Challenges, opportunities and real-world issues
Our world is full of challenges – with scientists working to answer questions and find solutions. We’ve new resources and PLD opportunities that bring scientists, scientific thinking and real-world adventure into the classroom.
Crevasse
Crevasses can vary in width and depth, but most have steep vertical walls. All crevasses can pose safety risks for people working in Antarctica.
Voice of the sea ice
Welcome to Antarctica – a land of ice, extremes and ambition. From historic expeditions to modern-day science projects, Antarctic exploration is a unique and dangerous experience.
RNZ Science journalist, Dr Claire Concannon spent time in Antarctica alongside New Zealand researchers who are investigating icy ecosystems and their possible futures. Our new Voice of the Sea Ice resources combine text, video and short podcasts to tell their stories:
A land of ice and ambition – follow a scientist’s epic journey to map deadly crevasses.
The heartbeat of Antarctica – discover the annual cycle of sea ice and its influence on the planet’s climate.
Antarctic life – microalgae – read about the role of microalgae living in sloshy platelet ice in Antarctica's complex food webs.
Antarctic life – penguins, seals and fish – find out how scientists are piecing together food web connections, which enable smart conservation decisions.
Changing times in Antarctica – read and/or listen to scientists as they talk about what sea ice decline means for the world, and how they feel about it.
Climate change – where to? – consider emissions reductions on global, local and individual scales.
Professional learning development – workshop and webinars
Save the dates for these upcoming PLD sessions.
Scientific thinking for all – building initiative
11 September, 7:30–8:15 am
This online workshop, presented by the Nobel Prize Outreach team in association with the University of California Berkeley, aims to help students make decisions about controversial scientific issues. This will be an interactive style workshop so it will not be recorded. Please note the early start 7:30 am.
RegisterNZL’s Blue Belt – Moanamana
9 October, 4:00–4:45 pm
Moanamana is a project to take action on marine ecosystem degradation at the local level by creating a network of NZL Blue Belt sites around Aotearoa New Zealand's coastline and waterways. The project connects schools and kura with their local sailing club to take an active role in bringing mana back to the moana. Even if you are not near the moana – this webinar will be full of great examples for engaging ākonga.
More information with the registration link will be coming soon! Keep an eye on our social media, events section and site notifications.
MythBusting de-extinction to sort fact from fiction
16 October, 4:00–5:00 pm
De-extinction hit the headlines recently with the ‘resurrection’ of the dire wolf and the possible resurrection of the moa. Can scientists actually bring animals back, and more importantly, should they? Join Associate Professor Nic Rawlence from the Otago University Zoology Department to delve into the science, ethics and indigenous concerns surrounding de-extinction.
More information with the registration link will be coming soon! Keep an eye on our social media, events section and site notifications.
North Island giant moa
The North Island Giant Moa (Dinornis novaezealandiae), a watercolour painting by Paul Martinson, is a depiction of the extinct moa/kuranui. Moa disappeared roughly 200 years after humans first arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand.
New recorded webinar
The recording of Monitoring the moana – participatory science methods, PLD with Sally Carson from the Otago University Department of Marine Science, is now live on the site.
Some things to think about
With Spring finally here, keep these on your planning radar:
Bird of the Year Te Manu Rongonui o te Tau 2025 – celebrate 20 years of campaigns with helpful resources from Building Science Concepts: Birds and Conserving native birds – introduction.
Kōwhai is in bloom! Explore kōwhai mātauranga in the classroom with simple literacy and observation activities.
Kōwhai blossoms – a tohu of spring
A tohu is an indicator or marker. Kōwhai blossoms are tohu that inform local maramataka.
Follow us
We offer added value through our social media, including helping foster connections between the education and science communities. Contact us if you need any help, such as assistance with creating collections, lesson planning, Pinterest boards tailored to your needs or more.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nzsciencelearn
Twitter: www.twitter.com/NZScienceLearn
Pinterest: nz.pinterest.com/nzsciencelearn
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sciencelearninghubnz
Noho ora mai
Science Learning Hub – Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao
See all news