Resource Bank
In this resource bank you will find a range of free teaching resources organised by their suitability to Primary, Intermediate and Secondary aged students. The bank contains a collection of resources produced locally by teachers in our community, as well as resources developed by external organisations. In all instances, the creators of all of these resources have been credited.
Download these free resources and get started in your classes today!
Useful Websites
Microsoft:
A resource bank containing STEAM Unit and Lesson Plans ranging from basic to advanced (and easy to resource to specific resources needed) that are free and ready to be used. Activities include 'building machines that emulate humans', 'making party lights using circuits and switches' and 'how do sharks swim?'.
This is a completely free online teacher PLD space that not only up-skills teachers in all products relating to Microsoft, but also helps build teacher capability with better understanding, developing and teaching STEAM curricular. Course range from better using Microsoft tools such as PowerPoint and Excel to focused topics such as 'Engaging 21st Century Learners: Leveraging Squigl to Improve Student Engagement and Learning Outcomes' and 'Computational Thinking and it's Importance in Education'. Teachers can gain Microsoft qualifications and certificates which can be printed and added to your CV.
Minecraft Education is free to all schools in New Zealand. This website not only allows you to download Minecraft on to your own and your students devices, but also provides free lessons which can be found under the class resources tab.
Other resources:
The Electric Garden Learning Platform offers an opportunity for teachers and students to enhance their knowledge in the new digital technology curriculum while engaging in monitoring the school vegetable garden. As a teacher your lesson plan is provided for you in the form of guided questions to lead discussions and creative imagery to increase engagement from your learners. All you need to do is log in to your account, click on a lesson and by using your smartboard or projector you can run through the entire lesson with your class. The Electric Garden programmes is a scaffolded means of exploring integrated teaching and learning with your students, with a focus on Digital Technologies, Tikanga Maaori, Science, Health and the Social Sciences. Find out more by visiting their website or check out this article about the Electric Garden in the Education Gazette.
Creokit is a New Zealand based company that creates STEAM learning kits that are tried and tested in New Zealand Schools. The resource kits are crafted by an ex-librarian who ran a successful STEAM Makerspace for Christchurch students. Their aim is to make STEAM easy for teachers and children so nothing stands in the way of learning and making. All of their resources come with instructions for using the kits and how to deliver their use with students in the classroom.
Sploder is a free online platform where students can play and create simple, arcade style video games. No coding experience is necessary. All you need is a good imagination and a desire to be creative. The controls are simple to use and understand.