This issue of Your environment, Canterbury breathes fresh air into the issue of wintertime smog –
what actually is air pollution, what causes it, why it is so bad in many towns and cities across the
world, and in New Zealand and Canterbury, and what you, your family and friends can do about it!

Build up your science with the “Architecture” show.

Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGNgqqRgR0w

Bill Nye the Science Guy has downloaded the “Computers” episode into his Random Access Memory.

Link to video: https://www.schooltube.com/media/1_en0xw8er

“More than a Box” describes the processes and practices used when planning, designing, and building a large indoor sports centre. It outlines the science and technology behind the building process, including the steps taken to ensure that the structure remains erect, stable, and safe.

“Magic in the Wind” briefly describes some of the technological challenges faced by Len Lye in designing a successful wind wand. Together this article and "Greig's Pointed Problem" provide the basis for a comparison between technology and art.

In this article, students learn about the development of the underwater bait setter. This device is designed to reduce the number of seabirds harmed through long-line fishing.

Alice is a tunnel-boring machine used to build two tunnels for Auckland’s Western Ring motorway. Hear about the experience from Alice herself as she provides a first person account of the impact of new technology on our land and infrastructures.

Electric cars are often seen as the vehicles of the future – but are they? Read about the development of electric cars and see how the technology they use contrasts with that used by fuel-powered cars.

Students at Kaniere School are helping scientists combat the spread of weeds. They’re using simple digital technology to identify the weeds and upload the information to a national database. The article shows how students can use digital technology to become citizen scientists and act locally on a national issue.

Siali is selected to trial a new augmented reality device called SquareEye. While the trial starts off fun, he slowly starts to notice that SquareEye is affecting his experiences in ways he doesn’t necessarily consent to. This story, set in the not-so-distant future, explores how digital technologies can alter our experiences without us knowing.

This article explores the development of artificial intelligence (AI) from a social and ethical perspective. It invites the reader to consider high-level questions about the future for this technology, what emotional intelligence is, how humans think, the ethical implications of building AI that act like humans, and what would happen if AI became more intelligent than us.

This article describes how three Kiwi companies have used digital technology to help solve health or social problems. It demonstrates how digital technologists think through a problem and how a seemingly abstract issue can be turned into a series of tasks that digital technologies can solve.

This article reports on a survey of a 100-metre long rocky reef located 11 kilometres off the Taranaki coast. Students from local high schools are partnering with divers, biologists, engineers, fishers, and local iwi to discover and record the plants and animals that make the reef their home. The article focuses on the survey methods being used and the different technologies involved in each method.

This article explores the mystery of the long pause between the two major periods of Pacific migration. It demonstrates how the science of archaeology can be used to explain and understand the world and how scientists provide evidence to support ideas.

Most students will be aware of drones. This article describes three examples of how they are used in the world of work. By demonstrating their use within three different fields, the text builds awareness of how they work, how they are used now, and how they might be used in the future.

This article introduces the science of astronomy while explaining the issue of light pollution and practical ways of reducing it. It raises awareness of why this issue is so important for humans and our fellow creatures.

This article addresses the topical issue of fake news. Digital technology creates huge opportunities for us to create and share information but also exposes us to information that can be false or can do harm. The article encourages students to take a critical gaze on information and suggests strategies for evaluating what information is based on facts and worth sharing.

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.

Talking about renewable energy, Dr Michelle Dickinson will cover the science of how to make electricity and carry out a hands-on experiment while talking about solar cells with Professor Justin Hodgkiss from The MacDiarmid Institute.

This activity encourages students to explore various aspects of complex issues. It encourages students to consider the interaction of science and diverse community views.

Bill Nye the Science Guy is on the move with the “Human Transportation” episode.
Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlNadQtRBvQ

Find out about energy and electricity. Which appliances and devices around you use electrical energy?