYP events, downloadable resources, and recipes.
http://www.vegetables.co.nz/potatoes/
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Studyit – student
study support for NCEA science
Encourage your students to use this study support site
for the sciences at levels 1, 2, and 3. Students can find out
what they need to know about each achievement standard, including revision
and practice material. They can access study and exam advice, encouragement,
and a discussion forum, as well as email an expert science teacher.
http://www.studyit.org.nz/ |
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Te Ara: Encyclopedia of New Zealand – The Bush
The Bush is the recently launched third theme of Te Ara: Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Written by expert scientists and historians, it includes 106 entries including images, maps, diagrams, and interactives. Topics covered include: understanding the natural world; bush and mountain recreation; conservation; native birds and bats; native plants and fungi; landscapes; fish, frogs and reptiles; and uses of the bush.
http://www.teara.govt.nz/TheBush/en
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Learning Experiences Outside the Classroom (LEOTC)
Visit the recently updated LEOTC website. LEOTC is a Ministry of Education-funded project of educational programmes run by a range of organisations providing hands-on experiences for students on school visits, complementing and enriching classroom programmes. This website contains schools' learning stories (video and text) and case studies, as well as information about LEOTC for providers, teachers, parents, and boards of trustees.
http://www.tki.org.nz/r/leotc/
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New Zealand Biotechnology Learning Hub
Browse the New Zealand Biotechnology Learning Hub for up-to-date examples of biotechnology in practice, and teaching and learning material. The site highlights current research, and provides resources to help students explore biotechnology as a field of study and a career choice. Areas of interest include agriculture, aquaculture, bioprocessing, environment, food and beverages, forensics, and health. There are focus stories, unit plans, and other curriculum resources including material from scientists and industry, a multimedia library, news, and a set of resources relating to bioethics.
http://www.biotechlearn.org.nz/ |
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Science Learning Hub
The newly released Science Learning Hub explores New Zealand's world-class research, science and technology sectors, and provides resources to support fresh
thinking in science teaching and learning in our schools. It is an initiative funded through the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology and developed in
collaboration with educators and the science sector. Areas of interest include contexts such as the science around icy ecosystems, ‘the see-through body’ (medical
imaging technologies), earthquakes, and sports science.
http://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/ |
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Te Reo Māori Physics Project
View online multimedia resources for the teaching of physics at NCEA level in te reo Māori. Part of the New Zealand Physics Teachers' Resource Bank, each resource has suggestions for classroom activities, links to NCEA, and related topics. Although each resource can be viewed online, teachers can request DVD copies. The resources were created by Victoria University, Te Kura Māori o Porirua and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o te Ara Whānui.
http://www.vuw.ac.nz/scps-demos/TeReoResources.htm
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Science materials:
Science toolbox
Use the Key collection link, Science materials, on the right hand side
of this page for up to date information on pricing and suppliers of primary
school science materials. Get sources and suggestions for using science
materials – from calcium chloride to cabbage indicator – and
delve into the section on Planning for science programmes.
http://www.tki.org.nz/r/science/science_materials/
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Kiwi Forever resource
Check out this new kiwi resource for teachers which has a tikanga Māori focus to use with your students. The kit provides a framework to help teachers plan activities and lessons based around the kiwi. It integrates environmental education, science/pūtaiao, social sciences, and tikanga a iwi. Order online to access your free teacher resource pack.
http://www.kiwirecovery.org.nz/KiwiClassroom/KiwiForever
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LEARNZ
Virtual Field Trips 2007
Check out the virtual field trips for 2007. Virtual field trips to the Auckland volcanoes and Tongariro National Park provide your class with opportunities to study the science of these unique volcanic areas in New Zealand.
http://www.learnz.org.nz |
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NCEA on TKI – Just Up
Remember to keep visiting the Just Up page for updates and additions to
the collection of internally assessed NCEA resources for science. |
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TKI Kete
Have you ever used "Favourites" or "Bookmarks" to store
your favourite websites so you can find them again later? TKI Kete on Te
Kete Ipurangi functions in the same way only better! And it's absolutely
free! Using the TKI kete function, you can save different types of resources,
including websites, in your own space on TKI. This way you can access your
favourites from any computer with Internet access. To find out more, click
on the link above. |
ScienceDaily
Keep informed with this magazine's articles, selected from news releases
submitted by leading US universities and other research organisations around
the world. Each news release is posted in its original form, with a contact
name and link. |
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Switched on to
Science
Encourage your students to investigate and discover the secrets of science
through this wickED theme. |
New
Zealand Institute of Physics
Try this site and discover why one secondary physics teacher has said finding
this site "has saved me a week's work in the holidays". |
If you wish to draw the online editor's attention to a web site then please
email
us.
Events are now listed on the TKI Science calendar, see right-hand navigation bar.
New Zealand
Education Gazette/Tukutuku Kōrero
Visit the Calendar area to search the events notices that have appeared in the
Gazette.
The Royal Society of New Zealand provides a detailed list of forthcoming events.
The New Zealand Institute of Chemistry (NZIC) also lists conferences
and meetings.
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Seaweek Coastal Photo Competition
This Coastal Wellington Digital Photography Competition for children is open to all primary and intermediate school pupils (5–12 years old) in the greater Wellington region. Students can send in their favourite photo that celebrates Wellington’s coast, eg ocean views, beaches, marine life, waves, and tidal pools. Entries close on 20 April 2008. |
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Teacher
Talk
Teacher Talk is a new area on TKI that enables teachers and educators to
ask questions, share knowledge, and offer insights on a range of subjects
on a public forum. Please feel free to begin a new topic, or contribute
to an existing conversation thread. You can locate Teacher Talk from the Interact page of TKI. Register here first. |
Secondary
School Astronomy
Secondary school students can do astronomy unit standards online and obtain
credits towards NCEA. The Carter Observatory, New Zealand's National Observatory,
has established this facility. Schools and students wishing to learn more
about astronomy education online may visit:
http://www.carterobservatory.net/ |
Telephone Tutorial
The TKI Team would be happy to provide a tour of the website, via the telephone or as a videoconference,
at your school staff meetings or planning sessions. Contact us at tutorials@tki.org.nz
if you would like to explore this option.
The Royal Society of New Zealand provides an electronic news service to which you can subscribe.
If you wish to place a message for visitors to this community to read please
send us an email: science@tki.org.nz.
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