Monitoring the moana – participatory science methods
In this recorded professional learning development (PLD) session, Sally Carson from the Otago University Department of Marine Science shares ideas, resources and handy tips for monitoring our waterways and oceans.
Aotearoa New Zealand is a maritime nation – but most of us have no understanding of the world below the waves! The NZ Marine Studies Centre (University of Otago) has been working for years to develop science engagement programmes to develop students’ science citizenship skills, address questions of environmental concern and support delivery of the science curriculum through local contexts.
Whether your school is close to the coast or not, our waterways are connected so we all have a role in looking after our coastal environment. During this recorded PLD session you will learn about methods to:
observe and record environmental indicators using your senses and scientific tools
record diversity and abundance of coastal species using a range of sampling methods.
These activities will hone students' observation skills, provide opportunities to collect data about their local environment, and learn how to use this knowledge to care for our moana.
This session is valuable for both primary and secondary school teachers.
You can download the video and slideshow presentation.
Monitoring the moana – participatory science methods
This is an edited recording of the webinar Monitoring the moana – participatory science methods.
Loved the simple hands-on materials – and the awesome resources on your site!
Monitoring the moana – participatory science methods – slideshow
This slideshow, from the webinar Monitoring the moana – participatory science methods, provides additional support for the video tutorial.
Use the slideshow menu for further options, including viewing in full screen.
Thanks so much Sally and Greta – such a great talk!
Related content
Watch part 2 of this series: Moanamana – taking action to protect our oceans.
Find out more about using the Marine Metre Squared citizen science project with your ākonga.
The activity Making and using a quadrat introduces students to monitoring techniques.
Find out more about a citizen science project using Marine Metre Squared to monitor the Otago Harbour. The Toheroa Abundance Project uses quadrat sampling to monitor toheroa populations in Northland.
The Ministry of Education’s Building Science Concepts series includes
Book 21: Life between the Tides: Sandy Shores, Mudflats, and Rocky Shores
Book 22: Tidal Communities: Interdependence and the Effects of Change.
For all Hub resources on estuaries and seashore environments, including the significance of estuaries to Māori, marine animal adaptations and marine habitats – see our Estuaries and Oceans topics.
Useful links
The MM2 and the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre websites have numerous resources to help with monitoring, from updated ID guides (in both te reo Māori and English) to how-to videos.
The following links were shared during the live session:
iNaturalist NZ – for recording observations and support with identification. Explore how to use the iNaturalist online citizen science project with your ākonga.
The RŪNĀ programme’s Moanamana module connects schools and kura with their local sailing club and supports ākonga to become citizen scientists.
Secchi Disk study – a global, seafarer led citizen science study of the ocean's phytoplankton.
Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) provides some local data including from freshwater.
Photogrammetry classroom activity – from MM2.
Acknowledgement
Ngā mihi nui a Sally Carson. Thank you for sharing your expertise.
This webinar was delivered in conjunction with Coastal People : Southern Skies, Centre of Research Excellence and Yachting NZ’s Moanamana programme.
