As educators, we know that there has been a big push with literacy and numeracy with the new government. Many educators are feeling the pressure to focus on these areas. However, there is a danger that their tamariki are missing out on learning about nature and the environment and, going outside. This workshop will focus on how you can take your tamariki outside into nature for hands-on practical learning, while still focusing on literacy and numeracy.
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.
Aotearoa/NZ is biologically the oldest place on this planet. A Dinosaur museum! Our native plants, insects, frogs, birds, lizards and many other creatures are the oldest in existence. Our native frogs make no noise because they are derived from the very first frogs to ever to evolve, and with only one species, they didn’t need to differentiate using sounds! In other countries Tuatara are known only as fossils but they still live here! It is an amazing heritage that dates back millions of years. The whole story is linked very closely to the Geology of NZ, Gondwanaland, the ice ages, sea level changes, volcanic activity, fault lines and of course fossils!
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.
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.
Discover how to engage and inspire your students through virtual field trips.
See how you can create your own virtual field trip experiences without the need for specialised equipment.
In this workshop you will take part in an interactive virtual field trip and see how to plan, create, share and evaluate your own virtual field trip. See how online tools and multimedia can engage your students and take them to places they may not otherwise experience.
Explore strategies to deepen learning and inspire ākonga to take action within the context of a relevant and authentic virtual field trip.
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.
Journey into the dynamic world of Aotearoa’s river ecosystems in ‘River Ecosystems – Connecting to Wai through Critters and Tohu’, an engaging workshop designed to immerse educators in the science and stories of our waterways. Engage in activities such as identifying macroinvertebrates, mapping local waterways, and interpreting the signs of a healthy river. This workshop features the popular citizen science Macroinvertebrate Community Index Sampling Game, providing practical ways to teach students about the vital role of critters in assessing river health.
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.
When did the first Polynesians arrive and what inspired them to search for Aotearoa? What cues did the Polynesians use before they set off to find Aotearoa? How did they prepare for such a voyage, navigate and survive during the trip? What did they find when they got here. The answers to most of these questions are hidden, but clues have been left along the way, some coming from unlikely sources. One can only marvel at these remarkable navigators.
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.
Walk through the Christchurch Red Zone with geologist Dr Sam Hampton. The Red Zone is now a place of unmarked boundaries, remnants of sections remain, and the reasons for the creation of the Red Zone is fading in memory. This workshop covers the series of seismic events, the impacts and the resultant changes to the landscape brought on by the natural ground conditions and by decision-makers during the Canterbury Earthquake Sequence. The workshop will discuss what is beneath our feet, what environments were in these areas and how this influenced how the ground responded.
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
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.
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.
