Long before rulers, tape measures and the metric system, people relied on the most accessible tool they had—their bodies. Far from being rough guesses, these systems were practical, sophisticated and often exact. In Aotearoa, Māori developed intricate inenga (measurements) to guide the carving of waka, the construction of wharenui and the artistry of tā moko. […]
Read More
By using a simple Sea-Monkeys toy, students can unlock the secrets of cryptobiosis—the remarkable survival trick that lets tiny creatures spring back to life in extreme environments. Science communicator Ceana Priest uncovers how Sea-Monkeys can help develop scientific methods of observing and experiencing the natural world. Sea-Monkeys are actually brine shrimp—tiny crustaceans from the […]
Read More
Before a wildfire even begins, the ground might already be giving off warning signs. Science communicator Ceana Priest catches up with wildfire scientist Grant Pearce to dig into the science of soil moisture and how it’s helping us better predict, prepare for, and respond to wildfires across Aotearoa. From high-tech soil sensors to the fiery […]
Read More
A toaster might look simple, but it’s full of science; it’s a clever mix of physics, chemistry and invention. Special metals get hot and start chemical reactions that turn bread crispy and golden brown, and smart design helps spread the heat evenly and pops the toast up at just the right time. But there’s more […]
Read More
Helping students make sense of big ideas is more important than ever in today’s classrooms. While science and art might seem worlds apart, they’re both powered by the same skills—curiosity, creativity, careful observation and clever problem-solving. Science communicator Ceana Priest chats with artist and researcher Gabby O’Connor about how blending these subjects can help grow […]
Read MoreLake Taupō, one of New Zealand’s most inland spots, experienced a rare tsunami in 2022 when an earthquake sent swells across the moana. Pumice washed a few metres inland—except at one beach, where a significant chunk of shoreline and car park vanished beneath the lake’s surface. Science communicator Ceana Priest examines the causes behind waves […]
Read MoreWhat does it mean to be human? That was the question at the heart of Bio Camp 2022 when St Patrick’s College students headed to Wairarapa and stripped life back to its simplest form: making stone tools, fire-making, foraging and sitting around a campfire long after the sun had set. Science communicator Ceana Priest chats […]
Read MoreWhen a feisty weka strutted through a camp ground near the rugged Tasman Sea in early March, its snow-white plumage stood out from the usual brown-feathered crowd. Experts weighed in, ruling out albinism; it was more likely another hereditary colour mutation. But in a world where blending into the background is a survival skill, why […]
Read More
Far from being just road grime, bug splatters on licence plates are unlocking clues about insect biodiversity in Aotearoa. University of Auckland geneticists Dr Aimee van der Reis and Dr Richard O’Rorke discuss DNADRV—a citizen science project demonstrating how simple car rides can lead to scientific discoveries. The idea of collecting insect DNA from car […]
Read More