Current Projects

"Active Learning: Science talk from the classroom to the dinner table"

The planning for this series of four primary science conferences to be held throughout New Zealand during the April School holidays 2009 is almost complete.

Exploring teaching and learning practices relating to the implementation of the 2007 New Zealand Curriculum, and addressing issues associated with primary school children's engagement towards science as highlighted in the recent NEMP results are the main themes that will be covered throughout each of the four regional conferences.

The conferences are being organised by NZASE in conjunction with TRCC and are being held in

Dunedin: 14th & 15th April 2009
Christchurch: 16th & 17th April 2009
Wellington: 20th & 21st April 2009
Auckland: 23rd & 24th April 2009

Information

For further information and updates go to the conference website

Registration

For immediate registration go to TRCC to register on line at www.trcc.org.nz

Who should attend

The 2009 conference "Active Learning: Science Talk from Classroom to the Dinner Table" is for teachers who are motivated and interested in:

• developing active learning strategies to enhance children's learning in science
• exploring the importance of providing contextual science experiences - science in a learner's world
• reflecting on current trends in science teaching and relating it to their own practice
• taking part in practical workshops that explore the theme of the conference
• identifying explicit links between teaching and learning in science education and the key competencies and values promoted in the New Zealand Curriculum (2007)

Active learning in Science

Relating science learning to everyday contexts has been identified as a key aspect of scientific literacy. The aim of these conferences is to allow teachers to explore and evaluate teaching and learning practices that could enhance student learning. This will be achieved through making clear links between science content and everyday contexts that children experience within their world. Active learning in science is about children been involved in exploring natural phenomena, identifying questions, planning, doing and sharing the process. It requires children to begin to think like scientists, to work together to share and think about each others ideas and, in the process, develop the knowledge skills and attitudes that will allow them to make informed decisions.

Teachers involved in the conference will be able to;

• explore the implications of the changes to the Nature of Science strand of the revised curriculum (2007)
• identify personal teaching and leaning practices that will provide opportunities for children to think scientifically in every day contexts.

Emphasis will be placed on the communicating aspect of the Nature of Science and the role of thinking and talking in the development of scientific competencies. The conferences will provide opportunity for teachers to explore how changes in the revised curriculum may impact on the way they implement science in their school. And as in the previous conferences it is hoped that the teachers will continue to become involved in local professional development initiatives, this may include setting up support groups and collaborating with other schools.

Regional Contacts for Primary Science

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.

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

University of Canterbury Education Plus
155 Montreal Street
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

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

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.