Earth and Space Science Educators of NZ

Teachers Conference 2026

ESSENZ are planning a conference for teachers interested in Earth and Space Science, featuring activities in both Christchurch and Tekapo International Dark Sky area. This will be beneficial for any teachers of Yr 7-13 Earth and Space Science wishing to extend their knowledge and confidence in teaching ESS. 

Key Details

Christchurch (Tuesday, Oct 6th) - Climate and Antarctic 

• Kick-off: Registration and Powhiri from 1:00 PM on Tuesday, at the Antarctic Centre.

• Location: Christchurch Antarctic Centre

• Activities: Antarctic Centre Activity behind-the-scenes educational programs and hands on activities

• Stay: Christchurch

Christchurch (Wednesday, Oct 7th) - Canterbury Earth Sciences

• Location: Canterbury University Earth Sciences Department

• Activities: Keynote and workshops based on earth sciences and climate modelling

• Evening: Travel to Tekapo. 

• Key note - Alan Gilmore: If good weather - Astronomy, if cloudy - starting an astronomy club / equipment for astronomy / astrophotography

• Stay: Tekapo

Tekapo (Thursday, Oct 8th) - Mt John and Astronomy sessions

• Day Visit: A tour of University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory with researchers and astronomers

• Other Activities: Potential for a Hooker Valley walk with DOC experts.

• Stay: Tekapo

Departure (Friday, Oct 9th)

• Leave for Christchurch at 9:00 AM, with an Airport Dropoff by 12:00 PM. 

• AGM is planned for 1pm in Christchurch

Workshops & Learning Opportunities

Topics (TBC) to include:

Lots of workshops to support the new curriculum (esp Phase 4-5)

• Starting an Astronomy Club (Alan Gilmore)

• Climate Data Modelling (Justin Zani)

• Experiments you can do in class (Jim Critchley)

• Space Science (Yvette Perrott and/or Najin Brock)

• Antarctic Program (Antarctic Centre)

• Field trips & Geology (Jim Critchley & Erin Nolan)

• Importance of dark skies (Erin Nolan)

Funding Support

• ESSENZ may be able to support attendance, especially for rural and remote teachers, and teachers new to Earth & Space Science.

• Funding support can also be obtained from PPTA

Expressions of Interest

Register your interest here