Students in Te Mihi have been learning about how external factors can affect the quality of these waterways which are important to our local ecology. They have been learning about pollutants, water quality and ways to protect the waterways.
An important component of gaining this understanding is undertaking scientific investigations of the quality of the water and stream beds themselves. The best way to do this is to visit the waterways and conduct a number of tests. So that is what we did.
Students from each class visited three local waterways:
- Hipapatua - Reid’s Farm
- A stream running near Te Aro Road in Wairakei
- Whangamata Stream
Jenny from Enviroschools was on hand with all of the necessary equipment and knowledge to support us in our analysis of the health of these waterways.
Students worked together to complete a variety of tests including velocity, conductivity, temperature, ph level, nitrate level, clarity and checking for macroinvertebrate.
It was discovered that we have some beautifully clean waterways in our area
Students returned to school and worked collaboratively to analyse their results.
The question now facing students is how can we ensure that these waterways are protected?
My journey in education has taken me down many different paths including teaching in an Area school, urban English and Welsh schools, small semi-rural schools and in a purpose built Innovative Learning Environment.
Teaching at Wairakei Primary School allows me to use so many of the skills I gained in these different settings - as well as acquiring so many more. I consider myself a life-long learner and continuously strive to build on my knowledge of teaching and education in order to create the best possible outcomes for students.
In my spare time I enjoy playing netball, reading, getting out and about with my two children and making the most of what this area has to offer.
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