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  • These science resources – written specifically for the junior school (level 1 and 2) develop science ideas about water; melting and freezing; solids, liquids and gases; bubbles; earthquakes; volcanoes; the Earth; tectonic plates; and plant life processes such as pollination, the seed-flower cycle, seed dispersal, spores, and flower and fruit parts; weather; and observation. They can also be used with less-confident older students.

    Follow the links in each introductory article to view the supporting articles, videos and student activities.

    Observing water

    A Material World resource for NZ Curriculum levels 1 and 2. Investigate the characteristics of solids, liquids, gases and bubbles by observing water and its unusual properties. Build children’s ability to use scientific language to suggest explanations for their observations.

    Rights: Ivan Mikhaylov, licenced through 123RF Ltd.

    Water

    Water can be a solid, liquid or gas. Water is all around us and is necessary for life.

    A teacher emailed us this feedback on using this junior resource:

    I have been using it and found the hands on activities great!

    Teacher

    On shaky ground

    A Planet Earth and Beyond resource for NZ Curriculum levels 1 and 2. Use models to gather evidence on why New Zealand is home to so many earthquakes and volcanoes. Visit the interactive planning pathway – a gateway to collections of articles, multimedia, student activities and stories of New Zealand’s science and engineering sectors. By using a combination of these resources, teachers can combine and build on conceptual understandings, capabilities development and assessment opportunities into relevant learning experiences.

    Rights: Martin Luff

    Cracked road

    A crack in Bridge Street, New Brighton, after the Christchurch earthquake on 4 September 2010.

    Here is what one teacher had to say about using this science story:

    I discovered careful teacher questioning and discussion made the difference between “we got to eat cake today” and “we learned that tectonic plate movement causes earthquakes.

    Teacher

    Seeds, stems and spores

    A Living World resource for NZ Curriculum levels 1 and 2. Explore and use models to explain science ideas related to plant life cycles, seed dispersal and how some plants reproduce without seeds.

    Rights: Daniel Blunt, CC BY 2.0

    Dandelion seeds

    Dandelion seeds float away in the wind. To make sure at least some of the seeds land in a suitable growing place, the plant has to produce lots of seeds.

    Below is from a pollination wall display by some Year 2 students:

    We learnt about pollination…We flew from flower to flower. We collected nectar and pollen rubbed onto us. It was fun!

    Soil

    A Planet Earth and Beyond resource for NZ Curriculum levels 1 and 2. Without soil, we would be hungry, thirsty, naked, homeless and breathless. Use observation to explore the precious resource that is often treated like dirt.

    When the parents come in, the kids love to show off the soil samples and explain how we dug them out of the ground. The resources made for a great teaching tool.

    Teacher
    Rights: Michael Simons, licensed through 123rf Ltd.

    More than dirt

    Soils are full of life! They also help to feed us, keep us warm, clean and store our water and help moderate climate change.

    Weather

    Weather is a common topic in junior classes. We have activities to build some simple data-gathering devices. They are an effective way to learn how scientists use tools to measure and collect data about the environment. They support the development of the science capabilities, especially ‘Gather and interpret data’, ‘Use evidence’ and ‘Critique evidence’.

    Observation

    Observation is a key skill in science. We have two simple activities to help students gain competency in this skill: Making a simple microscope and Developing observational skills in younger students.

    Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato

    Drawing progression

    Like other skills, observational drawing improves with practice.

    The interactive Learning about the water cycle groups information and activities in one place. There are several activities that are ideal for cross-curricular study.

    Other content

    There is a large number of Connected journal articles on the Hub. We provide related resources to support and broaden the science concepts featured in these articles.

    Remember you can use our filters to find content specifically suitable for primary teachers within our topic and concept collections and search. Discover why we curate resources by topics and concepts in this PLD article Science topics and science concepts.

    The Science Learning Hub is instrumental in helping primary teachers come to grips with science and then to deliver exciting and engaging science activities and learning to students. This article provides links to our primary level PLD resources. Our recorded webinar What does the Hub look like in the classroom? demonstrates what it looks like to plan using the Hub and how you might adapt resources for your students.

    If you want any further help, please contact us.

    Useful link

    The Science Spark website has a range of guides and activities for children from ages 8 to 11.

      Published 29 January 2015, Updated 27 February 2018 Referencing Hub articles
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