Weaving Mātauranga Māori into the classroom | Kaupapa Māori educator Koha Kahui-McConnell

by NZASE

At Auckland Zoo, Conservation Learning Facilitator and kaupapa Māori educator Koha Kahui-McConnell supports students to explore scientific concepts through mātauranga Māori and Science. In this profile, he shares his philosophy about helping rangatahi understand that everything has a whakapapa and protecting the natural world begins with recognising our place within it. Introduction He uri tēnei […]

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EOTC Profile: Learning Indigenous knowledge from the natural world at Auckland Zoo

by NZASE

Auckland Zoo – Te Whare Kararehe ō Tāmaki Makaurau offers an on-site conservation learning visit focused on whakapapa and how living things are classified in te ao Māori. Guided tours of native habitats help students discover the origins of incredible kararehe/animals living in Aotearoa and discover how observing te taiao/the natural world shapes indigenous knowledge, […]

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School to Skies/Seas teachers’ Camp 2026

by NZASE

Thinking of registering for the School to Skies/Seas teachers’ camp in 2027? Here’s a short roundup of views from four teachers who attended the January 2026 camp. The School to Skies/Seas teachers’ camp offered around 30 educators a chance to step into the world of the New Zealand Defence Force and see STEM in action […]

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EOTC Profile: Forensics-based MOTAT Mysteries programme

by NZASE

Step into the scene of the crime at MOTAT’s newest travelling programme, launched in late 2025 and now visiting schools across Auckland and the North Island. MOTAT Mysteries turns your classroom into a forensic investigation unit. A vital bulb has been stolen from MOTAT’s historic Mercury Arc Rectifier — and it’s no ordinary lightbulb. It […]

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Social media science: Aotearoa influencers supporting classroom learning

by NZASE

From hands-on classroom experiments to explorations of the universe, social media is opening new doors for science education. In this article, five Kiwi science influencers – a physics YouTuber, a bush-trained conservationist, a primary STEM teacher, a wildlife expert and a fossil hunter – share their passion for science and how they use their online […]

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MEMBERS’ Discount: OYLA Junior Science Magazine Junior

by NZASE

OYLA Science Magazine has provided NZASE members with a 20% discount code for their junior magazine. It is valid until the end of April 2026. Please only share with NZASE members. Use: NZASE20 at checkout. OYLA Junior is a science magazine aimed at primary and intermediate-aged students. It includes short articles, photographs, diagrams, and explanations […]

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EOTC Profile: Tongariro National Trout Centre

by NZASE

Set beside the crystal-clear waters of the Tongariro River, the Tongariro National Trout Centre is very much a living classroom, where students can get hands-on with freshwater science, conservation and kaitiakitanga. From spotting trout and tiny water bugs to exploring hatcheries, hydro power, and the big questions around introduced species, educator Clint Green offers engaging […]

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Peter Spratt Medal 2025 | Sandy Jackson

by NZASE
Sandy Jackson

Award citation from Sally Birdsall: I am nominating Sandra Jackson for the Peter Spratt Medal. Over her career, she has made a vast, highly valuable and sustained contribution to science education locally and nationally. Sandra has been a specialist primary science teacher at Kings School for 26 years. During this time, she led the science […]

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