CELEBRATING FLIGHT & AVIATION

A social sciences, English and cross curricula unit that celebrates the enourmous impact and benefits that the development of aviation has made to our society.

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.

MARINE WEATHER TERMS GLOSSARY

MARINE WEATHER FORECAST AREAS

ANTARCTIC WEATHER FACTS

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.

ROCKY SHORE STUDY

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)

NATIVE BATS

To help your class learn about our native bats, we have created a special research project and list of classroom activities.

PROTECTING OUR ECOSYSTEMS

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.

THE JOY OF FLOWERS

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.

HOW BIG IS THE SUN?

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.

NIGHT AND DAY

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.

BECOMING ELECTRICALLY AWARE

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.

IS IT ALIVE?

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

RIVERS AND LAKES

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.

TAKING A CLOSER LOOK

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.

IT'S ALL IN THE GENES

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

RIDE THE WIND

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.

E IS FOR ENERGY

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)

MAKE AN ANEMOMETER

A hands on science project worksheet for pupils of levels 2-4

SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS

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.

• Have a special time each day when groups report their observations and recordings to the class.
• Establish a classroom weather bulletin board where the daily/weekly/monthly charts can be displayed.
  
• Rotate the groups on a weekly basis throughout the year.

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
- middle and senior children may refine incorporating the finer points of the compass.

RAINFALL, WIND & CLOUD

CLOUD COVER & MAX/MIN TEMPERATURE

BAROMETRIC PRESSURE