Various Types of Scientific Education Materials on the Science Learning Hub
The Science Learning Hub, based in Aotearoa New Zealand, offers a diverse range of resources designed to support science teaching and enhance student learning through engaging, real-world contexts.
One of the key features of the Hub is its collection of **case studies** that integrate real environmental and scientific challenges. These case studies provide practical examples of how students can apply scientific concepts to solve local and national issues. For instance, the story of Maeroa Intermediate using outdoor maths to care for native plants demonstrates how measurement and geometry can be practically applied in a meaningful project [1].
The Hub also offers **Citizen Science and Survey Projects**, such as the Great Kiwi Earthworm Survey, Myrtle Rust Reporter, Find-A-Pest app, Big Butterfly Count, FrogID, and Kea Database. These projects provide interactive opportunities for students to participate in data collection and local biodiversity monitoring, fostering authentic inquiry and connection to their environment [1].
In addition to these, the Hub provides **cross-curricular materials** that link science with other subjects like statistics, literacy, mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge), technology, social sciences, and arts. This supports holistic learning and allows teachers to incorporate science learning within broader educational goals [1].
The Hub's resources extend beyond just case studies and projects. They also include **hard copy and digital resources**, such as class sets of School Journals and Connected series, available on Tāhūrangi. These resources come with teaching notes to support effective lesson planning [1].
The Hub's resources are not limited to text-based materials. They also offer interactive resources where students can test their knowledge, simulate science processes, or find information and media organized visually. Images on the site are curated to provide information and start discussions in the classroom. The media in each article, including images and videos, are valuable resources [2].
The Science Learning Hub's Citizen science section offers a variety of projects for educators and students to participate in. Each resource on the Hub, including slideshows, has its own referencing guidelines. There are around 2,000 videos, most of which are created in-house for the Hub [3].
Each article includes a glossary with key science terminology unpacked for understanding. Clicking 'See more' on an image provides information about the image, including usage and reference guidelines. The Science Learning Hub's resources are regularly updated to ensure the most current information is available [4].
The Hub also provides Teacher PLD resources, designed to support educators in teaching science, including articles on planning and pedagogy and video webinars [6]. The Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao features concise science articles written for teachers and students [7].
Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of the Hub is its commitment to providing resources that cover Aotearoa New Zealand science within an Aotearoa New Zealand context. The articles on the Hub provide examples from Aotearoa for topics such as literacy, water catchments, space flight, plants and wildlife [8].
Crucially, the Hub does not provide any advertisements within its resources, ensuring a distraction-free learning environment for students.
In conclusion, the Science Learning Hub provides a comprehensive suite of materials that promote inquiry-based learning, real-world application, and integration of indigenous knowledge, thereby supporting effective science education in New Zealand schools.
[1] https://www.sciencelearning.org.nz/resources/1587-maeroa-intermediate-using-outdoor-maths-to-care-for-native-plants [2] https://www.sciencelearning.org.nz/resources/1612-kiwi-cams-live-stream [3] https://www.sciencelearning.org.nz/resources/1651-kiwi-chick-cam-2021 [4] https://www.sciencelearning.org.nz/resources/1712-kiwi-chick-cam-2022 [5] https://www.sciencelearning.org.nz/resources/1484-nz-garden-bird-survey [6] https://www.sciencelearning.org.nz/resources/1244-teacher-pld-resources [7] https://www.sciencelearning.org.nz/resources/1220-science-learning-hub-pokapu-akoranga-putaiao [8] https://www.sciencelearning.org.nz/resources/1921-literacy-and-science-in-aotearoa-new-zealand-classrooms
- The Science Learning Hub's diverse resources, including case studies, Citizen Science projects, cross-curricular materials, and interactive resources, are designed to foster learning in science, education, and self-development by providing engaging, real-world contexts.
- Teachers can utilize the Science Learning Hub's extensive collection of resources, such as the available hard copy and digital resources, class sets of School Journals and Connected series, and teaching notes, to support effective lesson planning and holistic learning in science, mathematics, literacy, mātauranga Māori, technology, social sciences, and arts.
