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In Aotearoa New Zealand, water is our most precious resource, yet it is often taken for granted and perceived to be unlimited.
Smart Water is a partnership between Hamilton City Council, Waipā District Council and Waitomo District Council. It aims to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of water from source to tap. Smart Water supports schools, organisations and the community to use water sustainably. These resources use an inquiry approach to connect with water focussing on the Waikato region, but applicable all around New Zealand.
The interactive shown below guides you through the Smart Water inquiry cycle and has links to resources.
Smart Water resources are designed for use with years 5–8 – levels 3–4 of the New Zealand Curriculum. They can be adapted for use at other levels and provide opportunities for integrating curriculum subjects such as science, technology, English, social sciences, health and maths.
The resources are underpinned by the key aims and dimensions of environmental education – education in, about and for the environment and kaitiakitanga through participation and action.
The suite of resources explore:
The resources are organised in an inquiry format, with materials to develop each stage of the inquiry. The suite of activities includes learning experiences, videos, slideshows and interactives to encourage deep understanding and engaging experiences. The activities work together to build a solid understanding of water as a natural resource and culminate with students planning a meaningful task to address a local water issue of interest to them. However, each activity also functions as a stand-alone resource so teachers can create a bespoke programme to meet student needs.
Taking action for conservation is a PLD webinar. It uses student inquiry, focusing on how to support students to put what they have learned through an inquiry process into action.
Rivers and Us – a context for learning has pedagogical information, and links to numerous resources that explore water use and water quality.
Tōku awa koiora – introduction curates resources about the Waikato River ecosystems and the iwi, researchers and scientists who are working to restore and protect the health and wellbeing of the Waikato River.
