A fresh look at NZ Science teaching resources

A fresh look at NZ Science teaching resources

Erin Dolden
At LearnWell, we're passionate about nurturing the next generation of scientists.  That's why we're dedicated to developing innovative NZ science teaching resources tailored for today's learners.  We're continuously designing new products, drawing inspiration from the valuable feedback we receive from educators.  Read on to find out more about the resources we currently offer, and those we have planned for 2025 and beyond.

Learning Guides and LearnWell Digital

Learning Guides and LearnWell Digital are our newest ranges of resources. They were developed after hearing what NZ's teachers had to say about the resources they had access to, and what they would like to see improved.

The content in our Learning Guides aligns with its equivalent LearnWell Digital course, allowing you to mix and match print and digital resources based on your or your students’ preferences. Learning Guides are books that support independent student learning by offering a connected, easy-to-follow learning journey through the material from start to finish. We’ve designed them to provide a great learning experience whether a teacher is present or not, offering flexibility for teachers and students.

LearnWell Digital resources also serve as stand-alone tools that guide students on a learning journey. The additional tools that are available with the digital resources make it easy to keep track of your students’ progress You can also personalise the feedback and support you can give them.

LearnWell’s Learning Guides and Digital resources teach students the skills they need to succeed in science. They have been carefully designed to put contexts of Aotearoa New Zealand front and centre, including aspects of mātauranga and te reo Māori.

New Level 1 NCEA resources

Our new Level 1 resources are well into development. From these, you can expect the same type of clear, attractive, comprehensive learning journey as we’ve presented in our junior resources but with renewed focus on helping you develop the following attributes in your students:

  • willingness to engage with scientific ideas from different worldviews
  • respect for rigorous scientific methodology and evidence
  • curiosity about the world around them
  • appreciation of the complex nature of systems
  • acceptance that there is a level of uncertainty in science, and that our scientific body of knowledge is always growing and changing.

NZ science teaching resources for Year 9 and 10 students

Our junior resources are organised into four curriculum strands: Material World, Living World, Physical World, and Planet Earth and Beyond. An introductory resource on the science laboratory and lab safety is also available for Year 9 students.

We’ve aimed to strike the perfect balance between meeting curriculum requirements and providing engaging content that sparks scientific curiosity. We encourage students to actively participate in their learning, promoting the review and application of their knowledge and skills.

LearnWell’s junior science Learning Guides and Digital resources connect seamlessly across curriculum levels, ensuring that no prior knowledge is assumed. They help bridge and reinforce concepts from previous levels while making connections to future studies. We also take reading age into account, ensuring the resources are accessible and helping students decode scientific terminology, which builds their vocabulary for higher-level studies.

If you're seeking new science teaching resources, these might be just what you need! Soon, you'll be able to purchase two digital bundles: one for Year 9 science resources and another for Year 10 science resources. This option offers even greater value than buying the resources separately.

Start Right Workbooks


Start Right Workbooks are designed for students working at Levels 1-4 of the New Zealand Curriculum. Their simple, colourful, write-on format makes them easy to follow. Although they’re aimed at students in Year 1-8, many teachers also use them with their secondary school students if they need to catch up on learning.

 

“I will be using Start Right Workbooks along with a teacher aide to help students that are currently struggling with their learning and have severe gaps in their learning. All of the boys identified will have their own IEP (Individual Education Plan).”

- Director of Learning Support, Hamilton Boys’ High School

Learning Workbooks and Study Guides

Then there are always the tried-and-true staples, Learning Workbooks and Study Guides.

 

Learning Workbooks offer concise, clearly explained theory along with plenty of examples. Students can actively engage by completing activities directly in the workbooks. You’ll find Learning Workbooks for full year levels as well as for individual NCEA achievement standards.

 

 

Study Guides are convenient A5-sized textbooks with concise, clear notes, worked examples and activities. Use them throughout the year to support classroom work and assist students with internal assessments. They’re also useful for revision before end-of-year exams.

 

AME Workbooks

When your students reach NCEA level science, they require careful guidance to navigate their external examinations effectively. As a teacher, you’re already providing a wealth of support and knowledge, but the right resources can make all the difference in helping them achieve their goals. This is where AME Workbooks come in.

Let AME Workbooks guide your students toward receiving achievement, merit or excellence. These workbooks are designed to clarify complex concepts and offer structured practice, ensuring that your students are well-prepared for their externals. AME Workbooks are available in:

Taking the next step with LearnWell’s NZ science teaching resources

Finding time to evaluate how well your current resources support your teaching can feel like a luxury when you’re busy lesson planning, marking and supporting students with diverse needs through their individual learning journeys. But, now and then, it's worth considering how well those 'old friends' are serving you. Exploring new options can keep your teaching fresh, relevant, and boost student engagement.

Our team at LearnWell is committed to supporting you if you’re looking to explore new resources or optimise your current materials.

If you’d like to have a browse to get a better idea of our range, you can find the contents and sample pages of each resource on our website. Or contact our resource expert, Sue Mulrennan, for personalised assistance.

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