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.
A field trip exploring sites along a local river from upper to lower reaches, followed by discussion of the wide range of achievement standards that can be addressed with reference to Wairarapa’s rivers and alluvial landforms. Participants will learn that much of the modern Wairarapa landscape is a result of the interplay of tectonic uplift and climate cycles over the past million years. They will explore how the modern river system evolves along its course; how human activities have disrupted the natural flows; the rationale behind current remediation strategies, and mātauranga pūtaiao linked to river processes and histories. Options for observation and data analysis will be discussed in the context of agricultural contaminants, toxic blooms, climate change and ecosystem health.
This will be a hands-on and reflective morning , afternoon or evening … Experience different ways of embedding literacy into nature based learning. This will be a hands-on and reflective session, including science, literacy and mindfulness activities designed to develop young people’s language capacity, confidence with written and spoken word and personal wellbeing. Alongside planting wetland trees and grasses, you will engage in sitting still, storytelling, I, We and the Planet word gathering and free-fall writing.
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.
Led by Professor Chris Hollis and Joe Potangaroa this field trip explores sites along a local river and combines recent research and mātauranga with reference to Wairarapa’s rivers and alluvial landforms. Participants will learn that much of the modern Wairarapa landscape is a result of the interplay of tectonic uplift and climate cycles over the past million years. They will explore how the modern river system evolves along its course; how human activities have disrupted the natural flows; the rationale behind current remediation strategies, and mātauranga pūtaiao linked to river processes and histories. Options for observation and data analysis will be discussed in the context of agricultural contaminants, toxic blooms, climate change and ecosystem health.v
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.
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.
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.
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.
A field trip exploring sites along a local river from upper to lower reaches, followed by discussion of the wide range of achievement standards that can be addressed with reference to Wairarapa’s rivers and alluvial landforms. Participants will learn that much of the modern Wairarapa landscape is a result of the interplay of tectonic uplift and climate cycles over the past million years. They will explore how the modern river system evolves along its course; how human activities have disrupted the natural flows; the rationale behind current remediation strategies, and mātauranga pūtaiao linked to river processes and histories. Options for observation and data analysis will be discussed in the context of agricultural contaminants, toxic blooms, climate change and ecosystem health.
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.
This will be a hands-on and reflective morning , afternoon or evening … Experience different ways of embedding literacy into nature based learning. This will be a hands-on and reflective session, including science, literacy and mindfulness activities designed to develop young people’s language capacity, confidence with written and spoken word and personal wellbeing. Alongside planting wetland trees and grasses, you will engage in sitting still, storytelling, I, We and the Planet word gathering and free-fall writing.
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.
Led by Professor Chris Hollis and Joe Potangaroa this field trip explores sites along a local river and combines recent research and mātauranga with reference to Wairarapa’s rivers and alluvial landforms. Participants will learn that much of the modern Wairarapa landscape is a result of the interplay of tectonic uplift and climate cycles over the past million years. They will explore how the modern river system evolves along its course; how human activities have disrupted the natural flows; the rationale behind current remediation strategies, and mātauranga pūtaiao linked to river processes and histories. Options for observation and data analysis will be discussed in the context of agricultural contaminants, toxic blooms, climate change and ecosystem health.v
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.
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.
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.
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.
