Science

Other

Matariki Unit (Years 5–8)

This is a full cross-curricular unit for Years 5–8 that covers the topic properly. It moves through Science, Maths, English, Social Science, Arts, Music, and Food Tech in a way that actually hangs together rather than feeling like a bunch of separate activities stapled together to try and suit a theme. Use it as a two to three week unit or pick and choose what fits your programme. Everything is ready to project, print, and hand out. What's included: • 20+ slide presentation • 10 matching worksheets • Short fiction story about grief and Matariki, with five response questions • Research worksheet and fact sheet (no internet needed) • Coordinate geometry activity using the nine stars • Music worksheet imagining a soundscape for each star • Night sky pastel art with step-by-step visuals • Traditional instruments slides with listening links • Bread recipe and evaluation worksheet • Star biscuits recipe with design planning • Writing reflection with prompts for remembrance, connection, and goals • Word search with 20 key vocab words Why teachers like it: • Saves hours of planning • Covers multiple curriculum areas without feeling forced • Good mix of discussion, research, creativity, hands-on, and reflection • Flexible enough to suit any timetable Years 5–8 | NZ Curriculum aligned | PDF and editable Canva links

Science

Exploring Elements | Interactive Periodic Table (Years 5–8)

This interactive resource helps students build curiosity and confidence when learning about the elements. The interactive periodic table lets students click on any of the first 20 elements to learn more about them in a fun and engaging way. Start by exploring it together as a class, which works especially well for guiding students through the key properties of each element. Once they have had a chance to explore, encourage them to do this again more independently at a later date. After exploring, students can match each element to its description, which include some examples connected to everyday life. Once matched, they can glue the pairs together to create their own flashcards or use them to play a matching game like "pairs." Whether used for whole-class exploration or independent extension, this resource brings science to life in a way that is visual, hands-on, and easy to differentiate.

Environmental

Predator Free NZ Bundle | Native Wildlife & Pests

The Predator Free NZ Bundle is a ready-to-teach unit for Years 5 to 8 that helps tamariki understand why Aotearoa's native wildlife is so special, and why predator control matters. It blends science, reading and writing into one cohesive unit that is easy to pick up and run. Students explore how introduced predators like rats, stoats and possums have affected our native birds, why our manu are so vulnerable, and what people and communities are doing to help. The lessons are scaffolded so understanding builds slide by slide, and the follow-up activities give students hands-on ways to consolidate what they have learned. Everything is digital, printable and editable, so you can use it on screen, print it out, or adjust it to suit your class. It works beautifully as a standalone science unit, an environmental inquiry, or a meaningful tie-in for Conservation Week, Matariki or any kaitiakitanga focus. It is the kind of unit that gets students genuinely talking. They come away understanding why predator control matters, and feeling like kaitiaki of the wildlife on their own doorstep. Made with aroha in Aotearoa.