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!
What would it be like to live in the Ocean? Who are the animals that cope in this watery world, and how do they do it? Using a range of colourful characters, we can explore the shoreline without getting too wet, or do we! Predation is a big issue for many creatures, so critters use many ways to avoid being something else’s dinner! Try the Survivor game and see how you fare!
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.
This workshop will dive into the world of flawed experiments, misleading statistics, and pseudoscience.
Through engaging examples like anti-vaccine movements, fad diets, and pseudoscientific wellness trends, participants will learn to critically evaluate claims and understand the hallmarks of credible research.
You’ll leave equipped to navigate the modern information landscape.
Original Physics Solutions is an innovative framework designed to make physics more inclusive and representative of diverse perspectives. It challenges traditional norms in physics education by fostering a more equitable academic culture where all learners feel empowered to engage with scientific concepts. Through this workshop, participants will explore effective strategies for embedding inclusivity in physics education, ensuring that diverse voices shape scientific inquiry and innovation. The session will also showcase practical tools and real-world case studies, equipping educators with actionable methods to create more equitable and engaging learning experiences.
As educators, we know that there has been a big push with literacy and numeracy with the new government. Many educators are feeling the pressure to focus on these areas. However, there is a danger that their tamariki are missing out on learning about nature and the environment and, going outside. This workshop will focus on how you can take your tamariki outside into nature for hands-on practical learning, while still focusing on literacy and numeracy.
Learn the technique of wet felting using wool. This technique is fun, affordable and hands on creating an applied design that can be used for wall art or embellishment for any textile item/ project.
The elements of design – colour, texture and scale are considered within a theme or concept.
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.
In this practical workshop, Julian will share all sorts of ideas, do-able practical activities, resources and information for teaching a topic on earthquakes in New Zealand. We will look at why and where they occur, what it feels like to be in an earthquake, what scientists are learning about potential threats, how NZ landscapes change because of earthquakes, how scientists monitor and research them and what that teaches us about the earthquake hazard. Finally we will think about how best to prepare for a quake and what sort of things to expect if one happens.
In this experience, you’ll walk (and swim) through the steps of sharing the wonderful world of the rocky shore with your ākonga.
From marine identification, snorkeling safety and how too, to practice of snorkel surveying in a secure environment. You’ll walk away with the knowledge, skills, experience and a full unit plan with resources to help get you started right away.
Indoors for the first part, with some activities outside. Running through the ethical considerations in conservation (activities), the representation of data for projects such as 1080 application, investigating claims and creating a science communication piece.
5 years on from the COVID-19 pandemic response, we’re learning a lot about the impact that this event had on youth development. We must of course acknowledge the pandemic response’s role in saving countless of lives. However, a massive event such as this, would of course have a range of unintended consequences in education, social development and mental health.
This workshop will cover key concerns raised within the education sector about what’s been noticed as a flow on effect from the COVID-19 pandemic. Educational Psychologist Kiera will discuss strategies to help restore some of the lost opportunities for development during this time. Some key areas she will cover include: the interaction between social skills delay and emotional regulation, building resilience back, and adaptations in learning to support academic disengagement. Kiera is currently working as an Ed Pysch on the Sunshine Coast, Australia and will return to NZ specifically for this Conference – and to see mum and dad!
You will cover things like: Using the learning cycle. Create a big driving question, with success criteria based on the NZC outcomes. Use learning outcomes from various strands of the curriculum. gathering knowledge (GK): From the field based or other activity and other knowledge needed. Apply the GK to answer the Big Question (this is where thinking skills comes in (Biggs Solo Taxonomy) Take action: Present in any way the students want to use. What will you get to use: You will walk away with ready to use resources for any adventures your students may want to experience. More examples my YouTube channel: Handle @problit
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.
In pre-European times, the seas around Aotearoa were the main food source for most Māori. However, having recently arrived, the earliest Polynesian settlers were used to spearing fish in clear tropical waters. In Aotearoa, the murky seas must have been initially frustrating. Māori went on to develop the fishing hook beyond any other culture on the planet.
This session will look at examples of hooks, lures, traps, nets, and aquaculture, looking at design, manufacture, and functionality. It will also explore some of the tikanga and science around traditional Māori fish harvesting and enhancement methods. This content links to NZ Histories.
