Braided rivers/Project River Recovery

Introduction

Students study the ecosystem of the braided river.

They look at:

  • the geological processes involved in creating and maintaining braided rivers and wetlands
  • the biodiversity, plant succession and food webs in the ecosystems
  • research methods used to investigate the ecosystems, and
  • how farming, recreation and other human activities influence them.

Level

Year groups: 7-13
Curriculum levels: 3-8

Learning areas

Learning Area*

Discipline

Strand

Biology

A.S. 1.1, 1.2, 1.5

Education for Sustainability

A.S. 2.2, 2.5, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4

Geography

Understanding that environments have particular characteristics

Understand how processes shape environments and change over time

A.S. 1.3, 1.6, 2.1, 2.4, 2.5, 3.6

Science

Nature of Science

Investigating in Science (multiple AO)

Living World

Ecology, Evolution (multiple AO)

Planet Earth and Beyond

Interacting systems A.S. 1.13

Social Studies

Understand how people interact with environments A.S. 2.5

Understand how the management of resources impacts on sustainability

*If you have another learning area you wish to explore, we can adapt. 

      Learning objectives

      Students will:

      • understand braided river geology, ecosystems and value
      • recognise the human impacts on biodiversity in the Mackenzie basin braided rivers including the Tasman Delta
      • know the methods used for river protection and recovery, and DOC’s role in this.

      Key competencies

      Thinking, participating and contributing

      Details

      Location: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre or building adjacent to Twizel DOC office (location depending on your programme)
      Duration: 1 hour (can vary depending on focus)
      Hazard level: Minimal (high if going into braided river system for water testing)
      Cost: LEOTC fee