Ki uta ki tai is an idea which recognises the connections in our environment. In this course, we focus on rivers as way to bring together several science topics (the water cycle, ecosystems, evolution and earth science) as well as a way to connect with Te Ao Māori. Our case study is the Ōtākaro Avon River. Last year, this class starting gathering data on a section of the river in town and this year, we'll return for more investigations to build up a picture of the health of this stretch of the water.
Photo source: https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2019/otakaro-avon-among-most-improved-rivers-in-nz/
In this class, we'll be:
- looking at life, plants, animals, their adaptations and their ecosystems;
- thinking critically about the naming and classification of plants, animals, rivers...
- examining the water cycle and how it creates rivers;
- choosing aspects of the Ōtākaro Avon river to investigate (e.g. pH, water flow, water depth, water clarity, water nutrients or presence of animals) gathering relevant data and presenting our results;
- engaging with environmental ideas and practices from Te Ao Māori (the Māori World);
- committing to at least one lesson a week being hands on; and
- doing some random, fun, group STEM activities when we need a change of pace.
You will need:
1) access to a device (see Kate if you don't have one and I can book one for you); and
2) something to write on (any kind of exercise book) and write with, as well as a ruler.