Science – classroom activities, Pūtaiao – ngā ngohe akomanga

Updated 29 Oct 2025

Examples of classroom activities to help students think about their future and how science might relate to the world of work.

In science you explore how the natural, physical world and the universe works. Learn how to find evidence and test ideas to develop scientific knowledge and explanations.

NCEA subjects that link to this learning area on Tahatū:
Science

Career activities for Year 7 and upward
Ngā ngohe aramahi mō te Tau 7, i tua atu anō hoki,

Activity	Description
Role model career path	Length of activity: Short Type of activity: Individual Research a role model’s career journey in a science role. This person can be known to you or someone you admire.
Industry impacts on food webs	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Groups Investigate how human activity affects food webs. Link findings to industries, jobs and conservation efforts. Discuss kaitiakitanga and kaupapa Māori career ideas. Kaupapa Māori career ideas
Earthquake emergency timeline	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Groups Create a timeline of a natural disaster, like an earthquake, and map jobs involved before, during and after the event.
Sustainable city design	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Groups Design a city powered by renewable energy. Identify and discuss the jobs needed to make the city a reality.
Scientists working together	Length of activity: Short Type of activity: Whole class Discuss how scientists collaborate, with examples and links to science-related careers.
Science skills and abilities discussion	Length of activity: Short Type of activity: Whole class Explore the skills and abilities needed for various science-related occupations.
Evolution of electricity (or another science discovery)	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Whole class Work together to sequence the transformation of raw energy into usable electricity. Identify the roles required for each step in the process.
Science debates	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Whole class Debate science-related ethical and environmental topics. Reflect on how perspectives link to career interests and science strands.

Career activities for Year 11 and upward
Ngā ngohe aramahi mō te Tau 11, i tua atu anō hoki,

Activity	Description
Subject choice and transferable skills	Length of activity: Short Type of activity: Individual Reflect on why you chose science, what skills you bring and how these skills apply outside the classroom.
Science job interview homework	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Individual Interview someone in a science-related job and reflect on the career path and skills involved.
Scientific developments in the workplace	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Individual/group Interview someone about how science impacts their work (eg, vet, doctor, council officer). Reflect on the role of science in daily tasks.
Occupations using chemicals or materials	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Individual/group Research or interview someone in a job that uses chemicals or materials (eg, horticulturist) and explore how science informs their methods.
Scientific developments and employment	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Individual/group Investigate how developments like AI affect employment and business opportunities. Reflect on future career implications.
Research and case study	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Individual Explore how research and development boosts company profits. Use case studies to understand innovation-driven careers.
Science debates	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Whole class Debate science-related ethical and environmental topics. Reflect on how different perspectives link to different science jobs.

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Ako atu,

Students can check out the study categories in the Explore study and training section of Tahatū to find out more about tertiary study in science.

Explore study and training

Students can browse study areas on Tahatū. For example:

Career activities for Year 11 and upwardNgā ngohe aramahi mō te Tau 11, i tua atu anō hoki,

Find out moreAko atu,

Career activities for Year 11 and upward
Ngā ngohe aramahi mō te Tau 11, i tua atu anō hoki,

Find out more
Ako atu,