Secrets of Papatūānuku
In younger years we may have learnt the Earth is divided into three layers – the solid crust, liquid mantle and solid core. But the reality is more complex than that. Guest author Mike Stone investigates.
DownloadWed Nov 27 2024
Science Teaching Leadership Programme ﴾STLP﴿
For schools wanting to make an impact on student engagement and achievement in science, an opportunity exists to support a teacher to become a science leader through the MBIE‐funded Science Teaching Leadership Programme (STLP) offered by Royal Society Te Āparangi. NZASE Science Communicator Heather Goodey looks into the STLP and shares some recent participants’ experiences and how students benefit from this programme.
DownloadWed Nov 27 2024
Environmentalist Stephanie Dijkstra
Stephanie is a Māori environmental scientist specialising in intergenerational outcomes and the interweaving of mātauranga and Western science. She wears many hats, working as a Senior Mātauranga Taiao Advisor with Storm Environmental, a Ngā Kaihautu Tikanga Taiao Member with the Environmental Protection Authority NZ, and a member of Te Puna Māori Advisory Committee with Taumata Arowai The Water Regulator. She also chairs the Ngāi Tahu Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Kōmiti. In conversation with NZASE Science Communicator, Sneha Pillai, Stephanie shares her journey of weaving her love for different branches of science like cellular plant biology and ecology to do what she’s truly passionate about – leaving the planet in a better state than the one she found it in.
DownloadTue Oct 29 2024
Pounamu
Pounamu is highly valued as a symbol of national identity and a taonga to Māori. Pounamu reminds us of the transformational nature of tectonic collision zones. Guest author Mike Stone writes about this very special rock with some unique properties.
DownloadTue Oct 29 2024
Overseas Trained Teachers
There is a growing shortage of Science teachers in New Zealand for the positions advertised. Increasingly schools are recruiting teachers from overseas. NZASE Science Communicator Heather Goodey converses with overseas trained teachers to not only learn from their experiences what incoming teachers might need to know to teach in NZ, but also what strengths and insights our overseas‐trained colleagues bring to the teaching profession here.
DownloadTue Oct 29 2024
Conservation Biologist John Perrott
A mātauranga Scientist/communicator and Associate Professor/Research Ecologist at the AUT School of Science, specialising in Conservation Biology of endangered species and Kaitiakitanga, John Perrott possesses a rich volume of knowledge on the flora and fauna of Aotearoa New Zealand. In conversation with NZASE science communicator Sneha Pillai, Associate Professor John Perrott reflects on his journey as a kaitiaki and conservation biologist
DownloadFri Sep 27 2024
Uncovering History with Science
Forensic science can be tasked with identifying the identity of human remains. And the process is fascinating. Guest author Mike Stone explains how scientific analysis of these remains can provide interesting insights into our history.
DownloadFri Sep 27 2024
S1.3 NZASE practice assessment resources
This content is restricted to NZASE members.If your school is already a member you can set up an individual account free of charge using the link at the bottom of this page. Just make sure to use your school email account.Existing Users Log InUsername or EmailPassword Remember Me New User? Click here to register
Members Only
DownloadTue Sep 24 2024
S1.4 NZASE practice assessment resources
This content is restricted to NZASE members.If your school is already a member you can set up an individual account free of charge using the link at the bottom of this page. Just make sure to use your school email account.Existing Users Log InUsername or EmailPassword Remember Me New User? Click here to register
Members Only
DownloadFri Sep 06 2024
Safety and Science/Pūtaiao: Guidance for Aotearoa New Zealand Schools and Kura
Safety and Science/Pūtaiao: Guidance for Aotearoa New Zealand Schools and Kura full document download and link to the MoE website.
DownloadMon Sep 02 2024
Micrometeorologist Christian Stiegler
A Greenhouse Gas Emissions Scientist with the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), Dr Christian Stiegler is a pākehā scientist focussed on climate change. Born in Austria, Christian is relatively new to Aotearoa, having moved to the country in October 2023. In conversation with NZASE science communicator, Sneha Pillai, Christian shares his journey and learnings as a micrometeorologist.
DownloadFri Aug 23 2024
Science communicators Mikhal Stone and Jenny Rankine
Mike Stone and Jenny Rankine are the dynamic duo who produced the NZASE Pānui for the last five years. In conversation with the current Science Communicator, Heather Goodey, they have shared their journey as former science communicators, their passion for their work and highlights from their time with NZASE.
DownloadThu Aug 22 2024
Physics in sport- windsurfing
A3 poster looking at the forces involved in the hydro foiling windsurfers in the 2024 Olympics.
Members Only
DownloadThu Aug 22 2024
Physics in sport- the pole vault
An A3 poster on energy transformations in the pole vault in the Olympics 2024.
