Hot Topics - 2003
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 - 2003
Lord of the Rings – The Return of the King
(Nov)
This TKI Hot Topic celebrates the release of the final instalment of the film version of J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Return of the King. It links to sites about Tolkien and the making of the films, and collects websites on their impact upon New Zealand tourism. Included is a link to the live webcam of the premiere on 1 December 2003.
Labour Day
(Oct)
Explore the history of the Labour Day holiday.
Rugby World Cup 2003
(Oct)
Held every four years, the Rugby World Cup brings together the best 20 teams in the world to decide who are the world champions. This TKI Hot Topic, written to coincide with the 2003 World Cup, looks at how the game of rugby has changed, and the advances in training, nutrition, and equipment that have equipped players for the demands of the modern game.
New Zealand Fashion Design
(Sep)
This TKI Hot Topic celebrates New Zealand’s reputation for innovation in fashion design, and looks at the Wearable Arts Awards and New Zealand Fashion Week. It includes links to the websites of some of New Zealand’s premier designers, and also features links to websites on textiles and fashion through the ages to provide inspiration to budding designers.
Maths Week
(Aug)
This TKI Hot Topic celebrates Maths Week. It features ideas to support the 2003 Maths Week theme “maths and work” and links to a number of maths interactives.
International Languages Week
(Jul)
International Languages Week 2003 runs from 10-16 August. This Hot Topic features information about the week, and links to a number of online interactives and websites designed to help you learn a new language.
Electricity and the Power Crisis
(Jun)
New Zealand hyrdo-electric lake levels were at a record low during Autumn 2003, prompting a campaign for New Zealanders to reduce their power usage by 10 percent. This TKI Hot Topic looks at how power stations work and why the lake levels necessitated the electricity savings; as well as examining the issue of sustainable sources of power.
Matariki
(Jun)
This Hot Topic celebrates Matariki – the Māori New Year – and Māori Language Week 2003. The Hot Topic includes a collection of websites on astronomy and Matariki (also known as the Seven Sisters constellation or Pleides), events to celebrate Matariki, and a number of te reo Māori resources.
Hillary, Tenzing, and Everest
(May)
2003 marks the 50th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary’s and Tenzing Norgay’s climbing of Mt Everest. This TKI Hot Topic provides links about the actual expedition, facts about the mountain, and biographies of the two famous mountaineers.
School Productions
(Apr)
This TKI Hot Topic contains links to online resources that will help you stage a production. Learn more about makeup techniques, set and costume design, puppetry, and how to improve your acting.
Anzac Day
(Mar)
Learn about the history of Anzac Day and how the day is commemorated today.
International Year of Freshwater
(Mar)
This Hot Topic provides a number of resources related to the International Year of Freshwater. The purpose of the year is to draw world attention to the dwindling reserves of fresh water - what many species, including humans, need to survive - through pollution, farming, industry, and dams. Read more about the social and environmental costs, and what you can do to help reduce them. Activities include water testing, conservation tasks, and participating in awareness campaigns.
Staying Safe Around Dogs
(Feb)
This TKI Hot Topic provides a number of resources detailing how to behave around dogs in order to minimise the chances of being bitten. Understanding what factors make a dog feel threatened and giving a dog proper training and socialisation will help to ensure that experiences with “man’s best friend” are positive ones.
School Camps
(Feb)
This TKI Hot Topic links to resources to help you plan and prepare for a school camp. EOTC safety practices, ideas for camp-related activities, and possible camping locations are amongst the topics covered.
Columbia Shuttle Tragedy
(Feb)
Following the NASA space shuttle Columbia crash landing to Earth after its 16 day mission in February 2003, this TKI Hot Topic looks at the history of the orbitor or space shuttle programme, how shuttles work, and the men and women who choose the demanding and dangerous career of an astronaut. It includes a number of links to relevant websites.
Sun, Surf, and Safety
(Jan)
This TKI Hot Topic highlights the dangers of the hole in the ozone layer, and links to websites on sun and water safety.