Thinking about carbon
As a topic, carbon has something for everyone. It is the fundamental building block for all life on Earth. It occurs in forms with very different properties – from diamonds to graphite. Carbon is also the primary component of fossil fuels.
Learning about carbon
Teaching about carbon introduces learners to an element that that shapes our environment and everyday lives and can build an awareness of how human actions influence the carbon cycle and the planet.
Primary Science Week – Catch that CARBON!
Primary Science Week 2026 runs from 4–10 May. If you are looking for practical, classroom‑ready science activities, then join the Science Learning Hub, Science Alive and the primary science team at NZAPSE for our free webinar: Exploring carbon: activities for primary classrooms.
23 April 2026, 4:00–4:45 pm
REGISTERKeep an eye on the Hub’s home page for notifications about a live Q&A with a carbon scientist – hosted by Science Alive and Science Learning Hub. The NZAPSE website will also have regular updates.
The carbon cycle and complex systems
Carbon makes an ideal context for exploring more complex systems. Carbon moves through the Earth’s systems from living to non-living via the global carbon cycle. The ocean, the atmosphere and the rock cycle play important roles.
Earth is a complex interrelated system
The Earth system contains a diverse and complex mix of processes, cycles and systems that interact with each other.
Take a deeper dive into carbon using the contexts of fire, limestone and food.
The carbon cycle and climate change
The carbon cycle is key to understanding how the climate system works and how humans influence the Earth’s climate with increased CO2 emissions. We explain key science concepts in this interactive. It’s part of our carbon cycle resources for younger students.
Drive it Down! – the carbon cycle and climate change
This interactive provides an overview of climate change, greenhouse gases, the carbon cycle and other related concepts. To use this interactive, move your mouse or finger over any of the labelled boxes and click to obtain more information.
Select here to view the full transcript and copyright information.
Systems thinking and planning for change
Systems thinking is a holistic approach to problem solving. It looks at the big picture to understand how environmental systems are intertwined with social, cultural, economic and political systems. This philosophy underpins our resources on climate action and webinars on the basics of climate change and pedagogical approaches to support ākonga at primary and secondary levels.
Kia Pākiki – science, technology and the humanities
The Hub is pleased to partner with Kia Pākiki Canterbury – a monthly podcast presented by the Canterbury branch of the Royal Society Te Apārangi and hosted by Tom Goulter, who is also the Hub's video editor.
Check out the articles and podcasts:
We will continue to publish Kia Pākiki episodes as they become available.
Consultation on the draft curriculum closes on 24 April
The draft New Zealand Curriculum | Te Mātaiaho and the learning areas are available for consultation. There is an opportunity to provide feedback to the Ministry of Education on the proposed Year 0–10 curriculum.
Find the draft years 0–10 curriculum here, the draft science curriculum here, and the feedback form here.
Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa
Let us keep close together, not wide apart
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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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