Connected 2020 Level 2 – Digging Deeper
Look inside this issue
Squawkzilla
Squawkzilla is a giant parrot that lived in New Zealand 19 million years ago. Its bones were dug up in 2008, but it was not correctly identified for another ten years. This article tells the story of Squawkzilla’s discovery. It demonstrates how scientists work and how it is possible to make educated guesses about what life used to look like millions of years ago. It shows that scientific “discoveries” often take time and require careful observation and teamwork.
City of Bugs
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.
Whakaotirangi and her Kete of Kūmara
This article recounts an important story from the oral tradition of Tainui. It tells of how the iwi’s ancestor, Whakaotirangi, brought kūmara and other plants to Aotearoa and describes the techniques she used to plant, grow, and store them. Whakaotirangi’s gardens made it possible for Tainui to settle in one place, rather than having to keep moving to seek food. In time, Whakaotirangi’s kete of kūmara changed how people live across Aotearoa.
Making Scents
This article follows a class project that students conducted after their teacher challenged them to find out how the smell gets into a scented candle. In the process, they learned about distillation, states of matter, and what it takes to become scientists and technologists.
Literacy Online home
