šŸ“š Unit Plans ā†’ šŸ“œ Unit 9: Environmental Mātauranga ā†’ šŸ“– Week 2: Water Health Check
Week 2 of 6 Year 9-10

Unit 9: Environmental Mātauranga ā€” Protecting Our Taiao

"How Do We Fix What's Broken in Our Environment?" ā€” A 6-week journey where students use both mātauranga Māori and modern science to take real action on local environmental problems.

U Overview
1 Environmental Detective
2 Water Health Check
3 Biodiversity Count
4 Climate Data Analysis
5 Solution Testing
6 Action Implementation
Unit 9 Ā· Week 2

šŸ’§ Week 2: Water Health Check ā€” Testing Our Wai

Students conduct scientific water quality testing while learning traditional Māori indicators of healthy wai. They combine modern testing methods with mātauranga Māori to assess water health at their school.

Focus Question

How can we tell if water is healthy using both science and traditional knowledge?

šŸŽÆ Learning Intentions

  • Use scientific instruments to measure water quality (pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen)
  • Apply traditional Māori indicators to assess water health
  • Document water quality data systematically and accurately

āœ… Success Criteria

  • I can safely use water testing equipment and record accurate measurements
  • I can identify traditional indicators of healthy vs. unhealthy water
  • I can compare scientific data with traditional observation methods

šŸ“š Curriculum Links

  • Science: Chemical and physical properties of water, ecosystem health indicators
  • Mathematics: Data collection, measurement, graph interpretation
  • Mātauranga Māori: Traditional water quality assessment methods

Ngā Mahi - Week 2 Activities

1. Hook: Traditional Water Assessment (15 mins)

Activity: Show two water samples - one clear and one murky. Ask students to assess which looks healthier without any equipment.

Kaitiakitanga Connection: Traditional Māori observed colour, smell, taste, and living creatures to assess water health. These methods can be more sensitive than modern instruments for some pollutants.

2. Scientific Water Testing (35 mins)

Activity: Use the Water Testing Protocol to scientifically test water samples from around the school.

  • Test pH levels using pH strips or digital meters
  • Measure water temperature with thermometers
  • Check dissolved oxygen levels (if equipment available)
  • Record turbidity (cloudiness) using turbidity tubes
  • Document all measurements in data tables
Safety Note: Always wear safety equipment, don't drink test water, wash hands thoroughly after handling samples.

3. Stream Health Assessment (25 mins)

Activity: Use the Stream Health Assessment to evaluate local waterways using visual and biological indicators.

  • Observe and document stream flow, bank stability, and vegetation
  • Look for signs of pollution (foam, unusual colours, dead fish)
  • Collect and identify macroinvertebrates (pollution-sensitive insects)
  • Compare findings with healthy stream characteristics

4. Macroinvertebrate Study (20 mins)

Activity: Use the Macroinvertebrate Field Guide to identify water quality indicator species.

  • Collect water samples with fine nets or white trays
  • Identify mayfly nymphs, stonefly nymphs (high quality water indicators)
  • Look for worms, leeches (pollution-tolerant species)
  • Count and categorize different species found
  • Calculate stream health score based on indicator species
Traditional Knowledge: Māori also used insect life as water quality indicators - healthy streams had diverse insect communities that fish and birds depended on.

5. Data Comparison & Analysis (15 mins)

Activity: Compare scientific measurements with traditional observations to evaluate water health comprehensively.

Integration Question: Do the scientific instruments tell us the same story as traditional observation methods? Where do they agree or disagree?

šŸ’” Differentiation Strategies

  • Support: Provide pre-labeled data tables, pair students for equipment use, focus on one testing method per student
  • Extension: Research international water quality standards, investigate pollution sources, design improvement solutions
  • Cultural connection: Interview kaumātua about traditional water assessment, research local iwi water management practices

šŸ”„ Assessment & Next Steps

Formative Assessment:

  • Completed Water Testing Protocol sheets with accurate measurements
  • Stream Health Assessment with detailed observations
  • Successful identification of macroinvertebrate indicator species

Preparation for Week 3:

  • Teams analyze their water quality data for patterns and problems
  • Identify potential pollution sources affecting local water
  • Prepare to investigate biodiversity as another environmental indicator