Members Only
DownloadThu Aug 22 2024
Kiwi genetics and evolution
Our national bird is both rare and endangered. We often hear about the conservation of kiwi, but less about how they came to be here and the traits they show. Guest author Mike Stone explores the genetics and evolution of kiwi.
DownloadThu Aug 22 2024
Tiakitanga PLD resources
Tiakitanga article and Student resource to complement teacher PLD.
Members Only
DownloadSun Aug 04 2024
Tiakitanga
Many schools use the term kaitiakitanga to mean caring for our environment as a responsible NZ citizen. While a worthwhile aspiration, nevertheless it can unintentionally ride roughshod over a Māori tikanga with deeper meanings which need to be considered. In consultation with Nick Bryant (Ngāpuhi, Ngati Whatua) Mike Stone learns more about kaitiakitanga and tiakitanga.
DownloadSun Aug 04 2024
Astrophysicist Jan Eldridge
Jan Eldridge is a pākehā astrophysicist and the Head of Physics Department at the University of Auckland. Jan’s research focuses on the lives and deaths of stars, particularly binary stars. Unlike the stereotypical caricature of an astrophysicist, Jan’s work does not involve long hours of peering into the telescope. Instead, her work as a theorist primarily involves coding programmes on computers to model the journey and evolution of stars in our universe. As we celebrate Pride and Matariki this month, Jan, who identifies as transgender, shares insights from her work and life on stars and genders with NZASE science communicator, Sneha Pillai.
DownloadSun Jun 30 2024
Creating a Science Space in the Classroom
The awesome thing about science is that students are innately curious about the world around them and how things work. A science space might be something you think of in ECE, but it is an opportunity to give students hands‐on experiences, engage learners and extend learning. Creating a science space in the classroom is a way to give Science presence in a busy curriculum with so many pressures on teaching time. NZASE science communicator Heather Goodey talks with teachers from Y1‐6 who have incorporated science spaces in their classroom. They share their goals, approach and advice for educators interested in how they might include science spaces in their teaching programmes.
DownloadSun Jun 30 2024
The Science behind Aurora
The Aurora Australis was visible over the whole country on May 11, 2024. This was a rare event, but with solar activity ramping up we may see more. Guest writer Mike Stone explores the science of aurorae.
Members Only
DownloadSun Jun 30 2024
Māori Textiles and Dyes as a Context for Teaching Science
Charmaine Russell, Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāi Te Rangi, was looking for opportunities to weave together rāranga and the chemistry of traditional dyes. She shares her experience with NZASE Science Communicator Heather Goodey, providing a context that could be used for Level 1 assessments or adapted for use in the classroom at multiple levels.
Members Only
DownloadSun Jun 30 2024
A Teacher’s Journey of Integrating Mātauranga Māori in an Authentic Way
Charmaine Russell, Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāi Te Rangi, shares her insights for those trying to honour Te Ao Māori in their teaching. She provides guidance on integrating mātauranga Māori in an authentic way, from her kaiako Māori perspective. Charmaine hopes to “sow the seeds of thought and reflection,” for kaiako across New Zealand by sharing her journey with NZASE Science Communicator Heather Goodey
DownloadMon May 20 2024
Genetics on the Go: An activity-based model for learning about genetics
Genetics on the Go, co-led by Dr. Emma Wade, is an initiative that offers free resources making genetics relevant and accessible to teachers and students around New Zealand. NZASE Science Communicator Heather Goodey looks at what is on offer from the University of Otago’s Genetics Department and how genetics can be contextualised into a range of learning experiences.
DownloadMon May 20 2024
Volcanologist Kate Mauriohooho
Kate Mauriohooho is a volcanologist who studies supereruptions and large silicic caldera systems.
DownloadMon May 20 2024
Māori Scientist Posters: Biochemist Professor Amanda Black
Professor Amanda Black is a biochemist who studies soil health and the control of bacteria that damage plants.
DownloadFri Mar 29 2024
Māori Scientist Posters: Biologist Alana Alexander
Alana Alexander is a marine evolutionary biologist who studies how sea creatures evolve and change.
DownloadFri Mar 29 2024
Māori Scientist Posters: Chemist Hemi Cumming
Hemi Cumming is a Chemist who studies the structure of molecules that could benefit our health.
DownloadFri Mar 29 2024
Māori Scientist Posters: Engineer Nona Hohepa-Taute
Nona Hohepa-Taute is a civil and environmental engineer who has been building Māori values and knowledge into geothermal engineering.
DownloadFri Mar 29 2024
Māori Scientist Posters: Quantitative Geneticist Phillip Wilcox
Phillip Wilcox is a Quantitative Geneticist who uses statistics and maths to study large collections of genetic information.
