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Kia ora and welcome to the news page of the science community. We value your feedback and ideas, and invite you to contact us at science@tki.org.nz.

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.

The New Zealand Curriculum. The New Zealand Curriculum
Explore The New Zealand Curriculum online and the related resources and support materials. This revised curriculum will become mandatory from February 2010. Keep an eye on What’s new? and see what is happening in schools.
http://nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz
Te Marautanga o Aotearoa. Te Marautanga o Aotearoa
Te Marautanga o Aotearoa, the new Māori curriculum document, is currently being distributed to all Māori-medium schools. The document was launched on 26 September 2008. Explore the online community for Te Kaupapa Marautanga o Aotearoa.
http://www.tki.org.nz/r/marautanga/index_m.php

  What's new   
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Software for Learning icon.

Software for Learning
Enhance your learning environment with software that is appropriate and has been recommended by other New Zealand teachers. Browse through the brand new, very friendly Software for Learning collection, and check out all the new software and related resources there now. Software includes social software, freeware and non-freeware. Click here for Software for Learning resources specific to science.
http://softwareforlearning.tki.org.nz/
26-11-2008


Habitable Planet icon.

The Habitable Planet
Use these multimedia resources on environment science to learn about the Earth's natural systems, and the effect human activities have on them.
http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/envsci/index.html
21-10-2008


Living Heritage icon.

Living Heritage
Discover the new look to the website where young people celebrate New Zealand’s heritage and taonga.
http://www.livingheritage.org.nz/
21-10-2008


National Heritage icon.

The Natural Heritage Collection
Check out this collection of images and videos, and appreciate New Zealand's natural heritage. The collection features extinct animals, endangered animals and plants, introduced pests, scenic, and early New Zealand history.
http://www.nhc.net.nz/index.html
19-09-2008


Environmental Day image.

e Day 2008
eDay takes place on 4 October 2008. e Day is a cars-only drive-through recycling event which gives people the opportunity to dispose of electronic waste (e-waste) by recycling old computers or mobile phones in an environmentally friendly way. Links include ‘regional contacts’, ‘how to get involved’, ‘what is e-waste?’ and specific information for schools.
http://www.eday.org.nz/
17-09-2008


Meet the Locals.

'Meet the Locals' Conservation Week 08-12 September 2008
The theme for Conservation Week this year is ‘Meet the Locals – Tutakitia te Iwi Kainga’. ‘Locals’ refers to New Zealand’s native species and their habitats, the local people that work to protect them, and the special places which reflect our historic heritage. The education units, along with more information about Conservation Week, are available on the Conservation Week website, www.conservationweek.org.nz. As well as screening on TV6, the Meet the Locals clips are available on both the DOC website, www.doc.govt.nz, and the TVNZ website, www.tvnz.co.nz.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/summary.aspx?id=56128
02-09-2008


Earth Educators Guide icon.

Earth Educators Guide - free teaching resource
This free teaching resource study pack is designed to complement the film EARTH. The documentary travels full circle around the earth looking at different animals, their habitats and the effect the sun and global warming has on them. The study pack has five sections including the earth and the sun, the great migration, adaptation and habit, predators and prey, and life cycles. Email: kmeyrick@hoyts.co.nz. Download the Educator's Guide (PDF 2508KB)
http://www.tki.org.nz/e/community/science/pdf/schools-pack.pdf
11-08-2008


Wara Bilong Life icon.

Wara Bilong Life – Water for Survival
Encourage your students to participate in this interactive classroom activity. This is an Oxfam Water for Survival Programme educational project and will take place in term 4 2008. The aim of the project is to encourage creative problem solving in a 'real world' context.
http://www.megabright.co.nz/wara/home.htm
06-08-2008


Success for Boys icon.

Success for Boys
Create opportunities for all boys at your school to succeed. This site is designed to help school leaders look at teaching-learning relationships with boys in classrooms, create supportive learning environments for boys, and provide a range of approaches and tools to address the diverse learning needs of boys so they can achieve to their full potential.
http://success-for-boys.tki.org.nz/
06-08-2008


Nasa icon.

NASA / Discovery Channel videoconference opportunity
Take part in a NASA / Discovery Channel project and win a videoconference system for your school. Participation is for ages 12-14 and may be out of school hours. You need to present a five-minute performance and be available on the date (probably 1/2 October). Email marci.powell@polycom.com and explain (in under 200 words) why your school should be part of NASA’s 50th birthday celebrations.
30-07-2008


Science Learn icon.

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/
16-07-2008


User-contributed content icon. 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.
30-06-2008

Digital learning objects now individually listed on TKI.

