Science Education Resources

This page provides links to resources that support the teaching and learning of the Sciences in New Zealand Primary and Secondary schools. Included are resources to support teaching of secondary school Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Curricula and Prescriptions

Science in the New Zealand Curriculum
The online science curriculum document plus curriculum updates, What's New, Science Toolbox, and supporting publications and links.

WWW Resources

Antarctic Centre
Experience the magic of Antarctica first-hand at the International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand

Auckland Zoo
Extensive, updated daily, education resources

Climatic Extremes and Weather Events
This NOAA site tracks the worst of the weather. Included are sections on hurricanes, tornadoes, heavy rainfall, temperature extremes, El Nino/La Nina. While the information is primarily American global coverage includes 1991-1999 and includes information about Global climate change and historical global extremes. From the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Directorate for Education and Human Resources Programs
(EHR) supports systemic educational reform. Its goals are to increase the participation of minorities, women, and people with disabilities in science and engineering, and to improve public understanding of science and technology. Includes the online Science and Education News Journal.

Earth Watch Field Research
Provides access to a variety of classroom resources via a network of teachers and scientists. Try the Virtual Expedition.

Einstein: Image and Impact
Background information on Albert Einstein, his life, his work and his ideas.

Electronic Zoo
A site with extensive information relating to animals - particularly those that might be considered pet possibilities. Much of the information is secondary level and upwards, however it is well worth visiting as a kick off point in a search for species specific information.

Environmental Education Resources
Compiled by Dr. Miles Barker, Senior Lecturer at the School of Education, Waikato University.

Fear of Physics
An interactive, highly visual, and non-technical way for you to see the laws of physics in action"; designed for teachers and students in middle and high school. Many different simulations demonstrate the concepts of physics. Topics include the Doppler Effect, roller coasters, pendulums, Einstein's theory of relativity, gravity, planets, acceleration and more

Journal of Chemical Education
The Journal of Chemical Education has many resources designed to meet the needs of high school teachers

Kiwi Recovery Programme
A joint project from The Department of Conservation, The Bank of New Zealand and Forest and Bird Protection Society, this searchable site provides information about the kiwi, threats to its existence and links to further conservation information and resources.

Mad Scientist Network
A group of scientists from around the world answer science questions. Includes a searchable database containing past questions and answers.

Manaaki Whenua Press
This Landcare Research site contains a searchable database of scientific publications.

National Centre for Science Education
American

National Geographic-On-Line

National Institute for Science Education
American

National Science Foundation
American - quite a lot of information and activities aimed at teachers and students

NZASE - New Zealand Association of Science Educators
The national organisation which represents the interests of New Zealand teachers of science

New Zealand Birds
New Zealand was the fabled land of birds. New Zealand's biota was so strange that it would be dismissed as science fiction if the fossil record was not there to prove it.

Paleontology Without Walls
A sort of "interactive natural history museum". Includes a useful glossary of biological terms.

Periodic Table of Elements on the Internet
Symbol, atomic number, mass, melting point, boiling point,and everything else you need to know about each of the elements in the Periodic Table.

Physics 2000
An interactive journey through modern physics. Visual and conceptual learning about 20th century science

Space Telescope
Pictures from the Hubble Telescope. Visit this site for images of faraway galaxies.

Stardome at the Auckland Observatory
Astronomy-related teaching resources, animated views of the recent eclipse, a kids links page, a guide to Southern Skies, starcharts and a sky calendar on a well organised site make this well worth a visit.

Te Kete Ipurangi - Science Community News
A host of material relevant to the New Zealand science teaching community is available through this page. News includes recent material on TKI, an editor's selection, a list of events, and community notices.

Willo, The Dinosaur with a Heart
Prompted by the report of a 66 million year old Thescelosaurus dinosaur heart in the April 21, 2000 issue of the journal Science, this site was created to present and follow developments of this scientific discovery. There is a FAQ as well as images of the heart and body along with video files. From The Center for the Exploration of the Dinosaurian World. Subjects: Dinosaurs

World Time Server
World Time Server provides the most accurate current local times of any world clock on the Internet. It makes real time adjustments for Daylight Saving Time. No matter what time zone a country or city is located in, this site is your best resource for determining any time, anywhere