Topical ideas for term one
We hope that everyone has settled into the new teaching year. Our pānui for Pēpuere offers Professional Learning Development (PLD) opportunities and resources pertinent to term one.
Free PLD: Educators on the ice
Join our panel of expert New Zealand science educators sharing their experiences about working in Antarctica and exploring why the icy continent provides such a powerful context for science learning. In addition to great science, there are links to history, sustainability and citizenship.
26 February, 4:00–4:45 pm
REGISTER
Educators in Antarctica
In 2025 three teachers from New Zealand took the opportunity to travel to Antarctica as part of the K892 expeditions and the Antarctica New Zealand’s Community Engagement Programme.
Citizen science – DNA Drive
Discover how simple car rides can lead to important scientific discoveries. The DNA Drive (DNADRV) project seeks to explore the distribution and biodiversity of insects found in Aotearoa by swabbing for any DNA traces that remain after insects collide with car license plates. The DNADRV team provides eDNA sampling kits and instructions.
DNA Drive
The DNADRV citizen science initiative is run by University of Auckland researchers Dr Richard O’Rorke and Dr Aimee van der Reis.
Topical contexts for learning
We’ve curated a few topical resources. All resources include related content for additional information and activities.
The weather
Weatherwise, it continues to be a challenging time for many people around the motu. Weather and climate provides an explanation about how and why Aotearoa experiences its weather patterns. The activity Differences between weather and climate uses a Venn diagram to compare the two. Have a look at these activities that explore aspects of weather: Making a weather vane and compass, Clouds and the weather, Making an anemometer, Making a rain gauge, Making a barometer and Making a thermometer.
Severe weather events can have devastating results – as explained in Landslides – New Zealand’s deadliest natural hazard.
School gardens
Does your school have flower or vegetable gardens? Do you have a science table? They provide lots of opportunities for observation and discussions. Delve into these curations – they're full of background information, simple activities and excellent images/diagrams designed to spark curious conversations.
Seed, stems and spores – plant life cycles for phase one and two learners
Pollination – plant life cycles for phase three learners and above
Ngā kākano ❘ Seeds and Te haenga me te ruinga o te kākano ❘ Pollination and seed dispersal – bilingual resources
Kiwi Kai virtual farm – explore the relationships between a healthy environment, healthy kai, healthy people and communities.
Flower shape
This image shows examples of different flower shapes. Examples in the image include taurepo (Rhabdothamnus solandri), toropapa (Alseuosmia macrophylla), hīnau (Elaeocarpus dentatus) and poroporo (Solanum aviculare).
View full bilingual resourceSchool camps
If you are heading away to a school camp, check out these resources:
Freshwater macroinvertebrates and the activity Observing freshwater invertebrates
Some things to think about
Keep these on your planning radar:
Big Butterfly Count – date extended until 27 February
Seaweek – Kaupapa Moana 2026 – 28 February–08 March
Conservation Week Te Wiki Tiaki Ao Tūroa 2026 – 20–26 April
Live school experiences: Science Roadshow 2026 and Science in a Van: Full Force!
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We offer added value through our social media. Contact us about creating collections or boards tailored to your needs. We can help foster connections between the education and science communities.
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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