An exciting, hands-on workshop that brings the art of a bioblitz to life. Participants will learn how to organize and conduct a bioblitz, with a special focus on catching and observing the incredible variety of critters that take to the skies. From delicate insects to dazzling winged wonders, you’ll uncover the secrets of the flying world. Perfect for educators, students, and nature enthusiasts, this workshop promises to inspire curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the creatures that share our skies.
An immersive workshop, run by Entomology extraordinaire Sarah C, that explores the incredible world of insects living in our freshwater streams. Participants will learn about the diverse species that inhabit these ecosystems and their vital roles in maintaining water quality and ecological balance. Through interactive presentations, guided stream explorations, and hands-on activities, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of these fascinating insects and their significance in the environment. Whether you’re a nature lover, student, or educator, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools to appreciate and protect our freshwater ecosystems.
The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation.
Understand the global and local significance of glaciers through this interactive workshop. Our glaciers are disappearing due to climate change and receding glaciers are a major cause of sea level rise. Loss of glacial ice also threatens our water supplies and local communities. Discover what’s unique about New Zealand’s glaciers and the landscapes they shape. Model glacial recession and uncover the importance of these giant rivers of ice.
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 only unique form of identification in the world. The history and science behind fingerprints and how this differs from DNA profiling. The many types of powders and chemicals that can be used to develop fingerprints from a multitude of substrates. We will then introduce our very own Automated Fingerprint Identification System AFIS (The only one in private hands in the world) for you to search your develop crime prints from the mock crime scene.
Discover the hidden world of moths with Kelly Body in this captivating after-dark workshop. Participants will design and build their own moth traps, witness Kelly’s expert model in action, and collect samples from the night’s catch. This hands-on experience offers a unique lens into biodiversity and highlights the essential roles moths play in ecosystems. Perfect for integration with microscope work or internal assessments, this workshop combines practical science with meaningful discussions about conservation and the importance of protecting our planet’s nocturnal pollinators.
Who’s responsible for the oceanic disco lights the we call bioluminescence? Is it really causing albatross to swim in circles? Can we catch and get to see some of these mysterious glowing creatures? Why and how do they do it? The disadvantages of glowing in a dark ocean are obvious, so what are the advantages? Join us on a dark oceanic field trip to see if we can find some of the culprits!
Join Ruud Kleinpaste, “The Bugman,” for a nocturnal adventure in “The Tonight Show with The Bugman.” This engaging workshop will unveil the fascinating world of creatures that buzz, creep, and flutter through the night. From stealthy spiders to fluttering moths and glowing glowworms, discover the hidden ecosystem that thrives under the cover of darkness. Using his signature humor and deep knowledge, Ruud will guide you in uncovering the secrets of nocturnal life during this prime time for observing nature’s night shift. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, educators, or anyone curious about the mysteries of the night!
Get lost with us and unlock your inner strength! We will show you how you deal with the challenges of disorientation and uncertainty. In the face of disorientation and uncertainty, we’ll help you navigate through challenges and make confident, well-informed decisions. With a focus on safety and support, we’ll guide you through the essential priorities of survival and equip you with strategies that will elevate your confidence and resilience.
This hands-on experience is grounded in Te Mātaiaho’s elements of Understand, Know and Do. It is designed to build your personal growth and empower you with practical skills. By the end of the journey, you’ll have the tools to approach challenges like an expert, with a deepened sense of self-awareness, an appreciation for your own strengths, and a stronger connection to te taiao, the natural world.
This immersive adventure is not only engaging, but also highly relevant. The powerful, enduring big ideas are relatable and accessible for both ākonga and kaiako alike. Your newfound knowledge will be highly engaging for your tamariki and easily applied and delivered in a variety of learning contexts. Together, we’ll work through a dynamic and enjoyable experience—one that will boost your confidence, resilience, and appreciation for the world around you.
Every student has the potential to be excited about science—it’s just a matter of finding what sparks their curiosity. This workshop focuses on effective strategies for identifying students’ scientific interests and rekindling their enthusiasm for learning. By making science more personal, relevant, and engaging, educators can inspire students to see themselves as active participants in the world of discovery. In this session, we will explore practical techniques for uncovering students’ hidden passions, using interactive activities, inquiry-based learning, and real-world applications. Participants will learn how to tailor lessons to individual interests, integrate student-driven projects, and create a classroom culture that nurtures curiosity and engagement.
