New stream health education resource from GWRC

Greater Wellington Regional Council has a new, free, environmental education resource available to primary schools across the region. Stream Health Assessment Kits, and associated training, aim to support teachers to build their water quality knowledge and assessment skills.

"Delivering science education in a crowded curriculum can be challenging. These new kits will support our teachers to work with children learning about waterway health, helping them develop a better understanding of human and ecological interactions in our environment," says Rebecca Bird, Biodiversity Advisor.

The Stream Health Assessment Kits are designed to be used for education outside the classroom. They include water quality testing equipment, an educator's guide, worksheets and species identification guides - all the equipment and materials needed to assess basic stream health. Assessment involves investigating the water quality, physical features of a site and the plants and animals living in and alongside the stream.

"We are working with teachers and students to ensure the information is engaging and relevant and the equipment and information is easy to use. We want participants to enjoy a fun educational experience. We have designed the kits to aid the teacher-student learning experience while also having fun exploring stream biodiversity and sharing ideas on stream protection."

The kits are being trialled through 2016 in communities supported by the GWRC funded Enviroschools programme. Short streamside training workshops for teachers wanting to learn how to use the kits will run at times throughout the year.

To book the Stream Health Assessment Kits or to book your place at a teacher training workshop contact: streamkits@gw.govt.nz. For more information visit http://www.gw.govt.nz/stream-health-assessment-kits-for-schools/.

ENDS

Media enquiries to 021 914 266