Science Learning Hub

Next week! 4pm, Wednesday 26 August 2026
Register here: https://bit.ly/knowledge_systems

How can a multiple knowledge systems approach come to life in a secondary science classroom? What does it look like in practice and how can we continue to grow this work in meaningful and sustainable ways?

Join secondary science kaiako in our upcoming webinar:
Practical approaches to multiple knowledge systems in secondary science.

📆4pm, Wednesday 26 August 2026
Register here: https://bit.ly/knowledge_systems

University of Canterbury Bioeconomy Science Institute New Zealand Association of Science Educators New Zealand Association for Environmental Education Te Toki Voyaging Trust - Waka Hourua New Zealand Council for Educational Research - NZCER Ministry of Education NZ House of Science NZ Science Alive NZ Royal Society Te Apārangi The University of Waikato Sir Paul Callaghan Science Academy Te Kura Toi Tangata - School of Education - University of Waikato
Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā Mātauranga Māori Science and Design Fair Enviroschools Aotearoa NZ

Image: Photo by Ian Bretherton.
Hinemoana is a double-hulled waka hourua named after the Māori goddess and guardian of the ocean. She operates as a classroom, helping to revive wayfinding, leadership, and connection to the sea.
Te Toki Voyaging Trust is the guardian of Hinemoana.

Why you should apply for the Science Teaching Leadership Programme Whakarongo! The Science Teaching Leadership Programme, funded by Cu...

Teacher Q&A: From muddy estuaries to Auckland’s volcanic landscapes, Jane Thomas brings science to life through hands-on learning, local places and pūrākau. Meet the Favona School science lead inspiring young scientists every day. 🔬🌋

👉 https://tinyurl.com/3njwtccj

Image credit: Royal Society Te Apārangi
Science Learning Hub

Today is World Lizard Day! Aotearoa New Zealand is home to more than 140 native gecko and skink species, or mokomoko.

Some of our kaimahi hold permits authorised under the Wildlife Act to care for and rehabilitate mokomoko. They also hold education and advocacy sessions for the tamariki of our EPA kaimahi and university students where they share the cultural and environmental importance of mokomoko.

Here are some things we do at the EPA to help our mokomoko:

🦎 Consider mokomoko (and other native species) in risk assessments for new hazardous substances.

🦎 Approve pest control agents that can be used to control pests that harm mokomoko.

🦎 Ensure our scientists stay up-to-date on reptile ecotoxicology and how environmental contaminants impact mokomoko.

You can help protect the mokomoko in your backyard by limiting the use of chemicals in your garden and keeping your pets inside. You can learn more mokomoko conservation tips from The New Zealand Herpetological Society: https://tinyurl.com/ypnamyav

Opportunity for talented teachers: apply by 28 August!

The Science Teaching Leadership Programme aims to boost science education at primary, intermediate, and secondary schools.

It empowers teachers to transform science education through expert-led professional development and real-world placements.

Over 2 years, beginning in Term 1 2027, teachers will:
👩‍🔬 Work in the science sector for 6 months to understand real-world career options for students
🧪Strengthen knowledge and skills for teaching science
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Grow connections between schools, communities, and local organisations in the science sector
💡Learn how to inspire and lead change at schools

Applications close Friday 28 August 2026, at 5pm.

Grow as a teaching leader – apply now for 2027!

➡️ https://www.royalsociety.org.nz/apply-for-the-science-teaching-leadership-programme

📣Calling all keen scientists in Years 12 and 13!!

Our friends The MacDiarmid Institute offer this amazing opportunity each year and applications close soon - 23 August 2026.

👉NanoCamp is a four-day residential lab experience with top scientists, completing hands-on investigations into a range of topics including electron microscopy, laser physics and nano-electronics. All flights, accommodation, meals and fun activities are included!!!

🔍They are looking for current year 12 or 13 students with a strong academic background who are planning to continue with science, so if that is you, or someone you know.. get your application in now!

https://www.macdiarmid.ac.nz/news-and-events/events/nanocamp-2027/?mc_cid=88bdfb65dc&mc_eid=73276c7d76

Newsletter: Looking back with an eye on the future

Our pānui for Ākuhata features origins, farewells, volcanoes and more.

https://bit.ly/SLH_Panui_Aug26

🌱 Botanical insights: unravelling photosynthesis
12:15pm, 3 September 2026
Wellington Gardens

In this one-hour talk Reg Harris will reveal the emergence of our understanding of the process of photosynthesis. He will present the many researchers and their 'Eureka moments' that drove the mission to get to the bottom of this fascinating process.

Link: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/botanical-insights-talk-unravelling-photosynthesis/wellington