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Click on the name of the unit to download – units in html and pdf formats.
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ALUMINIUM – A FANTASTIC AND VERSITILE METAL Science and English centered unit where students carry out investigations into the wonder metal – aluminium, its discovery, production and uses. |
THE FASCINATING STORY OF SUGAR In this Science, Social Sciences, English and Technology based unit we get students to explore the world of sugar – how it grows, harvesting, chemical changes it undergoes, why plants produce sugar and the fascinating history of sugar. The unit includes a student copymaster dealing in detail with the refining of sugar – from the boat at Chelsea to the supermarket shelves. Click on the titles to download pdfs. |
SPECIAL ENERGY FEATURE - WIN A major science, social sciences and technology unit exploring the way wind energy is generated, its benefits and environmental impact and gaining an understanding of why societies must make good decisions about using our natural resources. The unit comes complete with a student fact sheet for research and/or shared reading and discussion activities. WIND ENERGY STUDENT FACT SHEET
A Mighty River Power sponsored unit to develop the following: Understanding why using geothermal energy technology to generate electricity is a positive way that society can improve its relationship with the environment. Understanding of the technological processes involved in this method of generating electrical energy. Understanding that geothermal energy is a natural and renewable form of energy that helps us conserve the Earth’s resources. Being able to describe and identify the components and processes involved in geothermal electricity generation. Understanding how and why geothermal energy makes a positive contribution about our access to and use of resources. GEOTHERMAL ENERGY STUDENT FACT SHEET SAVING ELECTRICITY – IT JUST MAKES SENSE Mercury Energy promoting the saving of electricity. Students will conduct web research and find out the simple ways that they can make genuine savings of electricity. Students will learn where the power 'goes' on a room-by-room basis and work through a checklist to implement these plans. Cross curricula activities for getting this message out to students and families at home. |
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Did you know that our introduced frogs and native frogs are under threat – as are frogs around the world. In this major science and environment based unit, students conduct research to find out all about frogs and learn about the ways that frogs are an indicator species – indicating the health of our environment. |
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We are now beginning to understand just how important our wetlands are and the major role they play in sustaining species and helping the environment. A major classroom unit where we explore these ideas and celebrate our wonderful wetlands. |
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Did your students know that 48 species of birds have become extinct in New Zealand since the arrival of humans? What has caused this to happen? What dangers do birds face today? What is a predator and who are they? What does extinction mean? How can we help prevent more extinctions? A major English, social science and science based unit where we examine these important environmental concepts and focus on our most endangered bird — the brown teal. |
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Garden activities for juniors. In this lesson we explore the many ways we can use our gardens for the important business of play. best suited to Years 1-3. |
ASTRONOMY – UNDERSTANDING PLANET EARTH AND BEYOND Teaching and learning activities, websites and information to help you celebrate the International Year of Astronomy. Lesson ideas courtesy of Starlab. |
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To date, Didymo, the invasive alga is only found in some South Island rivers. In this major unit we find out what threats didymo presents to recreation, tourism, hydro generation and fresh water plant and animal species if we don't take immediate measure to slow its spread. Students view a hi-impact video to start their study, investigate the effects of the alga and are encouraged to get messages out to the local community to help slow the spread. Real-life science, social sciences and English based unit. |
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A social sciences, science, English and cross curricula unit that celebrates the enourmous impact and benefits that the development of aviation has made to our society. |
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We don't need these rogues in our seas and waterways. Find out who these rogues are, the problems they cause and what we can do about it. Major classroom unit. |
UNDERSTANDING MARITIME WEATHER Understanding and using weather forecasts plays such an important part in our everyday lives — not only from an interest point of view but also for our own safety — especially at sea. In this science and health unit we focus on learning and understanding the terminology used in maritime forecasts and how this can contribute to the safety of all people who go out in boats. Use the following pdfs in conjunction with this unit. Major science and social sciences unit based on using the Met Service Learning Centre.Tons of practical classroom activities. |
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Do your students know that Antarctica is the coldest, driest and windiest place on Earth? Just how cold can it get? What is the current temperature at the South Pole? Why is it so cold? In this project, students research and learn interesting facts about Antarctica. They are then encouraged to set up their own weather station and compare their data with other schools. |
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Pre- visit preparation is the best way to ensure your class gets the most out of a Rocky Shore Study. In this lesson we show you how to prepare your class, know the classifications of the main groups of creatures they will find and be able to identify them when on the field trip. (Learning Intentions included) |
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To help your class learn about our native bats, we have created a special research project and list of classroom activities. |
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Seaweek has the oceans that surround New Zealand as the major theme. Dozens of ideas and websites for making Seaweek a major classroom focus at any time of the year. |
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This unit explores the concept of biosecurity and why we must protect our precious ecosystems from pests and diseases. We then focus on the dangers of the Red Imported Fire Ant, explore a biosecurity success story, and conduct web research on other pests and diseases. The unit concludes with challenges to students on the best ways of getting these messages out to the wider community. |
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Multi Level Science based unit where students observe, recognise and record the many different colours, shapes, smells, structures and features of flowers - learn about seasonal change and establish and maintain a classroom of school garden. |
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A difficult concept for students to come to grips with. Use the practical ideas suggested in this lesson plus have a lot of fun as well and even generate some publicity for your school. One of the most difficult ideas to get across to students is why we have night and day. Use this lesson to demonstrate and explain this concept to the class. |
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A science/social sciences unit designed to make students aware of the enormous importance of electricity in the everyday lives of New Zealanders - something we often take for granted! Learning Intentions, Success Criteria and Assessment Criteria included. |
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A Years 1-3 language arts/science unit introducing children to the concept that all things can be classified as living or non living. Full Learning Intentions, Success Criteria and Assessment Criteria Included. Best suited to Years 1-3 but easily adapted for older students |
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A major Science/Health unit for years 4-8+ where students identify lakes and river systems and explore the relationships we have with these geographical features and the importance of valuing them and keeping them as healthy environments. |
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Take a closer look is a series of science based lesson activities where students are taken on sensory walks in their immediate environment and then complete classification and recording activities. Years 1-3 - curriculum levels 1-2. |
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Students explore some of the issues dealing with genetically modified foods. This unit is designed to debate the issues on a factual basis and strip away some of the uninformed hysteria surrounding this topical and controversial subject. Best suited to Years 7-11 (11 - 15 year olds) PDF format |
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Cross curriculum challenges exploring the power of wind, feelings we have towards wind and practical and recreational uses of wind. Strong science and technology links. |
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A science, technology and maths unit where students explore simple energy concepts and conduct energy audits and surveys to find out just how efficiently they are using energy at home and at school. Best suited to Years 5-10 (9 - 14 year olds) |
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A hands on science project worksheet for pupils of levels 2-4 |
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5 classic science experiments for your classroom Science Table or Learning Centre. PDF format for printing out - includes achievement objectives and assessment activities for teachers. |
CLASSROOM WEATHER STATION Teacher Notes Observing the weather is an endlessly fascinating topic for children and provides countless opportunities for talking, reading, listening, observing and recording. The weather worksheet pdfs below cover main weather features and should be given to a group of pupils who take the responsibility of recording the weather data for one week.
The depth to which you take your weather observations will depend on the age and stage of your pupils, eg - junior class children may only record the general direction of the wind- north , south ,east ,west |
D - GEOTHERMAL & EFFICIENCY