The Waterwatch Programme can be used to help your students reach prescribed Achievement Objectives:
In our Field Study we:
- Investigate water quality by conducting a range of chemical/physical tests. This can be done at a variety of sites (transects, longitudinal studies, different waterways)
- Collect and identify samples of stream life. Differing sensitivities of macroinvertebrates to pollution can be used as a living indicator of water quality. This can also be done at a variety of sampling sites
- Process and interpret data and information gathered from the field trip to produce an assessment on stream health
- Provide information on the effects of the measured variables (e.g. dissolved oxygen, nitrates) on water quality and fauna
Student skills:
Physical, social and co-operative, problem solving, numeracy, communication, information gathering
Information Gathering
- Collect and record data and other relevant information during the monitoring field trip (develop knowledge and understanding of systems of measurement)
- Select and use equipment to make qualitative observations and measurements with appropriate precision (develop confidence and competence in using instruments)
- Carry out procedures to systematically observe and record information and measurement.
Processing and Interpreting
- Identify trends, relationships and patterns in recorded data by analyzing data using statistical and graphing methods as appropriate.
NCEA Achievement Standards
The Waterwatch Programme can provide assessment opportunities for:
Level One
Biology 1.4 Bothering the Bugs (AS 90164 v3)
Examines investigating an ecological pattern in two different biological communities. Involves students carrying out a field study into the bug life and stream health for two contrasting stream communities. Biology 1.4 Bothering Bugs (PDF 483 KB)
Level Two
Biology 2.4 What’s Lurking Below? (AS 90460 v2 )
Examines investigating an interrelationship or pattern in a population or community. Involves students collecting, processing, interpreting, and presenting field data on the distribution of organisms in a stream. Biology 2.4 What's Lurking Below (PDF 486 KB)