Resources for Secondary Schools
Explore the fascinating world of science and engineering! The Faculty’s exciting collection of tools for secondary school students and teachers provide the perfect informational resources.
Earth & Ocean Sciences - Resources available
Looking for support in the teaching of Earth and ocean sciences at your school? The Department of Earth & Ocean Sciences can offer you resources, knowledge, training and much more to your primary, intermediate or secondary school class.
The following resources and services are available:
- Labelled rock collections available at $60.00 a set
- Teacher information evenings
- Class visits to the Earth and Ocean Sciences Department at the University (by arrangement)
- Guest speakers: Earth & Ocean Sciences staff are available to talk to groups at your school on a wide range of Earth Science-related topics including: volcanoes, climate change, tsunami, Antarctic rocks and minerals, careers in Earth, ocean and environmental sciences, and coastal processes.
Contact us to enquire about any of the above, or with any further requests or questions. You may also like to be added to our mailing list of schools, to receive updates on upcoming events.
Evolution for Teaching
The Evolution for Teaching website was developed as a resource for New Zealand secondary teachers. The website provides a wealth of information in areas related to evolution, including, geological time, New Zealand examples of evolution, human evolution, and background to the development of evolutionary theory.
Science on the Farm
Science on the Farm was developed as part of Waikato University’s strategic partnership with Fieldays. The website provides secondary school teachers and students with information in a range of curriculum areas, largely based on research being carried out in the Faculty of Science & Engineering. Visitors to the website can also learn more about the people behind the science.
Secondary Tertiary Alignment Resource (STAR)
The Ministry of Education’s Secondary Tertiary Alignment Resource (STAR) funding is a capped resource available to secondary, composite, area or special schools that have Years 11 to 13 students. The intention of the grant is to enable secondary schools to facilitate their senior students’ smooth transition from schooling to further education, training or employment. It enables secondary schools to provide or purchase tertiary courses which will better meet students’ needs.
The Faculty of Science & Engineering offer STAR courses in the areas of chemistry and biology.
Volcanology of the Tongariro Crossing
Take a virtual field trip of 360 degree panoramic images of the Volcanology of Tongariro Crossing. The images are supported by explanatory hotspots, background information, maps, diagrams, an indexed slide show, animations, eruption movies, and a glossary.
Suggested websites for school teachers and students
The Department of Conservation’s Teaching Resources: The Department of Conservation offers a great selection of field trip resources, conservation education resources, ideas for outdoor classroom activities, DOC education projects and programme, and teaching resources by theme.
University of Waikato Education Library Portal: Take advantage of the great resources provided by Waikato University’s Education Library.
World Wildlife Foundation’s teaching resources: The WWF offer a collection of articles, ideas and links for lesson planning. Learn how to make your classroom more environmentally friendly, take an in depth look at different species around the world, or browse topic ideas for your next project.
The Nature Conservancy – informational and interactive: Solve a conservation mystery, explore coral reefs, learn about the bird of the month and much more. Enjoy the resources provided by The Nature Conservancy, who have been working with communities, businesses and individuals to protect more than 117 million acres around the world, since 1951.
Landcare Research – from bugs, to penguins, to possums: Use the interactive tools to identify bugs, learn why possums are destroying NZ wildlife, get educated on Adélie penguin research in Antarctica and much more.
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research – education in schools: Providing education resources is part of NIWA's commitment to helping young New Zealanders learn about science and technology.
AgResearch – leaders in innovation: AgResearch’s content on biomaterials, animal performance, the environment, meat and dairy foods, bio control and bio security provides an ideal source of information for teachers and students.
Antarctica New Zealand – media and youth programmes: Since 1957 youth have visited Antarctica with the New Zealand Antarctic Programme. The Antarctic Youth Ambassador scheme aims to engage young New Zealanders in Antarctic environmental issues.
GNS Science – teaching resources: GNS provide a great collation of lesson plans, videos, interactive games and all you need to know about earthquakes, fossils and volcanoes.
