This term our Science focus is all about Engaging with Science. This aspect of the curriculum at level 1 and 2 is about helping students explore and act on issues and questions that link their science learning to their daily lives.

At Level 3 they are using their growing science knowledge when considering issues of concern to them and exploring various aspects of an issue to make decisions about possible actions.  Of course students cannot engage with science unless they are doing science so this aspect of the curriculum encompasses the other areas but this is the aspect we will focus on.  

 We ask the following questions to help them engage in a scientific issue: 

What is my opinion on this issue? 

What do my friends and whanau think about this issue?

What groups might be affected?

How does this affect me and my life?

What everyday actions can I change?

What can I do in my community to help?

How to help at home

Consider the science you do on a daily basis ie where does our water go when we brush our teeth?;  or communicate about issues in your area ie common weeds, flora and fauna in the garden, what’s in the solar system right now and why? What contributes to the flooding in our area?  How do we protect the trees, water etc for the future?

Share a scientist you know of that has contributed to a scientific issue ie Dr Rangi Matamua: Māori scholar and astronomer who has revolutionized understanding of the Māori lunar calendar, maramataka. He is also the Government's chief adviser on mātauranga Matariki.

There are many Citizen Science projects that you can get involved with also.  Our local South Titirangi Neighbourhood Network has many programmes you can be involved in; there is the Bug of the Year project (just finished); the Bird of the Year project(coming up in winter); and these help scientists collect data from all around the country to facilitate their research.  

There are a number of apps that can help grow your scientific knowledge: iNAturalist, Seek, SkyTonight, to name a couple of my favourites.  

One of the goals of our science programme is to connect our wider school community through shared experiences about the Nature of Science.  I have been blown away by the number of parents that have willingly contributed by sharing their experience as scientists so we now have a Scientist of the Week session where students will be able to hear about different science professions and the skills they use in their jobs.  Ka rawe whānau! Ngā mihinui! You are awesome families, thank you!

I wonder what science your family will engage with this term?

Stay curious!