Through hands-on demonstrations and case studies, we will showcase fun, adaptable methods to connect students with different fields of science—whether it’s physics, biology, chemistry, or environmental studies.
Educators will also gain insights into how to foster resilience in students who may have disengaged from STEM subjects, helping them rediscover their confidence and love for learning.
By the end of the session, attendees will leave with a toolkit of creative strategies to make science more meaningful and inspiring for every student, regardless of background or ability.
In this workshop, we will delve into how to make a personalised local curriculum for your school. We will explore how your local area and its resources can be used as a catalyst and inspiration for curriculum development. We will work with you to incorporate your cultural narrative including tangata whenua, European settlement, other cultural stories as well as geographical aspects. This creates a curriculum that is unique to your kura and community and encompasses the amazing opportunities and connections you have locally. You will work with Bianca, an Enviro Science Teacher, who has developed local curriculums in partnership with many schools in Aotearoa.
Part of a series of immersive workshops set in the zoo, combining exploration, observation, and discussion to bring evolutionary concepts to life. Highlights: Explore phenomena like mimicry, trade-offs, and the role of sexual selection through observation-based activities. Prerequisite: A foundational understanding of natural selection. Takeaways: Fresh ways to integrate advanced evolutionary concepts into your curriculum. 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 jam-making into a hands-on exploration of chemical and biological phenomena. Highlights: Conduct investigations into the roles of osmosis, pectin interactions, and microbial spoilage in food preservation. Design and test hypotheses in a culinary context, linking everyday processes to core scientific concepts. Takeaways: Tools for creating inquiry-based experiments that integrate the scientific method into biology and chemistry curricula. Practical activities that engage students in data collection, analysis, and presentation while fostering curiosity about everyday science.
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.
This simple and enjoyable field trip takes us to locations along a local river. We will observe and compare the size and shape of boulders and pebbles that are eroding as they make their passage from mountains to sea. This is a great activity as it is conceptually easy to grasp but leads to many questions about landscapes, erosion, river flow, weather, different rock types and the rock cycle.
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.
Understanding river health using a SHMAK kit (or similar) and visual health assessment, and the implications for the environment. Workshop would be undertaken on-site, with a reflection back inside at the end, to summarise findings.
We will consider abiotic factors (temperature, reach dimensions, clarity, nitrogen), and biotic factors (invertebrates). This incorporates fair testing, as well as photos, measurements and tallies.
Jeff Bezos, Ellon Musk and Mark Zukerberg fight it out each year for the top spot as the wealthiest person in the world. There’s another thing the wealthiest people in the world have in common – they are all diagnosed neurodivergent! Looking further beyond the tech world, many of the world’s most successful people in their fields are neurodiverse. Excelling in sport and in their ADHD, we have Simone Bile, Lewis Hamilton and Micheal Phelps. Greta Thunberg and Chloe Hayden both excel within advocacy spaces, and they both are autistic. Thomas Edison and Stephen Hawking are both dyslexic. Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo, recipients of The Grammys Best New Artist Award, both have synaesthesia. There are so many more examples of this, which raises the question – does their neurodiversity play a significant role in their ability to excel? Neurodiverse people have a number of barriers to overcome in their lives. These examples of people performing top of their field, highlights the conditions where these barriers subside, and their unique abilities are captured. If we take superhero Spiderman as an example, when first learning about his unique abilities there was a mismatch between these abilities and his environment (he accidentally kept breaking stuff with his web shooters). But with education and understanding, Peter Parker was able to use his unique abilities to accomplish his goal of saving lives. In this workshop Kiera Jones (educational psychologist) will take you through a thorough look into the minds of neurodiverse people. With the goal to explore what actions we can take to coordinate our society in ways that cultivate the uniqueness of neurodiverse minds.
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!
Puppets have a unique ability to break through barriers to learning.
Puppets allow the operator to step ‘outside themselves’ because the ‘performance’ transfers to the puppet.
