This article describes how the amount of rain that falls throughout the year(s) can be explored to find patterns. Different types of displays are used to show the data and to prompt questions, and some basic features of time-series data are introduced.

Some animals migrate thousands of kilometres every year - so how do scientists keep track of them? Take a look at the different technologies scientists use to study migration patterns, and discover what they have learnt about great migrations.

In 2011, the MV Rena struck Astolabe Reef and caused an environmental disaster. Since then, the clean-up operation has seen lots of debris removed from the wreck – but large parts of the Rena still remained on the ocean floor. What factors were considered when making the decision on the future of the Rena wreck?

Grace is on a mission to win the science fair – but to do so she must structure and present her investigation in the most informative and thought-provoking way possible. Grace uses diagrams, photographs, tables, graphs, infographics, and clear science writing to present her data and blow the judges away!

Students work in small groups to research energy-efficient house design and passive solar energy. They share their research findings, develop a design for an energy-efficient house and construct a model energy-efficient house from materials supplied, then explain their model to the class.

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.

Wind turbines allow us to harness the energy of wind and turn it into electricity to keep our TVs powered and our ipads charged. Did you know that the blade tips of a large wind turbine can reach speeds of more than 320 km per hour – that’s super-fast! Watch our video to make and test your own 3D printed wind turbine at school or home.

The Parking Lot is a tool that captures students’ comments, ideas, reflections and questions as they arise. Displayed in the classroom throughout an inquiry, the tool provides teachers with a visual representation of students’ thoughts and wonderings about the topic.

Providing students with question starters helps to promote evidence-based discussions in the science classroom. Encourage students to frame their questions for discussion with their team members when preparing their claim/s and evidence.

Words and illustration by Nikki Slade Robinson who turned her book The Little Kiwi’s Matariki into this skit especially for Wild Things readers.

Crank it up – it’s the “Music” episode.

Link to video: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3koim8

Cut the two pieces of this postcard out (you might like to photocopy it first). Stick the front and back on a piece of card the same size. Fill in the back with the details of who you are, and your pledge to help with climate change.

Object of game: to grow to become a healthy well fed sea lion and produce lots of pups. Link to teacher guide: https://www.otago.ac.nz/marine-studies/resources/download/otago062838.pdf

A new education programme focusing on the NZ Sea Lion for schools and interest groups. Participants are encouraged to take on the role of a scientist to study these amazing marine mammals and explore the issues that surround them. Link to board game: https://www.otago.ac.nz/marine-studies/resources/download/otago062839.jpg

Art and science have always been natural partners, but what about combining drama with science? The following activities can be done before and after a trip to the rocky shore.

Spiders have eight legs and two main body parts. Adult insects have six legs and three main body parts.