New Zealand Science Teacher

NZ Geo now free to all schools

01/11/2016

New Zealand Geographic magazine - both in print and at NZGeo.com - has been wowing Kiwis with superp photography and writing on the world we live in since 1989. Now this inspiration is available free to every school in the country through the online New Zealand Geographic archive.

NZGeo.com is a much needed, relevant and inspiring collection of New Zealand content. Every student in every school can now read authoritative and visually compelling stories subjects across the New Zealand realm. “There’s nothing else like it,” says New Zealand Geographic editor and publisher James Frankham. “It’s a massive collection of local material, collated over 27 years. Want the best story ever written on Manapouri or mako sharks? It’s all there."

The site is a comprehensive resource that can be used in a wide range of curriculum strands such as geography, history, literacy, science and the natural world. Teachers can now take advantage of this treasure-trove of quality information on New Zealand both for their own preparation, for self-directed student learning and for quick reference in the classroom setting.

The app-like navigation behind the site means that even the youngest students can independently find pictures and parts of a topic they are interested in. Older students will navigate the site with more sophistication, understanding subject themes and magazine departments as a foray into the world of mature literature.

Over the 27 years of it’s existence, New Zealand Geographic has been a common mature text that kids encounter outside the classroom, and can help introduce specialised vocabulary and rare words. NZGeo.com now meets the student in the digital realm they already know well. It models excellence in technical writing and very strong photographic coverage, often complemented with sidebars, infographics and captions, making it an engaging online experience for curious minds of all interests—even a five year old who has only minimal grasp of language can look at the pictures and learn a lot.

“Photography has been a hallmark of New Zealand Geographic for more than a quarter-century, and it’s proven the test of time,” says James. “Today, photography is at the centre of the social web and its power to engage and motivate people seems undiminished. The collection at NZGeo.com was all shot under commission to the magazine, and little of it has been reproduced elsewhere."

This year, New Zealand Geographic was awarded Magazine of the Year, demonstrating the integrity of the journalism and the power of a long-established title to innovate in both print and digital arenas.

The archive works on any internet-connected device, and there are no passwords or plugins to maintain. If you are part of the N4L Managed Network, simply go to NZGeo.com and start browsing. If you’re not part of the N4L Managed Network, you can still login to the archive via www.nzgeo.com.ezproxy.kotui.ac.nz, which also works for teachers connecting remotely. To make the most of this resource, register for the weekly teacher email, ***itals*** NZ Geo Connect***, which provides updates on trending subjects and background reading - and will liven up your inbox with outstanding images!