Interactions between students and educators using puppets are neutral and non-threatening. This allows students to ask questions and say things they might never normally say to a teacher.
Puppets are incredibly versatile, allowing people who don’t normally have confidence to feel at ease, and allowing humour into normally dry situations. A great way to enhance the learning and retention of information.
Richard has created many hand puppets, string-controlled marionettes, finger puppets, full-body animal costumes and character hats. Join Richard de Hamel in a practical session where we will all make a puppet to take away and discuss and try out a variety of puppet styles.
Check out one of Richard’s presentations here; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30Np7_k_sWw
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 workshop, run by Apiculture extraordinaire Sarah C, where we dive deep into the fascinating lives of honeybees and their crucial role in pollination. Participants will learn about the biology of honeybees, their impact on our ecosystems, and the challenges they face today. Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and expert insights, you’ll discover how you can contribute to bee conservation efforts and promote biodiversity in your community. Whether you’re a beginner or a bee enthusiast, this workshop will inspire you to appreciate these vital pollinators and take action to protect them.
Antarctica is a unique natural laboratory that helps us understand the Earth’s climate, ocean systems, and the impact of human activity. This remote and hostile environment directly affects Aotearoa. Demystify climate science and oceanography through engaging practical activities and see how scientists work and live in Antarctica. Let Antarctica inspire you and your students to take action to reduce climate change.
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 identifying the use of science in the court of law. We will discuss the legal system’s reliance on forensic science evidence in criminal cases and the admissibility of forensic evidence including discussing stated cases like the Baines, Crewe and Sounds Murders. Using fingerprint and DNA science within the court system over the years.
Explore the fascinating connections between what we eat and the world around us. In this workshop, we’ll delve into how nutrition impacts our bodies and the environment, uncovering sustainable food choices and the role of plants in our diets. Through hands-on activities and discussions, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the intricate ties between health, our brains, ecosystems, and the foods we love
This workshop showcases a collection of STEM lessons that have been rigorously tested and proven to be highly effective across a wide range of subject areas, age groups, and ability levels. Whether you’re teaching primary students just beginning their STEM journey or advanced learners tackling complex scientific concepts, these lessons are designed to be engaging, adaptable, and impactful. Participants will explore hands-on activities, real-world applications, and innovative teaching techniques that have consistently yielded positive results in classrooms. The session will also delve into strategies for differentiation, ensuring that lessons can be tailored to meet the diverse needs of students with varying abilities and learning styles. Educators will leave with ready-to-use lesson plans, practical insights, and a deeper understanding of what makes a STEM lesson truly effective. Whether you’re looking for new ideas, refining existing approaches, or aiming to boost student engagement, this session will provide you with tried and tested solutions that work.
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.
Dive into computer-based simulations to explore the scientific basis to climate change as well as solutions. Highlights: Learn about the greenhouse effect and earth’s energy budget through inquiry based activities. Investigate actionable climate strategies and learn how to incorporate these tools into your teaching. Takeaways: Accessible digital tools and methods for addressing complex climate topics in the classroom.
Part of a series of immersive workshops set in the zoo, combining exploration, observation, and discussion to bring evolutionary concepts to life. Highlights: Explore phenomena like mimicry, trade-offs, and the role of sexual selection through observation-based activities. Prerequisite: A foundational understanding of natural selection. Takeaways: Fresh ways to integrate advanced evolutionary concepts into your curriculum. 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.
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.
We will look at the geological history at Titahi Bay and how a combination of tectonics, sea level change and erosion processes have shaped the topography that we see today. We will start at the beach to see the basics of the environmental forces at work, understand the greywacke bedrock and find evidence for a fossil forest. We will then visit the rocky coastline a few hundred metres to the north and look at some classic coastal erosion features as well as more geological structures in the bedrock We will start at the beach to see the basics of the environmental forces at work, understand the greywacke bedrock and find evidence for a fossil forest. We will then visit the rocky coastline a few hundred metres to the north and look at some classic coastal erosion features as well as more geological structures in the bedrock.
In this experience, you’ll walk (and swim) through the steps of sharing the wonderful world of the rocky shore with your ākonga.
From marine identification, snorkeling safety and how too, to practice of snorkel surveying in a secure environment. You’ll walk away with the knowledge, skills, experience and a full unit plan with resources to help get you started right away.
