ESSENZ Announces 2026 Earth & Space Science Teacher Support Webinar Series

Teachers of Earth and Space Science across Aotearoa will have several opportunities in 2026 to connect with colleagues, explore assessment approaches, and deepen their understanding of key topics through a series of ESSENZ Teacher Support Webinars.

Hosted by members of the Earth and Space Science Educators of New Zealand (ESSENZ) community and invited experts, the webinars focus on practical classroom support — including internal assessments, course design, field trips, and emerging topics such as climate modelling and astronomy.

The sessions run online throughout Term 1 and Term 2, typically from 7–8pm, making them accessible for busy teachers after school hours.

Term 1 Webinar Schedule

New to Earth & Space Science — Teacher Support

Host: Justin Zani, Bruce Ngataierua

📅 Tuesday 10 March

🕖 7–8pm

Level 3 Internal Assessments

Host: Jim Critchley (additional host TBC)

📅 Tuesday 17 March

🕖 7–8pm

Combining Level 2 and Level 3 Courses

Host: Jenny Pollock (additional host TBC)

📅 Tuesday 24 March

🕖 7–8pm

Level 2 Internal Assessments

Host: Justin Zani (additional host TBC)

📅 Tuesday 30 March

🕖 7–8pm

     Term 2 Webinar Schedule

Unpacking the Level 1 External 92046 & Examiner’s Report

Host: Keith Hartle (additional host TBC)

📅 Tuesday 2 June

🕖 7–8pm

Ideas for Field Trips and Outreach Opportunities

Host: Jim Critchley, Erin Nolan

📅 Tuesday 9 June

🕖 7–8pm

RAMP Changes to Level 3 External Standards

Host: Justin Zani, Ross Stephen

📅 Tuesday 16 June

🕖 7–8pm

     Additional Sessions (Dates TBC)

• Geodata and Making Use of Large Computer Models in Climate Science Shaun Eaves (Victoria University of Wellington), Justin Zani
  

• Basic Mathematical Models to Explain Astronomy Yvette Perrot (Victoria University of Wellington), Najin Brock

How to Register

Teachers can register for one or more webinars using the registration form:

👉 https://forms.gle/uBSzQqD61LHo1sGCA

About the ESSENZ Presenters

The webinar series features a group of experienced Earth and Space Science kaiako from across Aotearoa, including:

• Mere Manning

• Justin Zani

• Najin Brock

• Mairi Borthwick

• Ross Stephen

• Bruce Ngataierua

• John Smith

• Jenny Pollock

• Jim Critchley

• Erin Nolan

• Keith Hartle
  

Ngā mihi nui to the ESSENZ team for organising and sharing this series of teacher support webinars. We’re always happy to help share opportunities like this with the wider science teaching community across Aotearoa to support their kaupapa. Kaiako can see their live Google doc flyer here.