New Zealand Association of Science Educators

24/09/2026

Thinking ahead to Term 4? Science Learning Hub's latest pānui has some great inquiry-based learning ideas, more PLD and webinars.

Check it out 👉

The Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao is a national project and is managed by the Wilf Malcolm Institute of Educational Research, Te Kura Toi Tangata, Faculty of Education, The University of Waikato Te Whare Wananga o Waikato.

23/09/2026

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In this recorded professional learning session, Simone Marsters hosts secondary science kaiako from Green Bay High School (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland), Lincoln High School (Waitaha Canterbury), and Well...

20/09/2026

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18/09/2026

🧬 What do kākāpō, giant carnivorous snails and microscopic life have in common? They’re all part of Professor Peter Dearden’s fascinating work exploring genes and evolution.

Meet an Evolution Puzzle Solver in our free, downloadable "Where can science take you?" classroom posters for primary and secondary students. 🔬🐌

Take a peek 👉 https://tinyurl.com/5ywwsd86

17/09/2026

🌿 Take learning beyond the classroom at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari —the world’s largest fenced ecosanctuary.

From guided ngahere explorations and night walks to overnight stays and virtual sessions, its curriculum-linked programmes help ākonga encounter taonga species, explore conservation science and grow as future kaitiaki.

Discover what’s available 👉 https://tinyurl.com/mpzu7ah7

Looking for more places to explore? Visit our EOTC page to discover other providers around Aotearoa 👉 https://nzase.org.nz/category/resources/eotc/



Images courtesy of Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari

17/09/2026

Moss piglets. Water bears. Tardigrades. 🐻🔬

Whatever you call them, these tiny eight-legged animals are famously tough—but can the newly discovered species living in the Southern Alps survive as their icy homes retreat? We chat with University of Otago evolutionary biologist and geneticist Professor Peter Dearden about the secret lives of glacier-dwelling tardigrades—and their chances of surviving climate change.

Read the article 👉 https://nzase.org.nz/category/resources/ancient-invertebrate-adaptations/

Science Learning Hub

Image: Schokraie E and colleagues. CC BY 2.5, https://tinyurl.com/58ms47rw

15/09/2026

Technicians! Have you joined the Science Technicians' Association of New Zealand (STANZ)?

Members have access to the excellent SciTechTalk forum, which has been busy this month discussing zinc powder safety, chemical waste disposal, lessons from a recent Tollens ’ reagent incident—and the countdown to CONSTANZ 2026 in Timaru.

It’s only $30 a year per school.
Find out more 👉

STANZ(Inc) is the national association which represents the professional interests of all science technicians in education. Our objectives are to endorse guidelines for science technician qualifications, role descriptions, professional development and support, resource requirements, deployment rati...

15/09/2026

🦠 Bird flu has reached Aotearoa—so what happens now?
A highly pathogenic strain arrived in July, carried by an infected seagoing brown skua. Overseas, the virus has devastated wildlife populations.

We provide the background and chat with University of Auckland - Waipapa Taumata Rau biological sciences professor Dianne Brunton about what its arrival could mean for our native wildlife.

👉 https://nzase.org.nz/category/resources/bird-flu/

Science Learning Hub

Image: Liam Quinn CC BY-SA 2.0

15/09/2026

Choices choices!! 😉

‼️ The closest race we've seen in Bird of the Year for years!
A first-time winner or a two-time champion? If one of these birds, black robin or kākāpō, has your support, vote now to keep it on top.

But with days still to go, the race is far from over. Plenty can change before voting closes Sunday at 5pm. Any bird could still swoop in and shake up the leaderboard. 👀

15/09/2026

📬 Our last newsletter for this term has landed:

🔬 Adaptations: Can glacier-dwelling tardigrades survive climate change?
🦠 Bird flu arrives in Aotearoa New Zealand: What does that mean for our wildlife?
🧬 New scientist poster: Professor Peter Dearden
📚 The latest curriculum resources
💡 Plenty of PLD opportunities for teachers
🚀 Upcoming opportunities for students

Read it here 👉 https://nzase.org.nz/category/resources/nzase-newsletter-16-september/

Science Learning Hub