Heading out and understanding what makes a rock pool tick. Measure rock pools (including depth), taking percent covers of algae, using quadrats to measure biodiversity and abiotic factors such as temperature and oxygen, pH. Includes tallies, measurements, observations, photos and fair testing. Using this information to infer what depends on what, and what we might expect if an abiotic factor were to change. Summing up back at base, comparing information, brainstorming report.
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!
You will cover things like: Using the learning cycle. Create a big driving question, with success criteria based on the NZC outcomes. Use learning outcomes from various strands of the curriculum. gathering knowledge (GK): From the field based or other activity and other knowledge needed. Apply the GK to answer the Big Question (this is where thinking skills comes in (Biggs Solo Taxonomy) Take action: Present in any way the students want to use. What will you get to use: You will walk away with ready to use resources for any adventures your students may want to experience. More examples my YouTube channel: Handle @problit
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!
Looking at how schools can investigate/discover what’s going on below the surface. Exploring the undersea world can be problematic. That can either put you off trying or it can create a worthy challenge to try and come up with simple solutions to find out what is going on down there. Low-tech answers can lie in using inexpensive action cameras in smart ways, taking bottom samples, video transects, light traps, plankton sampling, water sampling (temp/salinity/pH etc), sediment deposition and using ROVs. Much of this gear can be designed by students and built in a school’s technology suite. Getting real-world data from the real world, is life experience stuff and its value cannot be underestimated.
An exciting, hands-on workshop that brings the art of a bioblitz to life. Participants will learn how to organize and conduct a bioblitz, with a special focus on catching and observing the incredible variety of critters that take to the skies. From delicate insects to dazzling winged wonders, you’ll uncover the secrets of the flying world. Perfect for educators, students, and nature enthusiasts, this workshop promises to inspire curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the creatures that share our skies.
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.
Discover how to engage and inspire your students through virtual field trips. See how you can create your own virtual field trip experiences without the need for specialised equipment. In this workshop you will take part in an interactive virtual field trip and see how to plan, create, share and evaluate your own virtual field trip. See how online tools and multimedia can engage your students and take them to places they may not otherwise experience. Explore strategies to deepen learning and inspire ākonga to take action within the context of a relevant and authentic virtual field trip.
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.
Identifying the use of entomology & palynology and environmental factors within a crime scene and how this assists in the investigation of a serious crime scene. The attributes of the specialist examining the crime scene and the unique science skills they use to obtain critical information to the investigating team.
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.
All-Inclusive Science is a framework designed to make science more diverse, equitable, and accessible. It challenges the traditional ‘value system’ in science education by promoting a more inclusive and representative academic culture. This approach ensures that all learners, regardless of background, have meaningful opportunities to engage with scientific concepts in ways that reflect a wider range of perspectives, experiences, and cultural understandings. Whether you are an educator, curriculum designer, or passionate advocate for diversity in STEM, this session will provide valuable insights into reshaping science education for a more inclusive future.
As educators, we know that there has been a big push with literacy and numeracy with the new government. Many educators are feeling the pressure to focus on these areas. However, there is a danger that their tamariki are missing out on learning about nature and the environment and, going outside. This workshop will focus on how you can take your tamariki outside into nature for hands-on practical learning, while still focusing on literacy and numeracy.
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 technique of wet felting using wool. This technique is fun, affordable and hands on creating an applied design that can be used for wall art or embellishment for any textile item/ project. The elements of design – colour, texture and scale are considered within a theme or concept.
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.
Time spent making ink and chew cards, running through the physiology/behaviours of introduced and endemic species, and control methods. Links in well to the ‘Controversy in Conservation’ session.
5 years on from the COVID-19 pandemic response, we’re learning a lot about the impact that this event had on youth development. We must of course acknowledge the pandemic response’s role in saving countless of lives. However, a massive event such as this, would of course have a range of unintended consequences in education, social development and mental health.
This workshop will cover key concerns raised within the education sector about what’s been noticed as a flow on effect from the COVID-19 pandemic. Educational Psychologist Kiera will discuss strategies to help restore some of the lost opportunities for development during this time. Some key areas she will cover include: the interaction between social skills delay and emotional regulation, building resilience back, and adaptations in learning to support academic disengagement. Kiera is currently working as an Ed Pysch 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!
