How many kinds of animals can you think of? Join Matthew as he investigates the unique features of different creatures around the planet and how they can be organised into a group called the animal kingdom!

If you study insects you’re called an entomologist. You can learn a lot about insects, like how their bodies work, how long they live and what they eat.

This unit includes a series of activities which focus on the shells made from animals in the Phylum Mollusca (e.g. snails, mussels, limpets, chitons). Link to teacher guide: https://www.otago.ac.nz/marine-studies/resources/download/otago062811.pdf

This unit includes a series of activities which focus on the shells made from animals in the Phylum Mollusca (e.g. snails, mussels, limpets, chitons). Link to poster: https://www.otago.ac.nz/marine-studies/resources/download/otago371801.pdf

Insects are animals belonging to the class known as Insecta.

He puka ārahi ngāwari mō ngā kararehe me ngā tipu e kitea noatia ki ngā ākau pōhatuhatu o Aotearoa ki te Raki.

He puka ārahi ngāwari mō ngā kararehe me ngā tipu e kitea noatia ki ngā tapātai one o Aotearoa ki te Raki.

This game is helps people to understand the stresses on animals living on the beach. There is choice involved and a certain amount of luck too. The aim of the game is to survive through to the end without succumbing to a bad end!

Let’s delve into the realm of the Atua Tāne Mahuta and find out who’s living in
your yard. Let’s find out what they eat and what their tracks look like.

Look for the following on the beach. Remember not to collect anything that is alive, just describe it.

Our first Bug Corner feature looks at Chrysomelidae or leaf beetles. Learn more about these insects, and why and how they are being used as “biocontrol”, a type of pest control method.

Lucy helps you to build the perfect Bug Hotel and encourages you to get to know your tiny neighbours!

Joe takes you on a journey to discover the wonderful world of bugs!! Find some critters in your backyard & get to know them a little better.

New Zealand is an island nation surrounded by expansive oceans. It is fitting that we have a rich and diverse coastal fauna.

To become familiar with the coastal environment with a special focus on rock pools and their environment.

Centipedes have been on earth for about 450 million years, even before dinosaurs. Centipedes have lots of eggs, are carnivores (they can kill or parlyse their prey with venom-laden claws) and are mostly nocturnal.

In New Zealand, scientists are gathering data about monarch butterflies. They want to find out where the butterflies fly to and from – and where they go in winter.

The islands of Tokelau have been invaded by yellow crazy ants. Scientists are investigating where they are and what can be done about them. By collecting and recording data, they can identify the extent of the problem and figure out the best course of action.

This article follows a science project conducted by students in three Dunedin schools. The topic – investigating which inner city ecosystem supports the most insects and invertebrates – should appeal to most students. The article demonstrates how to conduct a scientific investigation. It also emphasises the importance of communicating your findings so people can take action.

Why not conduct a scientific survey of the crab population on your local shoreline and develop your student's investigative attitudes.

Object of the Game: To find the elusive Colossal Squid!

As fish have no visible eyelids (and closed eyes generally imply sleep) and we see them usually by day when they are in motion, this question is always the source of some debate.

This resource provides ideas and learning experiences to enhance the native and endemic biodiversity in your green space.

Use this resource to experience invertebrates (insects) in your school grounds or another local green space.