DownloadFri Mar 29 2024
Māori Scientist Posters: Health Researcher Dr Matire Harwood
Dr Matire Harwood is a family doctor who studies how to improve results for Māori with long-term health problems.
DownloadFri Mar 29 2024
Māori Scientist Posters: Marine Scientist Heni Unwin
Heni Unwin is a Māori researcher for marine technologies who brings science and Mātauranga Māori together to study ocean health.
DownloadFri Mar 29 2024
Māori Scientist Posters: Physicist Ocean Mercier
Physicist Ocean Mercier studies the basic properties and laws about solids and liquids, and uses traditional Māori knowledge to solve problems.
DownloadFri Mar 29 2024
First Foundation scholarships
There are many scholarships available to students. First Foundation specifically targets students from families with a low income, and provides significant support for four years. NZASE Science Communicator Mike Stone investigates.
Members Only
DownloadSun Nov 26 2023
Curious Minds: Schools in community science projects
Financial support and expertise is available for teachers wanting to develop more expensive learning projects for their students. NZASE Science Communicator Mike Stone found it is well worth investigating, as these case studies show.
Members Only
DownloadSun Nov 26 2023
Heroic Pacific knowledge
Some schools are investigating how to better engage with Pacific indigenous knowledge systems in their science teaching. NZASE Science Communicator Mike Stone explores one school’s journey in this introduction.
DownloadSun Nov 26 2023
Science teaching and learning at the interface with mātauranga Māori
Stephen Ross, Pākehā, summarises his study which explored how the interface of mātauranga Māori and science provides opportunities for teaching and learning. He has some useful insights for those in the classroom trying to use both knowledge systems in their science teaching.
DownloadSun Nov 26 2023
Numeracy in Science
While secondary teachers may be rewriting junior programmes in the light of changes to NCEA, it is important to remember to include some numeracy, preferably in every unit. NZASE Science Communicator Mike Stone explores numeracy in Science – what the skills are and how we can teach them effectively.
DownloadSun Nov 26 2023
Observing meteors
Since the end of June, 2023, Western Heights High School (WHHS) in Rotorua has been operating a meteor camera. How did they get it and what is it used for? NZASE Science Communicator Mike Stone investigates.
Members Only
DownloadSun Oct 22 2023
Disciplinary literacy in Science 3 – Writing
Reading scientific texts and focussing on vocab sets students up with the foundations for writing. This members-only article includes plenty of strategies for primary and secondary science teachers to help students develop their writing skills for science.
Members Only
DownloadSun Oct 22 2023
The chemistry of fireworks
Fireworks are pure redox, and the chemistry is fascinating. NZASE Science Communicator Mike Stone investigates.
DownloadSun Oct 22 2023
Kaitiakitanga of taonga species
Mere Manning (Kahungunu ki te Wairoa) is an Earth and Space Science teacher at Taradale High School, where she is exploring using both te ao Māori and traditional science perspectives in a new unit.
DownloadSun Oct 22 2023
Using genetics to save kākāpō
Kākāpō numbers have rocketed in the last seven years compared with the previous 20, helped by accurate genetic information that informs conservation decisions. NZASE Science Communicator Mike Stone investigates.
DownloadSun Sep 17 2023
Bioinformatician Alana Alexander
2023 09 Alana Alexander NZASE scientist profile
DownloadSun Sep 17 2023
Picture books in science learning
Picture books tell a good story with evocative images, and they can be used as resources in a teacher’s kete across the curriculum. Kath Murdoch, a specialist in inquiry-based learning, says “The compelling pull of narrative can often lead us to understanding the world more deeply than any ‘data’ ever can.”
DownloadSun Sep 17 2023
Disciplinary literacy in Science 2: Reading
As they progress through school, students are asked to read increasingly complex information. How well students read, understand, and use this material can affect how deeply they understand the science. Science teachers are best placed to guide students through scientific texts, with their unique structure and vocabulary
Members Only
DownloadSun Sep 17 2023
CRISiSLab Challenge
This annual real-world, hands-on challenge is engaging students from the Wellington area. The scientists who run the challenge are keen to involve more girls and Māori students. Science Communicator Mike Stone talks with Dr Marion Tan and Alicia Cui
DownloadSun Aug 13 2023
Hydrogen-fuelled vehicles
To meet the issues of climate change we need to find alternative vehicle fuels that emit less carbon. Hydrogen-fuelled transport is gaining momentum in Aotearoa New Zealand (ANZ). In collaboration with iwi, we are making green hydrogen, trialling its use in heavy vehicles and researching aspects of a hydrogen-fuelled future. Mike Stone investigates.
DownloadSun Aug 13 2023