In this workshop we will delve into how to make a personalised local curriculum for your school. We will explore how your local area and its resources can be used as a catalyst and inspiration for curriculum development. We will work with you to incorporate your cultural narrative including tangata whenua, European settlement, other cultural stories as well as geographical aspects. This creates a curriculum that is unique to your kura and community and encompasses the amazing opportunities and connections you have locally. You will work with Matt, Ngāi Tahu and previous principal and Bianca, Enviro Science Teacher, who have developed local curriculums in partnership with many schools in Aotearoa.
This workshop involves learning about traditional weaving, the tikanga and reasons for these, as well as exploring some hands-on weaving experiences. The workshop will also include appropriate karakia and waiata.
In pre-European times, the seas around Aotearoa were the main food source for most Māori. However, having recently arrived, the earliest Polynesian settlers were used to spearing fish in clear tropical waters. In Aotearoa, the murky seas must have been initially frustrating. Māori went on to develop the fishing hook beyond any other culture on the planet.
This session will look at examples of hooks, lures, traps, nets, and aquaculture, looking at design, manufacture, and functionality. It will also explore some of the tikanga and science around traditional Māori fish harvesting and enhancement methods. This content links to NZ Histories.
Explore the fascinating relationship between plants and their environment with Ruud Kleinpaste in his workshop, “How to Murder Your Plants More Slowly.” Perfect for schools with gardens or access to natural plant areas, this session dives into the challenges plants face from pests and diseases. Learn how these factors influence plant health and discover practical strategies to slow their impact. With Ruud’s signature wit and expertise, this workshop offers valuable insights for educators and students alike, fostering a deeper understanding of plant care and sustainable gardening practices.
This workshop presents three hands-on volcano activities. No.1. Sand volcano model of Banks Peninsula. An exercise in volcanic reconstruction. Using geological and topographic parameters this activity builds and erodes the stages of activity of Banks Peninsula, showing how the landscape developed over geological time and how this is reflected in the landscape today. No. 2. Mentos volcano eruptions. Using the reactive properties of Mentos in diet cola this activity provides a structured approach to developing the theory of scientific testing, observations, recording and analysis, focusing on the simple changing of the volcano’s vent conditions (bottle cap). 3. Igneous rocks. Examination, description and classifications of igneous rock samples. Q and A on formation, processes, localities etc.
Foster a deeper connection to nature and promote practical learning outside the classroom, while fostering an understanding of where food comes from and the importance of sustainability. This workshop will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to guide your students in creating sustainable, hands on garden projects. Learn plan the layout of your space, how to select the right plants, and how to heal your soil life
Antarctica is a unique natural laboratory that helps us understand the Earth’s climate, ocean systems, and the impact of human activity. This remote and hostile environment directly affects Aotearoa. Demystify climate science and oceanography through engaging practical activities and see how scientists work and live in Antarctica. Let Antarctica inspire you and your students to take action to reduce climate change.
Sue Greenwood and Nikki Wallace-Bell from E5 Art and Clay will guide participants in exploring the beauty and design of mandalas found in nature. Using natural and repurposed objects, attendees will create their own interpretations of these radial patterns. This workshop is ideal for educators who value nature’s influence in art and design. Participants will leave with fresh ideas for mural projects, artwork, or nature play areas.
This workshop will explore what rongoa is including karakia, waiata, sound and energy and how it applies to our modern world. Appropriate tikanga will be explored, accompanied with waiata and karakia. We will make a lip balm and look at New Zealand native trees and how we can use them to enhance our health, along with other rongoa practices for good health.
Most schools have a collection of rocks, but it often becomes jumbled and hard to use. How can the jumbled be turned into something of use and embedded in your learning? In this workshop, Dr Sam Hampton provides advice, directions and hands-on examples of how to get the most out of your rock collection. You are encouraged to bring along your own schools’ collection to work through within the workshop.
The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation. Understand the global and local significance of glaciers through this interactive workshop. Our glaciers are disappearing due to climate change and receding glaciers are a major cause of sea level rise. Loss of glacial ice also threatens our water supplies and local communities. Discover what’s unique about New Zealand’s glaciers and the landscapes they shape. Model glacial recession and uncover the importance of these giant rivers of ice.
What do you know about our endemic Canterbury butterflies? This workshop will take you on a crash course on our local butterflies and to provide you with the know-how to create habitats, identify and scientifically pin our gorgeous Lepidoptera. Learn how to get your students involved in the B5 Project and become kaitiaki of their school grounds and the wider community. Connect with butterfly experts both in Canterbury and nationally to help protect our taonga species.
Sue Greenwood and Nikki Wallace-Bell from E5 Art and Clay will guide participants in exploring the beauty and design of mandalas found in nature. Using natural and repurposed objects, attendees will create their own interpretations of these radial patterns. This workshop is ideal for educators who value nature’s influence in art and design. Participants will leave with fresh ideas for mural projects, artwork, or nature play areas.
Learn everything you need to know to successfully grow Kumara in Canterbury. Once thought to be unsuitable for the region, Sandi has proven otherwise and will take you on a journey through the history of this iconic kiwi plant. Participants will learn all the techniques needed to give their students a unique hands on experience of witnesses the full life cycle of the plant from starting slips to harvesting the mature crop.
An exciting, hands-on workshop that brings the art of a bioblitz to life. Participants will learn how to organize and conduct a bioblitz, with a special focus on catching and observing the incredible variety of critters that take to the skies. From delicate insects to dazzling winged wonders, you’ll uncover the secrets of the flying world. Perfect for educators, students, and nature enthusiasts, this workshop promises to inspire curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the creatures that share our skies.
We get to space with rockets and we can explore science concepts to do with rockets through water rockets.
In this workshop we will take you through a few experiments you can do with your students to explore physics and how rockets work.
Many schools have water rocket launches available so these are a fun and accessible way of getting closer to space. Water rockets are suitable for all ages from year 1 through to year 13, with many of the concepts applicable to ESS and Physics.
Who’s responsible for the oceanic disco lights the we call bioluminescence? Is it really causing albatross to swim in circles? Can we catch and get to see some of these mysterious glowing creatures? Why and how do they do it? The disadvantages of glowing in a dark ocean are obvious, so what are the advantages? Join us on a dark oceanic field trip to see if we can find some of the culprits!
Join Ruud Kleinpaste, “The Bugman,” for a nocturnal adventure in “The Tonight Show with The Bugman.” This engaging workshop will unveil the fascinating world of creatures that buzz, creep, and flutter through the night. From stealthy spiders to fluttering moths and glowing glowworms, discover the hidden ecosystem that thrives under the cover of darkness. Using his signature humor and deep knowledge, Ruud will guide you in uncovering the secrets of nocturnal life during this prime time for observing nature’s night shift. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, educators, or anyone curious about the mysteries of the night!
Join “The Space Guys,” Haritina (Hari) and Sam, for an unforgettable evening under the stars in their “Star Party” workshop. Using some of the finest mobile telescopes in New Zealand, this outdoor, after-dark experience offers participants a chance to explore the wonders of the night sky. From distant galaxies to sparkling star clusters and planets in our solar system, Hari and Sam will guide you through the cosmos with their passion and expertise. Perfect for stargazers, educators, and anyone curious about the universe, this workshop promises to leave you awestruck by the beauty and vastness of space.
