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The Bioblitz field trip allowed our tamariki to further explore their learning context (insects) and to add to their understanding of an area of the science curriculum. The format of the field trip meant that what the children had already learned was given relevance and promoted further inquiry, conversations, excitement and engagement in this context.
It followed on very well from the inquiry we have been doing into the plants in our local native bush. The most noticeable impact was a increase in our classes' scientific vocab. Great opportunity to communicate and collaborate with others outside of our school.
The BioBlitz trip was an excellent activity in terms of supporting NZ Curriculum objectives in Science and Ecology for Levels 3 and 4. Science is a way of explaining the world and scientists work together to support their ideas. Ecology - students can see how organisms are adapted to their environment.
It was really appropriate as we learnt how to do a Bio Blitz in our own backyard - which we did! Helped us in the key Learning Area of Science - provided extra information, motivation and a wider NZ focus on the environment. Also added to the kete of useful add-ons to make my teaching better.
Stimulated students to look at environmental issues and biodiversity in our local area. From a teacher's perspective it was a simple way to get children engaged in learning using a digital tool.
The content was pitched perfectly for Year 7 & 8 tamariki. As part of our unit of inquiry based around ecosystems & biodiversity, there were strong curriculum links. The word bank helped build our te reo Māori too.
Helped my teaching practice, as this BioBlitz field trip was a helpful tool to differentiate my teaching. Students enjoy a different form of lesson delivery, too.
In this virtual field trip, the students studied creatures while learning about the concepts of biodiversity and conservation so we built our Inquiry around native animals. We decided to go to the Groynes and check out creatures there. We also looked at the wildlife at Willowbank.
Supported all of the KC's, the Nature of Science and the science capabilities.
It was at a perfect level for Level 3 to 4 of the Curriculum with extension opportunities. We participated live in one web conference but being able to replay all the web conferences was awesome! Took away the need for all the paperwork now needed for any outdoor education trip!
The field trip gave my students a good hook into volcanoes and natural hazards. It supported the science learning area well. Watching the scientist's plane trip sparked my kids curiousity, as did the trip up the volcano.
Supported collaboration, inquiry, and taught specific knowledge about the subject.
Great for student centred learning, Māori content and access to experts. Always a range of technical terms and information that can be adapted to suit my Y12 Geo class.
I loved that the children were involved in creating the content by writing the questions for Ben and Shelley. Matched our inquiry concept of "Change" perfectly. Encouraged lots of 21st century skills and great learning.
It was really engaging and held the students' interest. The online support was fabulous, as there was a lot of support and different material and ideas.
Absolutely ideal for my year level 3 & 4.
This provided our students with experts in their fields. It allowed us to connect with them more easily. It made direct links to the learning of their world around them and connections to where they are from.
The field trip allowed the children to dig deeper than just volcanism in Iceland. Students followed up with research on NZ Geology and experimenting making ther own lava, like Ben does in his lab!
Linked well into our unit on puia and maunga, with good information in the background pages and activities. Dipping into videos was useful. Fitted well with our unit, which is assessing Earth Systems at Level 4/5 of the NZC. It also allowed for participation and contribution for both the KCs and the NoS branch of Pūtaiao.
The kids actioning the Key Competencies through a field trip was new and interesting for them.
The live web conference was an excellent experience for my students to connect with experts. It has sparked more curiosity for the students and has led well into their scientific inquiries.
The virtual field trip encouraged my Year 9 students to manage themselves, and helped develop their critical thinking skills.
Captivating videos and learning activities about planet Earth. Thanks for the project!
This trip generated a huge response and the students loved being in Iceland. I was constantly asked if they could have more time researching-looking at videos and following their own Inquiry trail on this topic. All key competencies were used.
The timing and content of the field trip was appropriate for my Year 9 class and they were all engaged, especially in the live web conference. I thought the virtual field trip was a valuable experience; both for the students and for my professional development.