Water is one of the most important substances on earth. If there was no water there would be no life on Earth. It sustains every living thing and our way of life.

Water is one of New Zealand's most valuable assets. Because we're a small island in a large ocean, high rainfall fills our rivers, lakes and underground lakes (aquifers) to provide many sources of water. Even so, our water supply is limited.

New Zealand is a food producing nation and water is at the heart of every part of the food production cycle. This field trip is a water journey exploring how we manage water sustainably for farming, food and our future: finding the balance between using and conserving. You will follow the journey of water starting where it falls on our mountains: you will see water trapped and conveyed to farmers who apply it to their crops, where it is absorbed into plant material, processed into food and transported to you, the consumer. What a journey!

To prepare for this field trip, LEARNZ content will support inquiry into:

  • the water cycle
  • getting water to where it's needed
  • why irrigate?
  • irrigation schemes
  • plant growth
  • food processing
  • how water supports rural communities
  • how water is managed to balance environmental and economic goals

During this field trip you will:

  • follow Andrew's tweets on twitter
  • travel to the Canterbury mountains and see where our water journey starts
  • visit the intake for the massive Canterbury Central Plains Water scheme
  • track the journey of this water to plants that need it
  • see how water is taken up by plants as they make food
  • explore how water is used in food processing
  • see how water is managed to protect the environment
  • see how irrigation is used in New Zealand

Learning Areas/Levels

Mathematics and Statistics: Number and Algebra Levels 3-4, Geometry and Measurement Levels 2-4
Science: Living World Levels 2-4, Planet Earth and Beyond Levels 2-4
Social Studies: Continuity and Change Levels 2-4, Place and Environment Levels 2-4, Economic World Levels 2-4
Technology: Levels 2-4

For further information and registration go here.

Related content

Use these Hub resources either before or after the field trip to get the most out of the learning experience. Each resource is an introductory article that curates and links to additional resources.
H₂O on the go, the water cycle – introduction
Soil, farming and science – introduction


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