Gain confidence in the world of coding with Scratch.
This is a beginner-friendly platform that makes programming accessible and exciting. Improve mathematics and develop coding skills with this engaging software, which allows children to build functional computer games and other applications.
In today’s fast-paced learning environment, efficiency is key. This workshop is designed to help educators work smarter, not harder, by streamlining STEM teaching strategies without compromising quality or engagement. SAS Solutions focuses on high-impact, time-efficient approaches that maximise student learning while reducing unnecessary workload. Participants will explore innovative lesson structures, quick-win activities, and adaptable teaching techniques that deliver powerful results in less time. We will discuss ways to simplify complex STEM concepts, integrate cross-disciplinary learning, and utilise technology to enhance both teaching and student understanding. Through hands-on demonstrations and real-world examples, educators will gain practical insights into optimising lesson planning, assessment, and classroom management to create a more effective and engaging STEM learning experience. Whether you’re looking to increase efficiency in your teaching practice, improve student outcomes, or free up time for deeper learning experiences, this workshop will provide you with the tools to do more with less.
What do you know about our endemic Canterbury butterflies?
This workshop will take you on a crash course on our local butterflies and to provide you with the know-how to create habitats, identify and scientifically pin our gorgeous Lepidoptera.
Learn how to get your students involved in the B5 Project and become kaitiaki of their school grounds and the wider community. Connect with butterfly experts both in Canterbury and nationally to help protect our taonga species.
Practical strategies for teaching evolution through observation and key insights into Darwin's groundbreaking ideas. Our 'Zoo' workshops are for Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Christchurch Zoo's. Registration payment includes zoo entry. For all workshops, participants will meet Hagar at the Zoo entrance. You can register for any 'zoo' workshop via the Christchurch, Kapiti, Taupo, Rotorua, North Auckland, Central Auckland or South Auckland Flexi Conference venues.
Part of a series of immersive workshops based on the theme “Science in the Kitchen’, combining exploration, observation, and discussion to bring Nature of Science concepts to life.
Transform everyday kitchen recipes into captivating science lessons for biology and chemistry classrooms.
Featured Workshop: How the Cookie Crumbles Learn how to turn a simple cookie recipe into a dynamic science lab.
Highlights: Conduct hands-on investigations focusing on the scientific method. Takeaways: Practical ways to explore the nature of science and foster curiosity through culinary experiments.
Learn the basics of screen printing creating a hand-cut stencil, printing – colour and design, and overlay printing (great for yr 10-13 applied design tee shirts).
You will also have the chance to get a ‘taster’ of digital stencilling using the cri – cut machine.
Mara kai is usually defined as vegetable gardening but it can extend out into wild foods. We will visit sites of traditional gardens and look at the reasons these places were chosen. It may be of interest that several of these sites are on or near schools. We will go to remnant forest to learn about edible berries, drupes and other parts of plants. And look at how Maori use whakapapa relationships between all life for nutrition and sustainability.
Learn how easy it is to use nature to support curriculum learning and well-being in your school green-spaces. In this experience, you’ll learn how to use nature as your classroom and co-teacher to integrate almost all curriculum areas and support wellbeing (yours and your learners). You’ll walk away with the knowledge, skills, confidence and a resource kit so you can start immediately. Our focus will be on integrating literacy, science, social science and supporting hauora through nature connection, plant identification and uses and seasonal wisdom – we’ll connect, make and create with and in nature.
Identify local birds and undertake 5MBC and complete a quick quadrat survey of potential food sources, to determine if there is a link between the two.
At-risk youth face unique challenges that can impact their educational success, well-being, and future opportunities. This workshop will explore key concerns within the education and youth support sectors, focusing on strategies to enhance engagement and well-being for at-risk youth.
Educational Psychologist Kiera will share insights on innovative interventions that foster resilience, motivation, and long-term success.
Some key areas she will cover include:
Increasing motivation to engage in the learning process – strategies to make learning more meaningful and relevant for disengaged youth. Supporting the impact of co-existing mental health challenges on learning – practical approaches to address anxiety, trauma, and other mental health concerns that affect academic success. Building strong relationships and trust – the role of mentorship and positive adult connections in fostering a sense of belonging and stability. Kiera is currently working as an Educational Psychologist on the Sunshine Coast, Australia, and will return to NZ specifically for this conference – and to see mum and dad!
