Waterwatch
Our aim is to raise awareness of water quality issues through a co-ordinated monitoring programme and to provide the resources and equipment to assess and interpret the data.
About Waterwatch
Waterwatch (Kaitiaki wai) is an interactive programme designed to involve school students and community groups in monitoring their local waterways.
Waterwatch
- is fun, accessible, hands on and promotes environmental awareness
- teaches techniques needed to monitor and assess water quality
- teaches about our relationship with the environment and our potential impact on aquatic ecosystems
- is part of the ISAAC Centre for Nature Conservation, based at Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand
- is FREE, thanks to our sponsors.
Information for teachers
Waterwatch is suitable for students yr 6-13.
- Students collect, analyse and interpret environmental data utilising modern technology.
- Waterwatch measures a range of physical, chemical and biological indicators of water quality.
- Waterwatch is tailored to fit with current school curriculum requirements.
- Waterwatch is designed for the individual needs of your group; field work times and the amount and type of material covered are flexible.
- Waterwatch provides trained educators, all specialist equipment, workbooks,
pencils, and waders so the students can get in the water. - Waterwatch provides a good opportunity for LEOTC and students get to experience real ecology.
- Waterwatch also offers support for Science Fair projects, individual student projects for assessment, Cantamaths etc.
- Waterwatch provides an opportunity to practice the key dimensions of environmental education as described in The Environmental Education Guidelines (Ministry Of Education 1999) that is:
(safety issues addressed) - education in the environment
- education about the environment
- education for the environment
- tools leading to sustainable management.
What does Waterwatch measure?
| Physical parameters |
|---|
| Stream profile |
| Stream flow |
| Stream bed composition |
| Turbidity |
| Temperature |
| Chemical parameters |
|---|
| Dissolved Oxygen |
| pH |
| Conductivity |
| Nitrate |
| Phosphate |
| Iron |
| Hardness |
| Biological parameters |
|---|
| Macroinvertebrates |
| Habitat and riparian conditions |
| Microbiology (yr 9 to yr13) |
FAQs
How much does Waterwatch cost?
Nothing, Waterwatch is FREE for all schools and community groups.
Where can we do the Waterwatch programme?
Most schools use the waterway nearest their school. If there is no stream near your school we can meet you at any waterway that is convenient for you, or we can bring water and invertebrates from a stream to your school. We also attend school camp venues.
Which age groups are Waterwatch suitable for?
Waterwatch is suitable from year 6 to year 13. Waterwatch may accommodate younger students by prior arrangement.
What do schools need to provide?
Schools need to provide almost nothing, except the students, and appropriate clothing (sunhats, jackets). However we only have a small number of waders so some schools like to have their students wear short pants and old trainers to enable more students to get into the water. In winter we advise the use of waders or gumboots. (Safety issues)
What happens if the weather is bad?
We can cancel and make an arrangement for another day, or we can “bring the river to the classroom”. Although we are unable to study certain elements inside, e.g. stream flow, some chemical and biological studies are still able to be done.
Do you provide pre and post site visits?
Yes these can be arranged if desired. Other providers, e.g. ECan and the City Council can provide water related workbooks and activities. (we are now providing pre site visits in order to “school” up the students plus post visit to discuss results
Can you help with my Science Fair project?
If the project is catchment or water based then yes we can, subject to demand. If several groups from your school require our help and equipment then we can come to you. Or we may ask you to visit us here at Lincoln to use the facilities at the water laboratory.
Contact Us
To book with Waterwatch contact us at Lincoln University
Email: waterwatch@lincoln.ac.nz
Phone: 0064 3 325 3811 ext 8795 or 8793
Every effort is made to ensure the information contained herein is correct at the time of printing, but the content may be subject to change. Lincoln University reserves the right to make changes, amendments or deletions - including withdrawal of courses, should circumstances change. Lincoln University does not assume and hereby disclaims any express or implied liability whatsoever to any party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, whether these errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause.
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