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Teacher PLD

Having fun with the science capabilities

In this recorded professional learning session, Dr Maurice Cheng and Greta Dromgool demonstrate a playful approach to the science capabilities. 

Unpacking the science curriculum can feel a bit overwhelming. In this session learn how you can use simple activities to support your students' development of their science capabilities and their understanding of the Nature of Science – the overarching strand of the New Zealand Science curriculum.

This was a great session, inspiring and motivational.

Participant

This session is valuable for both primary and lower secondary school teachers.

Having fun with the science capabilities

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This is an edited recording of the webinar Having fun with the science capabilities.

Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wananga o Waikato
Referencing Hub media

You can download the video and slideshow presentation.

Having fun with the science capabilities – slideshow

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This slideshow, from the webinar Having fun with the science capabilities, provides additional support for the video tutorial.

Use the Slideshow menu for further options, including view full screen, and go here for the download option.

Download (19 MB)
Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wananga o Waikato
Size: 19.03 MB
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I certainly learnt a lot. Can't wait to get back in the classroom! 

Participant

Index

TopicSlideshow number(s)Video timecode
Index
2
00:17
Introducing the Science Learning Hub and presenters
3–4
00:26
Purpose
5
02:37
What are the science capabilities?
6
03:43
NMSSA and NZCER Progression resources
7–11
07:44
Sandpit science
12
11:37
Activity 1: Mystery boxes
13
17:22
Activity 2: Observing hair
14
24:19
Activity 3: Exploring liquids
15–16
29:36
SLH links, keep in touch and thanks
17–18
37:35

Related content

The activity Observation and the mystery box is used in the webinar. 

Explore our Nature of science topic and see our previous webinars below related to the science capabilities: 

  • Science capabilities in action – observation: gather and interpret data

  • SLH and the science capabilities – interpreting observations: gather and interpret data

  • Developing an eagle eye – observation: gather and interpret data

  • Making sense of what we see – interpreting observations: gather and interpret data

  • Delving into data – collecting data: use evidence and critique evidence

  • Making sense of data – interpreting data: use evidence and critique evidence

We've created a collection to support educators using the science capabilities. The collection includes activities suitable for ākonga in the primary years.

Useful links

Read more about the science capabilities on the Tāhūrangi website.

See information about science in the 2007 New Zealand Curriculum here.

Other supporting documents looking at science progressions can be found on the NMSSA website.

Carol Brieseman shared her resources on the science capabilities here.

Acknowledgement

Thank you to Dr Maurice Cheng.

Glossary

Published: 28 October 2021
Referencing Hub articles

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