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Bring the wonders of space into the classroom with an interactive education session that will inspire and entertain your ākonga.
Bring the wonders of space into the classroom with an interactive education session that will inspire and entertain your ākonga.
Looking for a way to complement your teaching of the science curriculum? These sessions with an experienced astronomy educator are a great way to do so!
What’s included?
Interactive 30-40 minute sessions led by your Astronomy Educator in a large classroom or similar space
Powerpoint-based, these sessions are upbeat, snappy and presented with a healthy dose of humour
Most topics include at least one hands-on activity (either with selected students or the entire group), typically with props, to demonstrate the ideas being discussed
Student/Educator interaction is integral to the experience and questions are encouraged
Topic Guide
Topic Guide
Topics support the achievement aims of the Nature of Science, Planet Earth & Beyond, and the Living, Physical, and Material Worlds as outlined in The New Zealand Curriculum - Science.
Matariki also intersects with the Social Sciences, showcasing an integrated learning approach.
Primary
Primary
Matariki (see more under 'Matariki' below)
Solar System
Space Exploration (see more under 'Space Exploration' below)
Day & Night
Earth, Moon & Sun
Seasons
Moon phases, tides & eclipses
Habitability of planets, aliens
Stars
Beyond the Solar System (Nebulae, galaxies, black holes and more)
Secondary
Secondary
Any of the topics from 'Primary'
Stars & stellar life cycles, planetary formation
Extra solar planets
Matariki
Matariki
The Māori New Year
The importance of calendar keeping, seasons
Significant constellations
Stars & star colours
Meanings behind the Matariki stars
Introduction to the Maramataka/phases of the Moon
Navigation
World stories
Space Exploration
Space Exploration
Can include:
How we get to space (rockets)
Humans in space
Robotic explorers
Telescopes
Session requirements & additional info
Session requirements & additional info
Cost*: $75 NZD per session. Schools remote from Wharewaka Taupo, please also refer to the Daily Travel Cost Guide below.
Session Capacity: Up to two classes, capped at ~40 students per session. If you’d like multiple sessions in a day, timetabling will need to ensure sufficient time to pack down and set up if Educator needs to move from room to room.
Requirements: Large classroom space or similar, and large TV or screen with facilities to run PowerPoint. HDMI direct from our laptop to your TV is ideal.
Remote sessions (e.g.: Zoom): Certain topics and brief Q&A sessions might be conducted remotely. If you're interested in exploring this option, please contact us.
*price subject to change.
Daily travel cost guide
Taupo: No fee I 30+ min each way from Wharewaka, Taupo: $75 I Tokoroa & Rotorua City: $125 I Putararu: $175 I Somewhere else? If you're beyond any of these locations, please enquire. We would still love to work with you to find a way to deliver our sessions to your tamariki!
Meet the Educator
Meet the Educator
Kia ora!
My name is John Rowe, and I am an experienced astronomy educator, having delivered EOTC sessions to visiting schools as an employee of Stardome Observatory & Planetarium for 8+ years.
In this role I interacted directly with around 10,000 students a year ranging from pre-school level to year 13.
I also worked with general public groups delivering interactive planetarium shows and telescope night sky tours.
Now having settled in Taupō, I am delivering classroom sessions in local schools through my astronomy education business Beyond Earth.
My love for space began at age nine when I discovered a beautifully illustrated book titled Exploring the Planets in my school library. My teacher allowed me to take the book home over the summer holidays. This early experience showed me how influential books, art, and great teachers can be.
Enquire now
Enquire now
Secure a session for your tamariki!
To get started, simply reach out via email or phone.
📧 john@beyondearth.co.nz
📞 +64 21 053 240
We'll get back to you as soon as possible to discuss dates, topics and any other queries you may have before confirming your booking(s).
Don't just take our word for it
Don't just take our word for it
Here's what others have said about their education experiences 💬
The students loved the interactive activity with the stars and Sun, which helped to teach them about the calendar, time and seasons. The session was appropriate for level. Highly recommend!
Rachael, Teacher Y2
Lake Taupō Christian School
We were very impressed and motivated by your knowledge, as well as your manner with the students and adults.
You were amazing with the students as you managed them firmly but in a very friendly tone. They all really enjoyed the entire trip!
Elizabeth, Teacher
Hauraki Primary School
I have nothing but praise for John's presentation. He was clear and educational in his content and it was accurately geared towards the target age group.
I was impressed with how he managed to engage all students and incorporate Matariki learning into the presentation.
Ben, Teacher Y6-7
Lake Taupō Christian School
John...has taught countless students and adults alike with patience, knowledge, and a hilariously subtle sense of humour. His passion for astronomy, education, and science has had a lasting impact on all of those who have had the pleasure of meeting him.
Stardome Observatory & Planetarium, Auckland
Students were really engaged! The lesson was informative and interactive and there were lots of ‘aha!’ moments for ākonga as they learned about the movement of the planets, seasons, calendar, navigation by using the stars and how to find constellations.
This was a great way to supplement learning on Matariki with Māori language throughout.
Jamie, Teacher Y4-5
Lake Taupō Christian School
It was a great introduction to Matariki....your lesson was informative, interactive and very interesting.
The students learnt a lot and were excited to share their knowledge when they returned to class.
Theresa, Teacher
St Patrick's School
Hear what others have said about their experience with Beyond Earth!
Hear what others have said about their experience with Beyond Earth!
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