Use of “Our Supervolcano” virtual field trip to support bicultural classrooms in Aotearoa New Zealand

The growing recognition of virtual field trips (VFTs) to support classrooms has led to increasing use of these tools in science classrooms. In Aotearoa New Zealand, the Ministry of Education has underscored the need for educational experiences that are inclusive of Indigenous Māori worldviews. Here, we present the potential of the LEARNZFootnote1 natural hazards “Our Supervolcano” VFT to support biculturalFootnote2 learning spaces. The resource was filmed in 2019 to promote learning about natural hazards specifically volcanoes around Lake Taupō in Aotearoa. Drawing understandings from Mātauranga MāoriFootnote3 and Western science, this resource can support a bicultural approach to classroom science learning. The VFT videos are powerful storytelling tools where students can identify potential career pathways around science and its link with culture in the context of the landscape. We describe the main features of the VFT designed for use concurrently with the filming. We additionally highlight its potential as an archived (historical) resource that maybe re-used at any time to support primary and secondary classrooms that want to emphasize cross-cultural aspects of science or learn about volcanic hazards using geology and cultural narratives.