Hot Topics - 2001
Each TKI Hot Topic is a collection of web resources based around an interesting and topical subject, designed to help you to integrate ICT into your classroom. A new Hot Topic is published regularly on TKI.
Latest Hot Topic: Election - New Zealand 2008
Hot Topics - 2001
Patterns and textiles
(Nov)
The world is full of patterns, shapes and textures, both natural and man-made. Focus on textiles in the context of design.
National Nutrition Week
(Oct)
Focus on food, healthy eating and nutrition through links to useful sites, references to relevant books and videos on healthy eating and the food pyramid.
Pasifika
(Oct)
Learn more about nations such as Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, Micronesia, the Cook Islands, Rotuma, Guam, West Papua, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Nauru, and Niue.
Kidsafe Week
(Sep)
Kidsafe week is all about staying safe. Visit links to websites on health and safety education, including safety in the outdoors, injury prevention, safe schools, and bullying.
The Media and a Moment in History
(Sep)
September 11 2001 is a date that will hold a significant place in world history. Read about the events that took place when four aeroplanes hijacked by terrorists crashed into the Pentagon and the World Trade Centre. A collection of links to major news sites, media analysis, and education resources are included.
Clean Up New Zealand
(Sep)
Clean Up New Zealand Week runs from 17 to 23 September. Learn more about recycling, waste, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Project Crimson, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Extreme Sport
(Sep)
Adventure races, also known as multisport events, combine many different sports – orienteering, kayaking, mountain running, mountain biking, road cycling, horse riding, rafting, abseiling, rollerblading, and camel-riding. Find out about the different types of extreme sports, where you can participate, and some of the major races taking place in New Zealand in 2001-2.
Wearable Art, Fashion, and Fabric
(Sep)
Prepare for the Wearable Arts Awards! Read a brief history of the awards, and visit websites on design, fabric, textile technology, costume design, fashion, and tourism.
When I’m 64: Our Ageing Society
(Aug)
Census figures indicate that the population of New Zealand is getting older. Explore our ageing society and visit a collection of websites on age-related issues.
Conservation Week: Oceans
(Aug)
Celebrate Conservation week by increasing your knowledge of the ocean, biodiversity, conservation and resource use. Information on the Young Conservationist of the Year Award might be of interest to the particularly conservation-committed.
Protest and Globalisation
(Aug)
Protests can be powerful agents of change. This Hot Topic highlights the anti-globalisation protests at the Group of Eight meeting in Genoa, on the 20th anniversary of the Springbok tour protests in New Zealand.
Women’s Suffrage Day
(Aug)
Kate Sheppard and the New Zealand suffragists fought hard to attain the right for women to vote. Read about their efforts through a number of related websites.
Recycling
(Jul)
Learn how recycling can help reduce New Zealand’s waste mountain.
Year of the Volunteer
(Jul)
Volunteers do a lot of valuable work in today’s society. Visit links to volunteer organisations and learn how volunteer work contributes to our society and economy.
Maths Week
(Jul)
Have a go at some maths interactives and other student activities along with some maths history to celebrate Maths Week.
Peace Week
(Jul)
Learn about Peace Week and try out activities the Peace Foundation has suggested to celebrate it.
Agricultural Field Days
(Jun)
Take a look at the agriculture industry in New Zealand, and read about the Mystery Creek field days.
Kapa Haka
(Jun)
Follow the fortunes of the Whangara-mai-tawhiti kapa haka roopu at the 2001 National Kapa Haka Festival. It includes a collection of links to Māori performing arts websites.
New Zealand Women Writers
(Jun)
Enjoy a collection of websites about Zealand women writers and authors, including Janet Frame, Katherine Mansfield, Margaret Mahy, Joy Cowley and those with a Māori perspective, such as Keri Hulme and Patricia Grace. Suggestions for creative writing are also included.
Whetu O Te Tau – Aotearoa/Pacific New Year
(May)
The next full moon after the rise of Matariki signals Whetu o Te Tau, the Māori New Year. Written in reo Māori (available separately in English), this Hot Topic includes a collection of web sites on astronomy and Matariki (also known as the Seven Sisters constellation or Pleides), events to celebrate the Māori and Pacific new year, curriculum links, and suggested classroom questions.
Genetic Modification
(May)
Read some of the arguments for and against the use of genetic modification technology in medicine, food production and scientific research.
New Zealand Music Month
(May)
New Zealand Music is finally gaining recognition both within New Zealand and overseas. To help mark New Zealand Music Month, classroom activities and questions, curriculum links, and website links focus on music teaching and New Zealand music are featured.
Treaty of Waitangi
(Jan)
The Treaty of Waitangi is the founding document of New Zealand, and its signing on 6 February 1840 is commemorated each year on Waitangi Day. Learn about the different approaches to the history, meaning and application of the Treaty and the celebration of Waitangi Day.