Try out these well tested programmes, which are already annual features on the calendar for dozens of New Zealand schools. If you're keen to offer your students some fantastic EOTC to consolidate classroom learning, develop field skills, provide opportunities for assessment, insight into career and study opportunities or simply an experience to "switch them on" to your subject, get in touch to find out more.
Biodiversity: Conserve and Reserve
A one to four day programme to switch your Year 12 and 13 students on to the thrills of Biology as well as giving them an insight into career and study options. This is our single most popular programme... get in touch to find out more.
Rocky shore exploration and data collection Snorkel or glass-bottom boat ride in Goat Island Marine Reserve Behaviour studies of birds or fish Experimental work in Marine Lab Slide shows/ presentations on marine biological themes Marine reserve planning activity and public meeting role play Visit shore birds reserve Day trip to Tiritiri Matangi Island (Open sanctuary for endangered wildlife) Visit Kelly Tarlton’s (Marine Aquarium) Mussel barge trip + surveys of mussels on lines and fishing, if time Dive or snorkel the Poor Knights Marine reserve Presentations and tours at research facilities
Tongariro National Park
A two to four day programme for years 12 and 13. This works very well for mixed groups of science and geography students. Have a look.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
New Zealand Curriculum and Assessment
Biology AS 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2 Science AS 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 3.2
Activities to choose from
Choose from:Audiovisual and exhibition at Whakapapa DOC centre (introduction to park ecology, geology and management) Presentations or discussions on Park management issues: human impacts, introduced and endangered species, volcanic hazards Beech forest ecology Studies of altitudinal zonation of key plant species and succession on lava flows Discussion of adaptive radiation Guided walks to mountain bogs, glacial valleys, Lord of the Rings filming sites, volcanoes Walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (November to April) Hot swim White water raft the Tongariro river for a new perspective on park geology and ecology
Mud, Glorious Mud
A day of activities and surveys to help Year 7 to 13 students appreciate the richness and complexity of mudflat ecosystems.
Tauranga Harbour:
intertidal zone
New Zealand Curriculum and Assessment
Biology AS 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5 3.1, 3.2 Science AS 2.2
Activities to choose from
Guided exploration Identification game (juniors) to learn important species. Games (juniors) to gain appreciation of relationships. Monitoring of crab/bird behaviour. Transects to survey population and community patterns and investigate the ecological niches of chosen species Collection of physical data eg; exposure, mud texture, temperature variation Discussion of human impacts on estuaries
Bush Communities
A programme for years 7 to 13 promoting understanding of bush ecology, management of endangered species and their fascinating ecological niches.
New Zealand Curriculum and Assessment
Biology: AS 1.4, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5 3.1, 3.2 AS Science 2.2 Activities to choose from
Guided exploration to learn key species and understand the bush environment Data collection: transect/stratification Games/activities (juniors) to improve knowledge of New Zealand forest species and their relationships Make plant cuttings /plant trees (depending on season) Discussion of environmental management to reduce human impacts. Ferry ride to Mokoia Island or Tiritiri Matangi Island. Guided walk and bird watching. Guided tour of NZ animal park Presentation on Operation Nest Egg (Kiwi conservation) Falconry display. (NZ Falcon conservation strategy) Stream study
Rangitoto Island
This is a biological jewel as well as a fascinating venue geologically. It’s easy to fill a whole day. Year Levels 7 to 13
New Zealand Curriculum and Assessment
Biology AS 1.4, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5 3.1, 3.2 Science AS 2.2
Activities to choose from
Ferry from Auckland Introductory discussion on the geology, ecologiy and history of Rangitoto Guided walk to summit Discussion of succession on lava flows, adaptation to this extreme environment, plants in unexpected niches, management of human impacts. Data collection: Transects and quadrats, Comparison of communities Explore lava caves Games/activities (juniors) to improve knowledge of New Zealand forest species and their relationships.
Precious as Gold
Occurrence, extraction and use of gold: a one day programme for years 10 and 11
New Zealand Curriculum and Assessment
Science AS 1.2 Activities to choose from
Explore stamper batteries and other mining relics. Visit Hot Water Beach Prospect and pan for gold. Appreciate the hardships of the early gold-miners Compare environmental management now and in the early days of NZ mining Visit open cast and/or underground mines.
Geothermal Chemistry
A rare opportunity for year 12 and 13 chemistry students to use practical chemical techniques outside the classroom
New Zealand Curriculum and Assessment
Chemistry AS 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, (3.1)
Activities to choose from
Guided Tour of thermal site Qualitative analysis of water from hot pools (samples collected under careful supervision) Quantitative analysis of spa and thermal pool water samples Test gas content of steam from fumaroles Discuss properties of geothermal mud in relation to cosmetic medical uses Analysis of mud samples Discuss park management and safety issues.
Paper Making: the 21st Century
This programme, for year 10 to 13 students, focuses on environmental impact minimisation as well as the paper-making process.
New Zealand Curriculum and Assessment
Chemistry AS 1.2, 2.4, 2.7 (chlorine chemistry) Activities to choose from
Safety briefing & introduction Tour of paper mill. Discussion with control centre personnel Overview of chemistry of chemical production and recovery on site Bus tour of environmental management facilities, including oxidation ponds Simple tests on before and after samples from the Tarawera river
Energy
Energy transformations and efficiencies for years 9 to 11
New Zealand Curriculum and Assessment
Physics AS 1.4,1.5
Activities to choose from
Measure heat capacity of geothermal mud Power station visit Collect geothermal data Collect data and construct distance time graph Compare efficiencies of potential, kinetic and electrical energy transformations. Discussion with engineer Enjoy cable car and luge runs
