Julian Thomson

I am a former Waldorf high school science and outdoor education teacher. In addition i was the science educator and communicator for GNS Science - New Zealand's geological research institute. I am now and independent education and science communication consultant, working with scientists and teachers. I focus on raising people's interest and engagement with the natural world.

A nature connection curriculum in Taiwan

Fresh water in Transylvania / J.Thomson In my view there are compelling reasons to increase the amount and quality of outdoor education in schools. We have an unprecedented environmental crisis that is accelerating the decline of ecosystems worldwide on the one hand, and a crisis of mental health, disconnection and loss of hope in many […]

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Why we need to find a way to reconnect with Nature

Receiving theSCANZ science communication prize for 2019

After 12 years living my dream job at GNS Science in New Zealand, I left the organisation in early January 2020 to become a self employed educational consultant and science communicator. So why leave GNS and expand my horizons? Here is my Why: There have been so many incredible highlights from my time being connected

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Developing a nature and outdoor education programme in Taiwan

Stone circle art at Nanao River, NE Taiwan

I have been asked to work with a group of teachers and school administrators in Cu Xin school, Dongshan Township, Yilan, Taiwan, to help them develop and refine their nature and outdoor education programme in the high school. I will be there for the month of February 2020 and this will be the first visit,

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Nature Connectedness 2020

Julian being filmed for 'Beneath New Zealand' doco

After 12 years as the Outreach Educator and Science Communicator at GNS Science New Zealand, I am now an independent educational and science communication consultant. Behind this new move is a desire to focus my work on breaking down the barriers that inhibit people, especially young people, from getting outside, connecting, exploring, adventuring, discovering and

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Natural Hazards Science for East Coast Schools

Natural Hazards Activities for Schools This article is about a science education project that I was involved in that was supported by MBIE’s Unlocking Curious Minds fund in 2018. It involved four three-day natural hazards science camps for intermediate level students in New Zealand’s rural Tairawhiti (Gisborne – East Cape) region. A total of 109

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Volcano City

Mangere Mountain, L. Homer / GNS Science Volcanic cones, explosion craters and lava flows form much of Auckland’s natural topography. All of these, apart from one (Rangitoto Island) are from vents that erupted once only (monogenetic), with eruptions lasting a few weeks or months and then ceasing completely.  There are many accessible and beautiful locations

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GeoTrips – visiting New Zealand’s geology and landforms

The Tasman Glacier Lake from the air

Tasman Glacier Lake,  J.Thomson / GNS Science New Zealand is an isolated country with a very active plate boundary running right through it. For a relatively small landmass it has an astonishing variety of landscapes and is being continuously subject to dramatic physical occurrences that include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, landslides, rapid erosion and sedimentation.

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