Content resources and rich stories

We can use stories about science to make connections with students' interests and to bring science alive. The resources here provide content rich stories and teacher support material. They include online materials that support print resources already in schools.

Print resources with online support

All schools in New Zealand are sent a range of print resources from the Ministry of Education, each of which is designed for a different purpose. They can be used in a range of ways depending on desired learning outcomes. To order or enquire about print resources go to Down the Back of the Chair: Ministry of Education Resource Catalogue .

Literacy materials such as Ready to Read and the School Journal, and mathematics materials such as Figure it Out, often include science topics and may be useful in linking literacy and numeracy learning to science programmes.

Some science resources also provide rich materials to support literacy and numeracy programmes. Materials designed for teaching science, mathematics and technology include Connected (years 3-8) and Applications (years 9-11).

Connected Teachers' Support Material suggests science learning goals and activities and provides material that develops the science ideas in the Connected articles and stories.

Applications Notes for Teachers includes science notes for teachers for each title as well as suggested activities and approaches.

Building Science Concepts is a series of 64 booklets for teachers. Each booklet is based around a theme and includes science information for teachers supported by a sequenced series of classroom activities. The series is for levels 1-4 of the curriculum. An online guide to the series includes a list of themes and concept overviews of big ideas.

Online resources

The Science Learning Hub provides free resources for science teachers from Years 5–10. The resources are based on New Zealand scientists and their research and demonstrate the relevance of scientific research to students’ everyday lives. The Science Learning Hub is managed by the University of Waikato.

The New Zealand Biotechnology Learning Hub provides free resources for teachers of Years 3 – 13. The resources are based on modern biotechnology in New Zealand and are linked to the school curriculum. The New Zealand Biotechnology Learning Hub is managed by the University of Waikato.

Digistore: Te Pātaka Matihiko contains over 1500 science digital learning objects for use with primary and secondary school students.

LEARNZ , for years 1-13, is a series of virtual field trips for science. Covering a wide variety of topics and visiting a wide variety of locations, LEARNZ online field trips are self-contained and free for NZ teachers and their classes.

QTV is a science series designed to engage young people in the world around them. Thirteen TV episodes and Flash-animation games cover topics such as forensic science, volcanoes, tsunamis, biodiversity and climate change. The Q Team are young people with a passion for discovery. They meet scientists from all over New Zealand who are researching social and environmental issues using the latest developments in science and technology. QTV embeds learning and literacy in scientific material with local stories and global dilemmas that require young people to think about and interact with a number of possible solutions.