Waitī inspires Matariki stream study at Tokoroa North School
Reported by Nic Roderick, Facilitator (South Waikato)
For Tokoroa North School, celebrating Matariki meant exploring the wonderful world of Waitī – the star in the Matariki cluster associated with freshwater and all the creatures that live in rivers.
The idea took shape after lead Enviroschools teacher Dylan was introduced to the Water of Life theme area at an Enviroschools meeting.
Inspired by the stories of past stream studies, he decided the Matarawa Stream on the school's doorstep was the perfect place for Year 4–6 students to explore their connection with the environment.
The learning started with a Puna Mātauranga which allowed students to explore local water sources, the importance of freshwater and their connection to it.
It then flowed naturally into the main stream study event. Around 150 students made the five-minute walk from school to the stream. They split into groups and became scientists for the day, rotating through practical experiments to build up a picture of the stream's water quality.
They tested clarity and temperature, and discovered macroinvertebrates in action – snails, worms and caddisflies, along with the odd mayfly and stonefly.
They learned how catchments work through a scale model, considering how environments change over time, what they can do to care for them, and how a biosecurity incursion can spread through the landscape.
They sketched the habitat and examined signs of human impact.
And they vocally vied for poll position at a Poohsticks-like water velocity test – enthusiastically yelling "stop!" as sticks crossed the 10-metre finish line.
The students now share a clearer connection to their local stream, a deeper understanding of its condition, and an appreciation of the part they can play in looking after water quality.