New Zealand/Aotearoa is the envy of many countries, being the only country in the world with a quota-managed fisheries resource for all commercial species. In the long term, how sustainable is commercial and recreational fishing in this country? We will look at Commercial Fish harvesting and the controls and strategies employed to do the job efficiently. How does this compare with Aquaculture? Is aquaculture going to be the answer to supplying consumer demand for seafood? Where will we end up? How will climate change affect the marine environment and the way it works? What effects will be seen on species we are used to having in our waters. Includes a Mussel dissection and a demonstration of mussel water filtering? Includes a mussel dissection and a demonstration of mussel water filtering.
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 immersive workshop, run by Entomology extraordinaire Sarah C, that explores the incredible world of insects living in our freshwater streams. Participants will learn about the diverse species that inhabit these ecosystems and their vital roles in maintaining water quality and ecological balance. Through interactive presentations, guided stream explorations, and hands-on activities, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of these fascinating insects and their significance in the environment. Whether you’re a nature lover, student, or educator, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools to appreciate and protect our freshwater ecosystems.
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.
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.
Step into the nocturnal world with Kelly Body in this thrilling evening workshop, Night Stalkers: Tracking Predators and Protecting Wildlife. Participants will set ink tunnels and chew cards to detect predator activity, explore possum markings, and uncover signs of hedgehogs and rats under the cover of darkness. The session also features an unforgettable experience observing tuna (eels) and native fish at night. Dive into discussions on safeguarding our native species, including hands-on tips for creating weta houses, lizard gardens, and bird nesting boxes. This immersive workshop blends exploration and conservation, empowering participants to make a difference for our precious wildlife.
Who’s responsible for the oceanic disco lights the we call bioluminescence? Is it really causing albatross to swim in circles? Can we catch and get to see some of these mysterious glowing creatures? Why and how do they do it? The disadvantages of glowing in a dark ocean are obvious, so what are the advantages? Join us on a dark oceanic field trip to see if we can find some of the culprits!
Join Ruud Kleinpaste, “The Bugman,” for a nocturnal adventure in “The Tonight Show with The Bugman.” This engaging workshop will unveil the fascinating world of creatures that buzz, creep, and flutter through the night. From stealthy spiders to fluttering moths and glowing glowworms, discover the hidden ecosystem that thrives under the cover of darkness. Using his signature humor and deep knowledge, Ruud will guide you in uncovering the secrets of nocturnal life during this prime time for observing nature’s night shift. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, educators, or anyone curious about the mysteries of the night!
Get lost with us and unlock your inner strength! We will show you how you deal with the challenges of disorientation and uncertainty. In the face of disorientation and uncertainty, we’ll help you navigate through challenges and make confident, well-informed decisions. With a focus on safety and support, we’ll guide you through the essential priorities of survival and equip you with strategies that will elevate your confidence and resilience.
This hands-on experience is grounded in Te Mātaiaho’s elements of Understand, Know and Do. It is designed to build your personal growth and empower you with practical skills. By the end of the journey, you’ll have the tools to approach challenges like an expert, with a deepened sense of self-awareness, an appreciation for your own strengths, and a stronger connection to te taiao, the natural world.
This immersive adventure is not only engaging, but also highly relevant. The powerful, enduring big ideas are relatable and accessible for both ākonga and kaiako alike. Your newfound knowledge will be highly engaging for your tamariki and easily applied and delivered in a variety of learning contexts. Together, we’ll work through a dynamic and enjoyable experience—one that will boost your confidence, resilience, and appreciation for the world around you.
This workshop will dive into the world of flawed experiments, misleading statistics, and pseudoscience.
Through engaging examples like anti-vaccine movements, fad diets, and pseudoscientific wellness trends, participants will learn to critically evaluate claims and understand the hallmarks of credible research.
You’ll leave equipped to navigate the modern information landscape.
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.
In this workshop, we will delve into how to make a personalised local curriculum for your school. We will explore how your local area and its resources can be used as a catalyst and inspiration for curriculum development. We will work with you to incorporate your cultural narrative including tangata whenua, European settlement, other cultural stories as well as geographical aspects. This creates a curriculum that is unique to your kura and community and encompasses the amazing opportunities and connections you have locally. You will work with Bianca, an Enviro Science Teacher, who has developed local curriculums in partnership with many schools in Aotearoa.
