GNS Science is the New Zealand research institute that focuses on geological resources, environmental and industrial isotopes, and natural hazards.
Since 1865 they have demonstrated scientific excellence in a country that straddles two tectonic plates, where earthquakes were first associated with geological faulting, and whose first Nobel Laureate, Ernest Rutherford, saw that radioactive isotopes could be used for geological dating.
Today, GNS continues these investigations, from the atomic to the planetary scale. These activities are expressed through their Māori name, Te Pū Ao, which means “the foundation, origin, and source of the world”. GNS applies this science to create wealth, to protect the environment and to improve the safety of people.
Here are links to the GNS Science website and also to GeoNet
GNS Wairakei is where I am mostly based, utilising the knowledge and expertise of the friendly staff who are more than willing to show me about and take me on really cool expeditions.
Held in Wellington over two days, all the teacher fellows in my group, participated in activities, discussions and a field trip to highlight the variety of learning possibilities in all aspects of science in our environment. It wasn't all Living Earth and Planet Earth and Beyond either. Much involved Material and Physical World contexts.
A visit to the Island Bay Marine Education Centre gave us insights into using local community resources, a thing I think my school does well. If you're planning a class trip to the capital the centre is well worth a visit.
Scotts College pupils having fun while they learn
Now have a look at the following photos and see how you could use them to learn about science. Some pictures could be used in a variety of contexts.
Welcome to my first attempt at a blog. Hi, I am Mike Wylde, a Royal Society of New Zealand Science Teacher Fellow. First let me tell you a little bit about the background of being a Primary Science Teacher Fellow.
The Royal Society of New Zealand, along with other educational agencies have recognised the decline in science graduates over the years and studies have been conducted to see whay that is. It seems that by the time children have left primary school the majority have a negative association with science in general and hence may not pursue science-based studies. In order to reverse this trend RSNZ offer teacher fellowships in science in order to help profile science in primary schools. For me this means working with my staff back at Nelson Park School in Napier and also forming a network of interested teachers from surrounding schools to form a science cluster. This is an exciting opprtunity and I am thoroughly looking forward to the next 5 months.
About Mike
I'm a deputy principal from Napier's Nelson Park School where I have been teaching for the last 5 years. I have previously taught in Hamilton, Te Puke and Auckland.
Born in Waiouru under the shadow of the Central Plateau volcanoes I developed a passion for the earth sciences which continues to this day. Travelling extensively around the world I make a point of finding out about the local geology and utilize skills in photography to record the landscape. I list as a highlight a helicopter visit to Whakaari (White Island) to spend the day recording the unique nature of New Zealand’s most active volcano.
I have an avid interest in science. At Auckland University, prior to attending North Shore Teacher's College, I studied geology and geography. As a classroom teacher I enjoy undertaking science investigations with children and developing in them an appreciation of scientific processes.
The Project
This project - Tane-nui-a-Rangi - will focus on tying together some of Maoridom’s myths and legends that explain and describe natural land formations and processes (Geological History) and back these with the geologic science.I will be working alongside the geologists from GNS Science and co-discovering the science behind the stories with my partner fellow, Tunis Keelan from Tologa Bay.
Hunting Dinosaurs
Mike & Tunis braving the torrent.
What an amazing opportunity! During the second week of February I had the pleasure of accompanying a team from GNS to explore the Mangahouanga River for fossils. This was the site that Joan Wiffen made notable in the 1970's.
Today, the former presence of dinosaurs on New Zealand's landmass is unarguable because of Joan's work. She and her colleagues have found at the Mangahouanga site fossil bones of at least three kinds of carnivorous dinosaur, three kinds of herbivorous dinosaur, and one kind of flying reptile. That is quite apart from some fine examples of marine reptile fossils and some rare and unique examples of other marine species.
Have a look at the Links Section above to find out more about Joan and her life.
Bones Abound
Here are a few shots from the field trip that show the rugged beauty of Northern Hawkes Bay and the fascinating fossil finds!
