NZASE has recognised the promotion of primary science as one of its key policy initiatives. The goal "To support teachers of primary science and so enhance teaching and learning of science in the primary school" has been identified as a key priority. To facilitate this goal NZASE has set up regional support networks to promote primary science. Working in conjunction with local science teachers association these networks have been charged with the responsibility of providing support for teachers at local, regional and national level. Regional co ordinators work at a national level to organise and run a biennial primary science conference for primary science teachers and educators. The primary science forum held at Scicon every two years identifies issues and needs and sets priorities for future direction.

Regional Contacts for Primary Science

Auckland
Ian Milne
University of Auckland Epsom Campus
Private Bag 92601 Symonds Street Auckland 1035 New Zealand
Phone 09 623 8899 ext 48637
Email: i.milne@auckland.ac.nz

Waikato
Mary Loveless
School Support Services
University Lodge - Knighton Road
University of Waikato
Private Bag 3105
Hamilton, New Zealand
Phone 07 838 4466 Ext 8048
Email:loveless@waikato.ac.nz

Wellington
Dayle Anderson,
Victoria University of Wellington College of Education,
PO Box 17-310, Karori,
Wellington
DD: 04 463 9630
Email: Dayle.Anderson@vuw.ac.nz

Christchurch
Warren Bruce
Adviser in Science Education
Teacher Support Services
School of Professional Development
Christchurch College of Education
Box 3252
Christchurch
Work DD 03 349 1381
email warren.bruce@canterbury.ac.nz

Dunedin
Helen Trevethan
Dunedin College of Education
Private Bag 1912
Dunedin

Email: Helen.Trevethan@otago.ac.nz

Recent and Future Activities

In April 2007 the NZASE primary support group hosted the conference Enhancing Science Understanding with Literacy Practices. These two-day conferences, exploring how authentic science learning can be supported by literacy practices, was suitable for all primary and intermediate teachers who teach science and who were motivated and interested in:

• Enhancing children’s learning in science through literature and literacy practices
• Reflecting on current trends in science learning and teaching practices.
• Take part in practical workshops that explore both science and literacy teaching practices associated with Nature of Science strand of draft science curriculum
• Exchanging with other teachers and science educators’ ideas and strategies that enhance successful practice in primary science.
• Viewing and identifying suitable resources
• Becoming motivated and interested in enhancing children’s learning in science.

Click here to read full conference report.

Swedish Visitor Highlights the Importance Creativity in the Science Classroom.

Creativity in the science classroom was the theme underpinning visiting Swedish science education enthusiast Hans Persson presentations to over 300 teachers during his recent visit to New Zealand. Hans an Assistant Professor and Senior Lecturer at the Stockholm Institute of Education was hosted in New Zealand by the NZASE primary support group and the School of Science Mathematics and Technology Education at The University of Auckland. Hans presented workshops to groups of teachers in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Click here to find out more about Han’s visit and his approach to teaching primary science creatively.

Announcing Active Science

From Classroom Investigations to Dinner Table Discussions A series of four conferences to be held throughout New Zealand during the April School holidays 2009

These two day courses will explore issues related to teaching and learning associated with the nature of science strand of the curriculum draft and science in the immediate environment. They are suitable for all primary and intermediate teachers who are motivated and interested in:

• Enhancing children’s learning in science through active learning and contextualising science to the learners world
• Reflecting on current trends in science learning and teaching and relating it to their own practice
• Taking part in practical workshops that explore science teaching practices associated with the nature of science strand and how it relates to children learning and use of science in everyday contexts
• Identifying explicit links between teaching and learning in science education and the key competencies.

Science Post Cards Project.

The Postcards in Science project was developed by the Christchurch committee responsible for organizing the Primary Science conference Enhancing Science Understanding With Literacy Practices : Using and Creating Texts (12-13th April 2007).

Purpose of the project

The project aimed to review and revise the current eight postcards. The review explored the layout of the cards, type of questions and type of non-fiction text that will be used. A revised set of eight cards were published. Teacher notes were developed for each card.

A website was developed www.sciencepostcards.com to provide another approach for teachers to access the teacher notes, further ideas, links to TKI and other websites. The website also provides the way in which feedback from teachers can be obtained. This feed back will prove useful when the research project set up to investigate the success of ‘Postcards in Science’ is undertaken.

Click here to visit the Science Postcards website