The role of science in 2020
Although it’s been a strange year, there have been some bright moments in 2020. Let’s reflect and celebrate.
Reflections as we head into summer
December heralds the beginning of our Kiwi summer and the promise of a holiday break. Our newsletter usually profiles new content but we thought we’d share some reflections on what has been a most unusual year.
The importance of science communication
2020 will be remembered for many things – many of which are positive! First and foremost is the role of science and science communication. Aotearoa New Zealand is very fortunate to have science and health experts who presented clear guidance at the start of the pandemic and continue to do so. Underpinning key messages are animations and illustrations by Toby Morris and Siouxsie Wiles, which have informed Kiwis and millions of people around the world.
Covid-19-Transmission
The Spinoff cartoonist Toby Morris, created an interactive illustration to help explain how individual actionscan have an impact during the coronavirus pandemic.
Our science vocabularies now contain the term genome sequencing – the genetic fingerprint that has helped New Zealand manage Covid-19 outbreaks. Congratulations to the scientists at Environmental Science and Research for this critical work and our warmest thanks to all the health and lab heroes who test for Covid-19 and contact trace.
Education at home and online
We know that educators from all sectors have had to learn new ways of teaching and supporting students this year. Our work with Shawn Cooper, Suzie Cato and the Ministry of Education to write scripts for the Home Learning TV | Papa Kāinga TV was an incredible experience for the Hub team. Reflecting on the diversity of student needs and learning styles has shaped the way we’ve created content as the year has progressed.
A new normal – COVID-19
COVID-19 has shifted how we view the world. It has forced us to navigate new normals in all aspects of our lives including how we teach and learn.
We offer a variety of resources that support distance learning for our overseas readers who are teaching and learning at home.
All the best for the holiday season
We would like to take the opportunity to say THANK YOU to you for utilising the Science Learning Hub, we wish you a safe and joyful festive season. Our team will take a holiday break but we will be back in mid-January. Please contact us for help with planning for the new school year or to let us know about the wonderful science and science education mahi being done around Aotearoa.
Don’t forget our PLD section has heaps of webinars, and planning and pedagogy resources that you can download and read at the beach. All the best!
Meri Kirihimete
The Science Learning Hub team wish you all a very safe and happy festive season.
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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.
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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.
Regards
Science Learning Hub – Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao
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