New Zealand Association of Science Educators

Only a couple of days left to secure Super Early Bird registrations for the ChemEd Biolive Conference - closing on 15 June.

Home - ChemEd Biolive 2026 - University of Canterbury The 2026 ChemEd BioLive committee, in association with BEANZ and SCENZ, warmly welcomes you to our conference in Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand, from the 18th to the 20th of November 2026. We are excited to be hosted by the University of Canterbury (Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha) in our beautiful,...

🧬 SECONDARY BIOLOGY TEACHERS | PD DAYS 🔬

From genetics and genomics to immunology, microbiomes and homeostasis, these nationwide professional development days are designed to help secondary biology teachers strengthen their subject knowledge and explore emerging biological science. Sessions are aligned with the evolving science curriculum and led by leading New Zealand researchers.

📚✨View online: https://tinyurl.com/ywbvuuv2

🎓 ARTICLE | NZ SCHOLARSHIP – THE CHALLENGES AND REWARDS

What does it take to support students through one of New Zealand’s most demanding secondary school assessments? Hear from an experienced Scholarship Physics teacher, a Biology teacher new to Scholarship coaching, and a recent recipient as they share the challenges, rewards, and lessons learned from the NZ Scholarship journey.

📖 Read the article: https://tinyurl.com/y9c52kze

St Patrick's College, Wellington Taupo-nui-a-Tia College Havelock North High School

📬 Our latest NZASE newsletter has landed! ✉️ Highlights include:

🧬 NZ Scholarship Biology | Dr Alison Campbell reflects on two decades helping students prepare for one of New Zealand’s toughest science assessments.
🧑‍🏫 NZ Scholarship | Experienced and new teachers, along with a recent recipient, share the challenges and rewards of Scholarship exams.
🌌 Science Posters | Meet space photographer Max Alexander and explore an out-of-this-world science career.
🔬 Teacher Q&A | Antarctic microbiologist Dr Sarah Boyle shares her journey into science teaching.
📌 Plus upcoming events, competitions, resources and professional learning opportunities for science educators.

🔗 View it online: https://mailchi.mp/nzase.org.nz/2026-3-june

📬 Not receiving our free bi-weekly newsletter? Sign up here: www.nzase.org.nz/newsletter-signup

🚀 SCIENCE POSTERS | MEET A SPACE PHOTOGRAPHER 🌌

From photographing distant galaxies to capturing astronauts and the wonders of the cosmos, discover how space photographer Max Alexander turned a fascination with the universe into a unique science career.

Explore the poster online. ✨ https://tinyurl.com/2x5j7cz9

🌿 NZ SCHOLARSHIP BIOLOGY – DR ALISON CAMPBELL 🌿

After more than two decades helping Year 13 students tackle one of New Zealand’s toughest science assessments, Dr Alison Campbell is stepping away from her Scholarship Biology programme. In this Q&A, Alison reflects on the challenges of teaching Scholarship Biology, the importance of synthesis and critical thinking, and the rewards of supporting students to achieve their potential.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/2fzn9t45

Become a member of NZASE and connect with a nationwide community of science educators. Membership is free for intermediate and primary schools, as well as student teachers and PCT1 & PCT2 teachers, with affordable options for individuals ($20), area schools ($50), secondary schools and libraries ($100), and tertiary education organisations ($250).
Find out more: https://nzase.org.nz/membership/

📚 MEMBERS' DISCOUNT | BOOKS FOR KIDS, HAMILTON EAST 🎉

Kate Horton, the new owner of Hamilton's oldest bookshop, is offering NZASE members a 10% discount on books purchased online and in-store. 🛍️✨

A great excuse to stock up on science reads, classroom resources, and inspiring books for young learners!
👉 https://tinyurl.com/msk4zmfj

Books for Kids

Do you have a science idea you've been wanting to try with your students but haven't had the funding to make it happen? Exscite Trust is a Waikato-based charitable trust funding hands-on science experiences for school-aged children across Central Waikato.

Grants are available up to $5,000 for projects like:
• Workshops and classroom programmes
• Science events and community initiatives
• Equipment that enables hands-on learning
• Pilot projects and new initiatives
• Teacher-led and professional development projects

Applications are now open and close on 1 June 2026.

🧬 SCIENTIST POSTERS | MEET AN ANCIENT DNA HUNTER 🧬

This month, we kick off a new poster series exploring the many careers science can lead to. We follow Nic Rawlence’s journey from hunting fossils on New Zealand road trips as a young boy to uncovering ancient DNA and reconstructing lost ecosystems as Director of the Ancient Ecology Lab at the University of Otago.

Primary and secondary student versions available 👉 https://tinyurl.com/36mjjh53

Learning Hub University of Otago Sciences at University of Otago

🧠 Curious about what the science of learning actually means for your classroom? Join this free four-week online PLD experience and explore practical tools, webinars and conversations designed to strengthen teaching practice and deepen understanding of how learning really happens. Open to NZ educators – registrations close 27 May. 📚✨

This is a 4-week part-time online professional learning course and requires a weekly time commitment of 2–3 hours. The 4 weeks will include three 1-hour online webinars and self-directed learning, including forum contributions.

Week one: online live session – 2 June, 4–5 pm
Week two: online live session – 9 June, 4–5 pm
Week three: supported self-directed learning activities and forum discussions
Week four: online live session – 23 June, 4–5 pm

More info: https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/events/slh-unravelling-the-sciences-of-learning Science Learning Hub