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.
In this practical workshop, Julian will share all sorts of ideas, do-able practical activities, resources and information for teaching a topic on earthquakes in New Zealand. We will look at why and where they occur, what it feels like to be in an earthquake, what scientists are learning about potential threats, how NZ landscapes change because of earthquakes, how scientists monitor and research them and what that teaches us about the earthquake hazard. Finally we will think about how best to prepare for a quake and what sort of things to expect if one happens.
In this experience, you’ll walk (and swim) through the steps of sharing the wonderful world of the rocky shore with your ākonga.
From marine identification, snorkeling safety and how too, to practice of snorkel surveying in a secure environment. You’ll walk away with the knowledge, skills, experience and a full unit plan with resources to help get you started right away.
Indoors for the first part, with some activities outside. Running through the ethical considerations in conservation (activities), the representation of data for projects such as 1080 application, investigating claims and creating a science communication piece.
Jeff Bezos, Ellon Musk and Mark Zukerberg fight it out each year for the top spot as the wealthiest person in the world. There’s another thing the wealthiest people in the world have in common – they are all diagnosed neurodivergent! Looking further beyond the tech world, many of the world’s most successful people in their fields are neurodiverse. Excelling in sport and in their ADHD, we have Simone Bile, Lewis Hamilton and Micheal Phelps. Greta Thunberg and Chloe Hayden both excel within advocacy spaces, and they both are autistic. Thomas Edison and Stephen Hawking are both dyslexic. Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo, recipients of The Grammys Best New Artist Award, both have synaesthesia. There are so many more examples of this, which raises the question – does their neurodiversity play a significant role in their ability to excel? Neurodiverse people have a number of barriers to overcome in their lives. These examples of people performing top of their field, highlights the conditions where these barriers subside, and their unique abilities are captured. If we take superhero Spiderman as an example, when first learning about his unique abilities there was a mismatch between these abilities and his environment (he accidentally kept breaking stuff with his web shooters). But with education and understanding, Peter Parker was able to use his unique abilities to accomplish his goal of saving lives. In this workshop Kiera Jones (educational psychologist) will take you through a thorough look into the minds of neurodiverse people. With the goal to explore what actions we can take to coordinate our society in ways that cultivate the uniqueness of neurodiverse minds.
You will cover things like: Using the learning cycle. Create a big driving question, with success criteria based on the NZC outcomes. Use learning outcomes from various strands of the curriculum. gathering knowledge (GK): From the field based or other activity and other knowledge needed. Apply the GK to answer the Big Question (this is where thinking skills comes in (Biggs Solo Taxonomy) Take action: Present in any way the students want to use. What will you get to use: You will walk away with ready to use resources for any adventures your students may want to experience. More examples my YouTube channel: Handle @problit
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.
When did the first Polynesians arrive and what inspired them to search for Aotearoa? What cues did the Polynesians use before they set off to find Aotearoa? How did they prepare for such a voyage, navigate and survive during the trip? What did they find when they got here. The answers to most of these questions are hidden, but clues have been left along the way, some coming from unlikely sources. One can only marvel at these remarkable navigators.
An exciting, hands-on workshop that brings the art of a bioblitz to life. Participants will learn how to organize and conduct a bioblitz, with a special focus on catching and observing the incredible variety of critters that take to the skies. From delicate insects to dazzling winged wonders, you’ll uncover the secrets of the flying world. Perfect for educators, students, and nature enthusiasts, this workshop promises to inspire curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the creatures that share our skies.
An engaging workshop, run by Apiculture extraordinaire Sarah C, where we dive deep into the fascinating lives of honeybees and their crucial role in pollination. Participants will learn about the biology of honeybees, their impact on our ecosystems, and the challenges they face today. Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and expert insights, you’ll discover how you can contribute to bee conservation efforts and promote biodiversity in your community. Whether you’re a beginner or a bee enthusiast, this workshop will inspire you to appreciate these vital pollinators and take action to protect them.
The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation.
