Instructional Series
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Welcome to the English medium literacy instructional series teaching and learning resources for years 1 to 8.

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- English
- Social Sciences
- Science
- Health and Physical Education
- Technology
- The Arts
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Non-fiction
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- Nature of science
- Geometry and Measurement
- Living world
- Planet Earth and beyond
- Nature of technology
- Physical world
- Number and Algebra
- Statistics
- Technological knowledge
- Material world
- Technological practice
- Engage with science
- Gather and interpret data
- Interpret representations
- Use evidence
- Articles
- Stories
- Poems
Search results
166 items - Showing 111 - 120
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Protecting the Border
by Paul Neveldsen
This article describes the systems and technologies that have been developed to prevent unwanted pests, diseases, and goods coming into New Zealand and to prevent precious taonga such as native species being smuggled out of the country.
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Making Money
by Tricia Glensor
This report is about New Zealand money, explaining where our money comes from and how and why the notes and coins have changed over time. It also describes the security features on the banknotes.
Gold 1
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Sun, Wind or Rain?
by Matt Vance
People in Aotearoa New Zealand have been predicting the weather for years. From violent storms to warm breezes, by observing patterns in nature people can tell what tomorrow will bring.
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Diary of a Wild Boy
by Brando Yelavich
Diary of a Wild Boy is a true, first-person diary account of how 19-year-old Brando Yelavich circumambulated the New Zealand coastline on foot and, for the most part, alone.
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Winning the Bledisloe Cup
by Neale Pitches
How did two market gardeners become Bledisloe Cup champions? They used horticulture – the science of growing plants. Joe and Fay Gock’s innovations have changed the ways vegetables are grown in New Zealand.
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The Jungle in my Garden
by Dr Simon Pollard
This report describes some common spiders and insects found in New Zealand gardens. The author, an expert on spiders, considers the spiders and insects in his garden to be as exciting as wild animals in a jungle.
Gold 1
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Old Tuatara
by Joy Cowley
drawings by Clare Bowes
This very “New Zealand” text features a tuatara who appears to be asleep but who is, in fact, waiting to catch a meal. It has strong links to Fantail, Fantail (shared).
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Too Many Possums
by Kate Boyle
In New Zealand, unlike Australia, possums are pests and much effort and expense are put into trying to control their numbers. This report explains why possums, although seemingly cute and cuddly,have become such a problem.
Purple 2
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Once a Panther
by Victor Rodger
illustrated by Michel Mulipola
This fictional comic is based on the true story of the Polynesian Panthers in 1970s New Zealand. Inspired by the Black Panther Party in the United States, the Polynesian Panthers were a group of young New Zealanders who wanted to tackle the widespread prejudice faced by Pacific communities. Once a Panther encourages the reader to reflect on the positive change the Polynesian Panthers created and the ongoing legacy of the dawn raids for Pacific communities.
Information and tips for using comics in the classroom:
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In His Blood
by Paul Mason
New Zealander Bruce McLaren was an internationally renowned racing-car designer, driver, engineer, and inventor. In His Blood covers several defining points in Bruce’s life, including his childhood struggle with Perthes disease, his breakthrough at the New Zealand Grand Prix, his time racing on the international circuit, and his founding of the highly successful racing team Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Limited