In this workshop you will learn how to engage students in the learning of science in real-world contexts relevant to our learners. The team-based, student-centred approach with opportunities for creativity, innovation, and the use of higher-order thinking. There are numerous examples: Sport Science “How does physics impact your chosen sport or recreation?’ “How does the human body adapt to perform at a higher level?”’. “ How does a formula one team/rowing team etc try to ensure a podium finish?’ Snorkelling “The protection of New Zealand’s many unique species is very important for the worlds Biodiversity. Why is this and how are we doing? Kayaking “Why should we try and help restore the Mangroves on the New Island?”
Join Phillip Robinson, “The Tsunami Guy,” for an engaging and action-packed workshop designed to boost awareness of tsunami hazards and preparedness. Through hands-on classroom activities, students will learn best practices for earthquake and tsunami resilience, including the life-saving “Drop, Cover, Hold” and “Long or Strong, Get Gone” messages. Phil will guide your school in planning and conducting a successful practice Tsunami Evacuation Hikoi, helping students map the local area, read hazard maps, and plan evacuation routes. This program inspires critical thinking about preparedness at school and home, fostering resilience across the entire community. A must for any school in a coastal region!
Explore the fascinating relationship between plants and their environment with Ruud Kleinpaste in his workshop, “How to Murder Your Plants More Slowly.” Perfect for schools with gardens or access to natural plant areas, this session dives into the challenges plants face from pests and diseases. Learn how these factors influence plant health and discover practical strategies to slow their impact. With Ruud’s signature wit and expertise, this workshop offers valuable insights for educators and students alike, fostering a deeper understanding of plant care and sustainable gardening practices.
An engaging outdoor workshop, run by bug nerd Sarah C, where students will discover the incredible variety of insects living in their environment. Participants will learn about the vital roles these creatures play in maintaining ecological balance and gain hands-on experience identifying and observing them in their natural habitats. Through interactive activities, discussions, and exploration, students will develop a deeper appreciation for these often-overlooked heroes of nature.
Engage your students through sharing and creating video. See how you and your ākonga can film, edit and share stories through video without the need for specialised equipment. Discover how to plan, record and edit your own meaningful content. Explore the use of third-party content and how to utilise this without breaching copyright. See how to employ different techniques to extend the quality of your visual and audio recordings and inspire your students to embrace the art of videography.
A Hands-On Learning Experience for Educators. In survival scenarios, you’re rarely alone, and this creates both unique challenges and valuable opportunities for growth. Join us for an immersive team-building experience where you’ll collaborate to create a shelter using only the natural resources provided (a perfect way to bring your local curriculum to life!). This challenge will spark your creativity, deepen your collaboration, and add a fun, slightly competitive edge! Protection is a top priority in wilderness survival, but it’s not as simple as it sounds. While people are naturally inclined to work together, identifying your role within a team dynamic can be tricky. In this experience, you’ll discover how to leverage everyone’s strengths, navigate differences, and find common ground to achieve your goals—skills that are just as valuable in the classroom. The key competencies of Managing Self, Relating to Others, and Participating and Contributing will be at the forefront of this experiential learning activity. This experience will not only help you build practical survival skills, but will also strengthen your resilience, communication, and problem-solving abilities as kaiako — skills that are essential for supporting your ākonga in developing their own teamwork and resilience, both in and out of the classroom. As you reflect on how to work together effectively, you’ll gain strategies to help your students: Enhance their ability to collaborate and work with others. Notice, recognize, and respond to the diverse needs and learning styles of ākonga Foster whanaungatanga—the building and maintaining of meaningful relationships that create a sense of belonging, shared responsibility, and support within the learning community. By the end of this experience, you’ll walk away with practical skills and valuable insights you can immediately apply to your teaching practice, helping your students not only survive, but thrive, both in school and in life.
This workshop will introduce participants to the concept of trace evidence. Wherever they step, whatever they touch, whatever they leave, even unconsciously, will serve as a silent witness against them. We will guide you through a mock murder scene (with full PPE if required) describing the evidence that is critical to aid in the investigation through forensic science including Blood spatter, hairs and fibres, fingerprints and footwear and how we can utilise many differing chemicals to develop and preserve the items. Hands on workstations will allow you to develop and preserve fingerprints and footwear. We can show how this can be replicated for your students within the classroom.