Understand the global and local significance of glaciers through this interactive workshop. Our glaciers are disappearing due to climate change and receding glaciers are a major cause of sea level rise. Loss of glacial ice also threatens our water supplies and local communities. Discover what’s unique about New Zealand’s glaciers and the landscapes they shape. Model glacial recession and uncover the importance of these giant rivers of ice.
Discover how to engage and inspire your students through virtual field trips.
See how you can create your own virtual field trip experiences without the need for specialised equipment.
In this workshop you will take part in an interactive virtual field trip and see how to plan, create, share and evaluate your own virtual field trip. See how online tools and multimedia can engage your students and take them to places they may not otherwise experience.
Explore strategies to deepen learning and inspire ākonga to take action within the context of a relevant and authentic virtual field trip.
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 only unique form of identification in the world. The history and science behind fingerprints and how this differs from DNA profiling. The many types of powders and chemicals that can be used to develop fingerprints from a multitude of substrates. We will then introduce our very own Automated Fingerprint Identification System AFIS (The only one in private hands in the world) for you to search your develop crime prints from the mock crime scene.
Original Physics Solutions is an innovative framework designed to make physics more inclusive and representative of diverse perspectives. It challenges traditional norms in physics education by fostering a more equitable academic culture where all learners feel empowered to engage with scientific concepts. Through this workshop, participants will explore effective strategies for embedding inclusivity in physics education, ensuring that diverse voices shape scientific inquiry and innovation. The session will also showcase practical tools and real-world case studies, equipping educators with actionable methods to create more equitable and engaging learning experiences.
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.
Part of a series of immersive workshops set in the zoo, combining exploration, observation, and discussion to bring evolutionary concepts to life. Highlights: Explore phenomena like mimicry, trade-offs, and the role of sexual selection through observation-based activities. Prerequisite: A foundational understanding of natural selection. Takeaways: Fresh ways to integrate advanced evolutionary concepts into your curriculum. 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 jam-making into a hands-on exploration of chemical and biological phenomena. Highlights: Conduct investigations into the roles of osmosis, pectin interactions, and microbial spoilage in food preservation. Design and test hypotheses in a culinary context, linking everyday processes to core scientific concepts. Takeaways: Tools for creating inquiry-based experiments that integrate the scientific method into biology and chemistry curricula. Practical activities that engage students in data collection, analysis, and presentation while fostering curiosity about everyday science.
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.
This simple and enjoyable field trip takes us to locations along a local river. We will observe and compare the size and shape of boulders and pebbles that are eroding as they make their passage from mountains to sea. This is a great activity as it is conceptually easy to grasp but leads to many questions about landscapes, erosion, river flow, weather, different rock types and the rock cycle.
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.
Understanding river health using a SHMAK kit (or similar) and visual health assessment, and the implications for the environment. Workshop would be undertaken on-site, with a reflection back inside at the end, to summarise findings.
We will consider abiotic factors (temperature, reach dimensions, clarity, nitrogen), and biotic factors (invertebrates). This incorporates fair testing, as well as photos, measurements and tallies.
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!
Aotearoa/NZ is biologically the oldest place on this planet. A Dinosaur museum! Our native plants, insects, frogs, birds, lizards and many other creatures are the oldest in existence. Our native frogs make no noise because they are derived from the very first frogs to ever to evolve, and with only one species, they didn’t need to differentiate using sounds! In other countries Tuatara are known only as fossils but they still live here! It is an amazing heritage that dates back millions of years. The whole story is linked very closely to the Geology of NZ, Gondwanaland, the ice ages, sea level changes, volcanic activity, fault lines and of course fossils!
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.
The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation.
Understand the global and local significance of glaciers through this interactive workshop.
Our glaciers are disappearing due to climate change and receding glaciers are a major cause of sea level rise. Loss of glacial ice also threatens our water supplies and local communities.
Discover what’s unique about New Zealand’s glaciers and the landscapes they shape. Model glacial recession and uncover the importance of these giant rivers of ice.
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 identifying the use of science in the court of law. We will discuss the legal system’s reliance on forensic science evidence in criminal cases and the admissibility of forensic evidence including discussing stated cases like the Baines, Crewe and Sounds Murders. Using fingerprint and DNA science within the court system over the years.
