Great Links for Schools
Introduction
These are a selection of links chosen to stimulate your thinking, or to provide interesting curriculum support.

What is Matariki?
http://edu.rasnz.org.nz/Matariki.html
Matariki is a small group of stars that are used by many Māori tribes (but not all) to mark the end and the beginning of the year. Māori’s are not the only people to use these stars as a seasonal marker; these beautiful stars have captivated peoples all over the world, being a major signpost in the sky for many of Earth’s older cultures.
In this section we will present information on the astronomical and cultural dimensions of Matariki, also known as the Pleiades or M45, and provide links to other websites about this important annual milestone in Māori culture in New Zealand.


BAYER PRIMARY SCHOOL SCIENCE FUND
This fund is to give primary schools the opportunity to apply for funding required to teach and enhance both environmental science and ‘nature of science’ activities.

A primary school can request a maximum sum of up to $2,000 to help fund activities. A school that has been successful in being funded may only apply for funding once every three years.

For more information please visit: http://www.royalsociety.org.nz/programmes/funds/bayer-primary-school-science-fund/



INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

International opportunities for senior secondary school students who are passionate about science. Please visit the website for more information. Applications close 30 March. http://www.royalsociety.org.nz/programmes/competitions/international-secondary/


Science For Kids

1. Science Kids - Bringing science and technology together! - Fun experiments, cool facts, online games, activities, projects, ideas, technology

2. The Science Learning Hub provides resources for teachers years 5-10. Their resources for teachers explore the latest resource in science and technology in New Zealand and are closely linked to the science curriculum




WWF is pleased to be launching a new resource for primary teachers called "Maui's Dolphin - an inquiry to action"
You can download if for free from the WWF website


The resource supports teachers to use an inquiry learning approach so their students can find out about Maui's dolphin and undertake action projects to help protect this critically endangered species
Matariki
Matariki is a time of festivity for Mori, the tangata whenua, or first people of the land. Te Papas festival is for all people of Aotearoa New Zealand and includes elements from other Pacific cultures. Follow the link to Te Papa's Matariki Resource


General Education
TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) Talks are wonderful.
Click on this link to a host of education ones.
Sir Ken Robinson
Bring On The Revolution
Schools Kill Creativity

Science

The factsheets provide information and images for high school students, university students and members of the public to use in their own projects with appropriate acknowledgement. They avoid jargon and technical terms. There is a glossary, and supporting information explains technical issues such as scientific names, terms and definitions, and answers basic ecological questions such as why all kinds of insects arent found on every host plant.
Subjects covered include - the large green puriri moth; the pohutukawa leaf miner; the cabbage tree moth; pittosporum psyllid; the Tasmanian lacewing; and the tiny lacebark gall mite.


Advance notice of Oxfams Wara Blong Life online project
This fun, interactive classroom project takes place in term 4. Wara Blong Life (Water for Survival) is a 9-week project, based on the Technology, Social Studies and Health and Physical Education curricula.
The aims of the project are to encourage 'out of the square' problem solving in a 'real world' context. Working in collaboration with Kenyan and Papua New Guinea schools, students both design a method of washing hands that requires very little water and develop health education materials.
Teachers and students are fully supported for the duration of the project with background resources, an e-teacher and experts in the field. To register contact: monika@megabright.co.nz


Term 1, 2011 - Canterbury Earthquake
Learn from experts about what caused this earthquake. Visit urban and rural places which continue to show the extent of the damage. Hear stories from local people about their experience of the earthquake. Use earthquake measuring devices like the scientists as you collect and analyse data. Shovel liquefied soil and find out why it isn't fun. Make simple models to see the effect of different earthquake waves. Make sure your home is 'quake safe' and learn what to do during and after an earthquake.