Science's true nature and a hint of disorder revealed
Kick back and relax with our Science Learning Hub during the holidays! We've got cool stuff lined up for you, including free board games, an epic history deep dive, and easy-peasy DIY activity videos.
It's a Volcano Explosion with 5-Minute Volcano!
Join the fun with 5-Minute Volcano – a fast-paced, interactive board game all about disaster preparedness in theface of volcanic hazards! Now offering FREE class sets to qualifying New Zealand schools!
Meet the lava-tastic 5-Minute Volcano board game
Get ready for action as players work together using their character roles to survive volcanic perils such as ashfall, gas-filled pyroclastic flows, and terrifying tsunamis. This game is perfect for whānau aged 8+, although it's especially designed for those between 11–12 years of age. The Beneath the Waves programme, led by GNS Science and funded by MBIE, has a limited number of board games to share with lucky educational institutions nationwide[1].
Apply through Science Learning Hub channels to score six game sets each, which can accommodate up to 30 players. Keep in mind that priority will be given to schools with a heritage or geographical connection to a volcano or volcanic field, as well as district Equity Index[3][4].
Dive into the deep, magical world of Microscopes
Microscopes have revolutionized our understanding of the universe – check out some awesome, tablet-sized scanning electron microscopes (SEM) along with our curated resources:
- Mobile scanning electron microscope: Learn more in our PLD article packed with helpful media.
- A scanning electron microscope in the classroom : Discover a treasure trove of useful background resources.
Many universities offer mobile SEMs that are taken on outreach trips to schools[2]. Explore microscopes with your class without leaving your classroom!
The Evolution of Science: A Captivating Timeline
Science has been the key to unlocking secrets of the universe since time immemorial. Explore how our understanding of the world has evolved through time in our beautiful, two-part series:
- From Stone Age to Scientific Revolution: The Revolution of Science
- Age of Enlightenment and Beyond: The Transformation of Science
Sailing the Pacific Ocean like our early Polynesian Ancestors
Sail the waves just like our Polynesian ancestors did! Waka hourua-style vessels were built since the 1990s to navigate the Pacific in the traditional manner.
Engraving 'Priests traveling across Kealakekua Bay,' by John Webber (1752-1793), artist aboard Cook's ship.
Rights:
Exploring and Observing: Fun, Interactive Videos
Exploration and observation are the cornerstones of scientific investigation – whether you're working in a high-tech lab or an early learning classroom. The New Zealand Association of Primary Science Educators has partnered with us to create engaging activity videos. Some examples include:
- Density – observation and inference, featuring John Marsh
- Exploring nature through color, featuring Heather Goodey
- Using magnification tools, featuring Carol Brieseman
- Using music to explore sound, featuring Sandy Jackson
For educators working with secondary students, check out our popular Investigating in science PLD article and Types of investigation interactive. Each features examples of Māori research and background information[5].
The Importance of Whānau, Hapū, and Iwi in Maintaining Ecological Balance
Our local communities value preserving ecosystems, ensuring all creatures can thrive. Birds are crucial to Aotearoa's unique biodiversity and the ongoing ecological balance.
Rights:
Matariki and Puanga Celebration – Honoring Aotearoa's Native Birds
As Matariki and Puanga rise in the sky marking the close of term 2, the time comes for us to bundle up, find a cozy spot, and immerse ourselves in Te Tatauranga o ngā Manu Māra o Aotearoa - The New Zealand Garden Bird Survey 2025.
Mānawatia a Matariki mā Puanga from the Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao team!
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Noho ora mai
Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao
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[1] "Beneath the Waves": https://www.gns.cri.nz/Home/Our-Work/Beneath-the-Waves[2] "Using mobile scanning electron microscopes in schools": https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/using-mobile-scanning-electron-microscopes-in-schools-51128262[3] "Free 5-Minute Volcano resources": https://www.education.govt.nz/school/curriculum-and-learning/mathematics-and-statistics/curriculum-support/mathematics-learning-from-home-karangawhiti-whakaaro-matakotaha/levels-1-2-and-3/mathematics-learning-resources/5-minute-volcano/[4] "5-Minute Volcano for schools": https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/5-minute-volcano[5] "Investigating in science": https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1621-investigating-in-science[6] "Learning From Home - Level 1, 2 and 3": https://www.education.govt.nz/school/curriculum-and-learning/mathematics-and-statistics/curriculum-support/mathematics-learning-from-home-karangawhiti-whakaaro-matakotaha/
- Engage in educational content related to climate change and environmental science through the Science Learning Hub's resources, such as videos on exploring nature through color or using magnification tools, promoting learning and self-development.
- Learn about the history and significance of microscopes in environmental science, including tablet-sized scanning electron microscopes (SEM), as part of the environmental-science education and self-development offered by the Science Learning Hub.
