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.
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.
