Curriculum Writer - Science (Remote)

• Contract Based

• Remote

• Flexible

• $300 NZD + GST (if applicable) per completed lesson

Science Alive is growing our library of digital STEAM learning for Phase 3 of the curriculum, and we're looking for science educators, writers and communicators to help us create it.

This is an opportunity to take your science knowledge and turn it into engaging online lessons that help young people understand the world around them, ask good questions and develop their scientific thinking.

You'll work from a clear brief provided by Science Alive, with lessons aligned to the Aotearoa New Zealand Curriculum for Phase 3 (Years 7–8).

This opportunity might suit you if:

• You have a strong background in science, science education or science communication;

• You have experience teaching or creating resources for Years 7–8 learners;

• You enjoy making your own lessons and resources;

• You can explain scientific ideas clearly and in a way that will engage young people;

• You understand the Aotearoa New Zealand Curriculum;

• You're confident researching and writing independently from a brief; and

• You're interested in creating learning that reflects Aotearoa New Zealand, including meaningful opportunities to incorporate te ao Māori and mātauranga Māori.

Experience in educational resource writing, curriculum development or digital learning would be an advantage.

What you will be working on

You will research and write complete digital science lesson scripts using a brief and template provided by Science Alive.

Lessons will be designed for Phase 3 learners and may include scientific explanations, activities, discussion prompts, assessment questions and real-world examples relevant to Aotearoa New Zealand.

You will work alongside our education team, who will provide the lesson brief, learning objectives, curriculum guidance and feedback. We will take care of the final editing and development within the Science Alive platform, so you can focus on creating great learning.

A standard lesson is anticipated to take around eight hours to research, develop and revise, although this is an estimate only. Payment is based on the completed lesson rather than hours worked.

We're looking to contract writers for an agreed number of lessons, with the potential for further work as our content library grows.

What we will provide

• A clear lesson brief and learning objectives;

• A sample lesson showing our writing style, structure and level of detail;

• Content, style and curriculum guidance;

• Feedback and support from the Science Alive education team; and

• Flexible, remote project-based work.

How to apply

If you would like to help us create science learning that inspires curious young minds across Aotearoa, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply via Seek with:

• Your CV;

• A brief introduction outlining your relevant science and education experience;

• Your general availability and how many lessons you would be interested in writing.

As part of the application process, please also complete the short writing sample below.

Writing sample

We would like to see how you communicate a scientific idea clearly, accurately and in a way that is engaging and accessible for learners who may be encountering the concept for the first time.

Please choose ONE of the following topics and write a ½–1 page excerpt explaining the topic.

Your writing should:

• Be suitable for an 11–13 year old learner to read independently;

• Clearly explain the key scientific ideas;

• Be scientifically accurate and use appropriate scientific vocabulary;

• Address the relevant learning objectives below; and

• Be written directly for learners, rather than as an activity or instructions for teachers.

You may include a simple infographic, diagram or image if you feel it helps communicate your explanation.

Please submit your writing sample as a PDF or Word document with your application. 

Option 1 Year 7 - Ecosystems Explain how living and non-living parts of an ecosystem interact.

Option 2 Year 8 - Fossils Explain the process of fossilisation.

A note about the writing sample:

We want to see your own writing and your ability to communicate science. Please do not use AI to create or write your submission. Our resources are bespoke and written specifically for learners across Aotearoa, so this sample is an important part of helping us understand your own approach and writing style. Submissions may be checked for AI-generated content.

Contractor arrangement

This is a contract-for-services opportunity, with payment of $300 NZD + GST (if applicable) per completed lesson. Contractors are responsible for their own tax obligations and will invoice Science Alive for completed work.

Help us create engaging STEAM learning that inspires curious young minds across Aotearoa.

Apply via Seek with the information outlined above. Applications Close Wednesday 30 September 2026.

For questions please contact our Business Administrator - Carolynn Fergusson, [email protected]