Teacher PLD

SLH and NZ science research

This online PD session recorded on 19 May 2015 explores ideas for using the Science Learning Hub’s resources to introduce students to the wide range of science research carried out by New Zealand scientists.

The session also introduces ways the SLH resources can be used to encourage students to explore the Nature of Science aspects such as the ways science understanding changes over time and how socio-scientific issues lead to new science research. Links are made to the science capabilities, such as ‘Engage with science’, by modelling ways to use information from SLH science researchers including some of their data/evidence.

This PLD session was based on the legacy Science Learning Hub however all the resources are still available on the new-look Science Learning Hub site.

SLH and NZ science research

A recorded PLD session exploring ways to use the wonderful scientists’ stories and resources on SLH to engage year 9 and 10 students in learning about the wide range of science-related career opportunities available in New Zealand and considering the Nature of Science.

This PLD session was based on the legacy Science Learning Hub however all the resources are still available on the new-look Science Learning Hub site.

Rights: University of Waikato

Selected resources highlight work of individuals and teams as well as ways communities have influenced decisions on further impacts of research. The session introduces two student activities that model one way to build student capability in using evidence and interpreting representations. The session also introduces a three-level reading guide to explore the role of observation in research using a SLH resource and a treasure hunt that highlights the interaction of scientists, technologists and consumers relating to the development of the biospife.

SLH and NZ science research

A recorded PLD session exploring ways to use the wonderful scientists’ stories and resources on SLH to engage year 9 and 10 students in learning about the wide range of science-related career opportunities available in New Zealand and considering the Nature of Science.

This PLD session was based on the legacy Science Learning Hub however all the resources are still available on the new-look Science Learning Hub site.

Rights: University of Waikato

This is a great way to do PLD.

Teacher

Very, very useful – thanks a million.

Teacher

See above to view the video of this professional development session (we recommend downloading the video) and also links below to download the:

  • PowerPoint presentation

  • treasure hunt – biospife

  • index for the PowerPoint and video.

Explaining New Zealand’s role in science

Scientists and specialists from a range of fields discuss the benefits of working with the Science Learning Hub. The benefits include showcasing scientists’ personal stories, the opportunity for educational outreach and an accurate representation of their work.

Note that this video shows footage from the old legacy Science Learning Hub website but all the resources referenced in this video are available on this website.

Rights: University of Waikato. All Rights Reserved.

In this video, scientists discuss the benefits of working with the Hub. They value the opportunities to showcase their personal stories, the opportunities for educational outreach and the accurate representation of their work.

Nature of science

Exploring New Zealand science research is a valuable way to consider aspects of the Nature of Science and links well with the achievement aims ‘Understanding about science’ and ‘Participating and contributing’. Building scientific literacy and developing students’ ability to interpret the many representations used in science are an important part of the Nature of Science.

Activity ideas

Developing students’ abilities to use evidence from a range of texts is part of communicating in science. It is also a capability that students need to develop as they engage with the many ways scientists present their ideas using conventions such as annotated diagrams.

This student activity engages students in using evidence from a diagram and article to explain what happens as water moves between solid, liquid and gaseous states.
Using evidence – heat and change of state

In this student activity, students can transfer their understanding of change of state and the energy involved to develop an explanation for how a heat pump cycle works.
Interpreting representations – heat pump cycle

In this activity, students use a three-level reading guide to locate information about the role of observation in science from a text, interpret what the text means and then apply the information to consider ways scientists use observation to gather evidence.
Observation in science – three-level reading guide

Our resources on Breeding red-fleshed apples looks at the research that has led to some innovative New Zealand biotechnology outcomes. At the bottom of this page are links to a number of different activities.

Published: 30 June 2015