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Introduction to the Senior Biology Seminar Series

The Senior Biology Seminar Series is a program designed for Year 13 Biology students, consisting of nine seminars that run from Term 1 to Term 3. The seminars are held on Thursday afternoons from 3:45-5:00pm.

Target Audience

The target audience for this program is students preparing for NCEA Biology Level 3 (Merit and Excellence) and New Zealand Scholarship (Biology), administered by NZQA.

Program Structure

Each seminar is based around the work of New Zealand scientists, linking to concepts at Level 8 in the New Zealand Curriculum. The program provides students with an opportunity to increase their understanding of concepts and learn how to apply them to new situations.

Seminar Topics and Format

• Each seminar topic runs for a three-week block.
  • Week 1: Workshop in schools to read and discuss the seminar paper, with focus questions supplied.
  • Week 2: Schools attend the live seminar via Satellite Television Broadcast, NEN Broadcast, or in a live audience at designated venues.
    • The seminar is co-presented by a teacher and scientist, with a 40-minute presentation followed by 20 minutes for questions.
    • Students can ask questions during the seminar via a wiki site or internet chat room.
  • Week 3: Schools hold a workshop to discuss "challenge questions," with each school responsible for submitting ideas on how to answer these questions to the wiki site.

Registration and Participation

• To register, schools complete the school registration form found on the LENScience Bookings and Registrations page.
• An information sheet for School Principals outlining the program is available for download.
• A small number of schools may be asked to participate in the program's evaluation.

Program Costs

• The program is free and open to all Year 13 Biology students in New Zealand schools.
• Home School students are welcome to participate but must register.
• Schools are responsible for providing the technology required to access the broadcast, either via Satellite Television or the KAREN National Education Network.

Receiving the Seminars

• Schools can receive the seminar via Satellite Television or the National Education Network.
• Alternatively, several schools and universities offer to be regional venues for the seminar series.