Digital learning objects now individually listed on TKI
All the Digistore learning objects can now be found through the TKI search as well as by using the right-hand side menu button on this page – all you need is your school password. Email digistore@tki.org.nz if you have lost your password.
http://www.tki.org.nz/r/digistore/register_e.php
25-03-2008


  Community Facilitator's choice   
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New Zealand Odysseys icon.

New Zealand Odysseys – A Journey of Discovery
Investigate how New Zealand Odysseys delivers interactive and in-depth learning experiences outside the classroom. Subjects covered include biology, geography, chemistry, physics, agriculture, and horticulture.
http://www.odysseys.co.nz/New_Zealand_Odysseys_Ltd/home_IDL=11_IDT=569_ID=3217_. html


Webwatch image.

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


Ministry of Education logo. Change in ordering process for MOE resources and publications
The process for schools to order Ministry of Education resources and publications has changed. From 1 March 2008, Wickliffe Ltd is responsible for customer services and warehousing of the Ministry’s publications and resources – to order, phone 0800 660 662 or fax 0800 660 663. A new catalogue will soon be available for ordering online or by email.
http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/resources/glossary/index.html

Eco News icon.

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


New Professional Learning icon.

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


Film Archive icon.

The Film Archive – On Disk Video Library: Science
Check out the archived programmes now available in digital format through The New Zealand Film Archive. There are collections to support all levels of the science curriculum. The education package for each disk includes a teacher’s booklet, with online lesson plans being available for some. Borrowing the disks is free for New Zealand schools; orders can be made online from the site.
http://filmarchive.org.nz/education/prim_science.html


LEARNZ icon. LEARNZ Virtual field trips for NZ schools
Check out the 2008 schedule online. Enrolment on a field trip is free once your school is registered. The websites have everything you need for great classroom experiences, primary and secondary.
http://www.learnz.org.nz/index.php

Te Papa Museum logo.

Te Papa’s colossal squid
View this unique event and live webcast from Te Papa’s tank and dissection room as scientists thaw and dissect a giant squid between 28–30 April. Use the squid blog to check progress. Find out how it was caught, what scientists know of its life history, and how they are going to examine and display this rare creature.
http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/TePapa/English/CollectionsAndResearch/CollectionAreas/ NaturalEnvironment/Molluscs/ColossalSquid/TePapaColossalSquid.htm


Potato image.

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/


New Zealand Physics Teachers' Resource Bank.

New Zealand Physics Teachers' Resource Bank  
Take a look these physics classroom demonstrations and activities specifically designed for the New Zealand physics curriculum. The multimedia resources feature New Zealand school and university students doing, enjoying, and explaining physics in English and te reo Māori.
http://www.vuw.ac.nz/scps-demos/

Studyit for NCEA students 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/

Te Ara logo. 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
LEOTC. 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/
NZ Biotech Hub.

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/

NZQA Logo.

Glossary For Translated NCEA External Examinations
Use this glossary to translate (from te reo Māori to English, or vice versa) a selection of technical and scientific words used by students, teachers, and translators for levels 1–3 NCEA external examinations.
http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/assessment/glossary/index.html

Te Reo Māori Physics Project.

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

Landcare Research: What is this Bug?.

Landcare Research: What is this bug?
Explore this Landcare Research website for pictures and information about invertebrates. The website includes bugs with and without legs; slugs, snails, and worms; bites and stings; control of pests; and links to further resources.
http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/research/biosystematics/invertebrates/invertid/

Science materials: Science toolbox

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/

ScienceIS activities.

Science IS Activities
Check out these Science IS activities intended to help primary and secondary school teachers understand and integrate the Making sense of the nature of science (NoS) and Developing scientific skills and attitudes (DSSA) strands of Science in the New Zealand Curriculum (SiNZC).
http://www.tki.org.nz/r/science/science_is/activities/

Digital conversations. Digital Conversations
Digital Conversations is a free videoconference programme, which enables teachers and students to meet and speak with local and international experts across the curriculum. To join the mailing list, receive email notification of upcoming video conferences, and make suggestions for conversations between your students and a particular expert, email: digitalconversations@cwa.co.nz
http://www.digitalconversations.org.nz/
exemplar logo NZ Curriculum Exemplars
Use these exemplars of student work in science highlighting features of learning that teachers can watch for, collect information about, and act on to support growth in learning. http://www.tki.org.nz/r/assessment/exemplars/sci/index_e.php
Kiwi Forever.

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

NCEA Just Up. 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.
TKI Kete 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.
wickED

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.

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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.

  Messages   
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Teacher Talk. 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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