Introducing our new science space and new content
The Hub has joined with School Kit to launch Lux – a space where we can shine a light on science and science teaching. Our mission is to build a thriving digital community of teachers who work together to inspire science that is engaging, meaningful and fun! In addition to sharing resources and supporting innovative practice, we will also use the Lux space to host our webinars. Our webinar promotion and registration processes remain the same, and we’ll provide additional information when you register.
LUX – lighting the way for science education
The Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao and the School Kit Squad have collaborated to create a digital platform for educators.
Like all of our mahi, the Lux space is free to use. If you are a teacher, SLT or staff member at a school in Aotearoa, sign up to School Kit and the Lux space by using this link. If you are already a member of the School Kit Squad – a message will pop up and take you to the Lux space.
Find out more about our private, dedicated platform for teachers in this news article. Join us for an introductory webinar about the School Kit online community space – how to use it and ways to engage with each other and the Science Learning Hub team.
Wednesday 20 May 2026, 4:00–4:30 pm
Pūrākau stories o te taiao
If you are interested in integrating mātauranga pūtaiao into your classroom, check out Igniting understanding through interwoven knowledge systems. Simone and Greta discuss how mātauranga Māori is codified in pūrākau and transmitted through generations. They look at how stories o te taiao (nature narratives) compliment scientific thinking through a shared basis of observation. The recorded webinar includes helpful resources to explore complex issues – such as climate change – with cultural awareness and scientific curiosity.
Stories o te taiao
This is an edited recording of the webinar Igniting understanding through interwoven knowledge systems.
Additional recorded professional learning webinars
In case you missed them, or want to watch them again, our last two webinars are now live on the Hub. Both feature classroom teachers sharing their knowledge and activity ideas.
Exploring carbon – activities for primary classrooms includes simple hands-on experiences that explore the importance of carbon and provide engaging opportunities for observation and exploration. The video is accompanied by activity downloads.
Educators on the ice showcases three educators’ experiences in Antarctica and why they think learning about this icy continent should be part of your teaching programme.
Completed model satellite
The image shows a completed model of the satellite shown in the Build a satellite interactive. It is made from a template printed on light card.
Model designed and built by Denis Burchill.
Some things to think about
With the changing of the seasons and ākonga spending more time indoors, make use of the following:
Patch to the Future is a national competition for Year 1–8 students to design a space‑themed mission patch for the New Zealand Space Agency. Check out the amazing online and hands-on activities that support Aotearoa New Zealand in space.
May is NZ Music Month | Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa 2026. Music is an engaging way to explore the physics of sound – from the early years to high school!
Follow us
We offer added value through our social media. Contact us about creating collections or boards tailored to your needs. Join us on our online community – Lux – a platform on School Kit to connect and find inspiration about science and science education. We can help foster connections between the education and science communities.
Remember to keep an eye on the notification bell in the top right header of our website for information on recent updates, new and/or topical content.
Your feedback
We hope you enjoy using the Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao in your teaching and would love to hear from you. Your comments, ideas and feedback can be emailed to enquiries@sciencelearn.org.nz.
Noho ora mai
Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao
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