Being smart with water
Environmental action is a process of learning where students plan and carry out a meaningful task that addresses an environmental issue.
This final activity is part of a suite of resources that support Smart Water – a context for learning, which provides students and teachers with opportunities to connect with water and learn more about drinking water in the Waikato region. The science and mātauranga concepts that underpin Smart Water are transferable to other locations in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This activity can also act as a stand-alone activity. It offers advice for planning and carrying out actions to address freshwater issues. It also has infographics with advice on water saving actions in the bathroom and kitchen and at school.
In this activity, students use knowledge, skills and the research and information from their inquiries to make a difference and learn how to be smart with water use.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
plan for a water saving action
participate in an action that reduces water use or addresses a water-related issue.
Download the Word file (see link below).
Nature of science
This activity supports the Nature of Science ‘Participating and contributing’ strand. Students use their growing science knowledge when considering issues of concern to them. They also explore various aspects of an issue and make decisions about possible actions.
Related content
Smart Water – integrated inquiry cycle groups Smart Water resources into key science and teaching concepts that underpin water conservation.
Rivers and Us – a context for learning has pedagogical information and links to numerous resources that explore water use and water quality.
Activity ideas
Other activities in Smart Water:
Getting to know water collects students’ prior knowledge and experiences of freshwater as the starting point to form an inquiry plan.
Water in nature explores states of matter in the water cycle.
Te mana o te wai explores the concept of mauri – the health and wellbeing of a waterway.
Water in the Waikato explores the major freshwater features and sources of water for the Waikato region.
Global water perspectives explores water availability and water stress around the world, with comparison and reflection on Aotearoa New Zealand’s situation.
Getting water ready to drink explores the drinking water treatment process.
Water use challenge investigates how much water we need for our daily tasks.
Water issues and effects explores water issues in the Waikato region, their effects and alternative possibilities.
Useful links
Visit Smart Water for water level alerts, water saving tips and more.
Watch the Waikato River Authority videos on restoration projects in the Waikato:
These organisations can help with action:
Nationwide
Enviroschools – an action-based whole-school environmental programme for schools
New Zealand Landcare Trust – catchment management to improve land and water quality
Waikato region
The Fairfield Project – Kirikiriroa Hamilton-based environmental education project
Smart Water – Hamilton City Council site with water saving tips and more
Waikato coastcare – protecting coastal ecosystems
Acknowledgement
This resource has been produced with the support of Smart Water.
Smart Water
Smart Water is a partnership between Hamilton City Council, Waipā District Council and Waitomo District Council. Aiming to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of water from source to tap, it supports schools, organisations and the community to use water sustainably.
