Stream health assessment

Introduction

Students carry out a series of tests to determine water quality at three sites of different character (Black Birch Stream, Lagoon Stream and Hooker River).

This practical activity is aimed at mainly year 12 and 13 biology/geography students but it can be adjusted for other year groups. 

Level

Year groups: 9-13
Curriculum levels: 5-8

Learning areas

Learning Area*

Discipline

Strand/AO

Biology

A.S. 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.6, 3.1, 3.4

Education  for Sustainability

A.S. 2.2,2.5, 3.2, 3.4

Geography

Understand how people interact with environments and the consequences

Understand interacting processes

A.S. 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.4

Science

Nature of Science

Investigation in science – carry out investigations (multiple AO)

Living World

A.S. 1.10, 1.11

Life processes – organisms and their environment

Ecology – investigate an ecosystem, explore patterns

Social Studies

Understand how management of resources impacts on sustainability

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

      Learning objectives

      Students will:

      • appreciate the biodiversity found in a healthy stream
      • investigate and carry out practical data-gathering using sound methods
      • compare high- and low-country stream health samples
      • investigate possible impacts on stream health and form hypotheses.

        Key competencies

        Thinking, managing self and contributing

        Details

        Location: Turn off to Lagoon Stream from State Highway 80. Black Birch Stream is behind the Aoraki/Mount Cook Village and the Hooker River can be accessed via Tasman Valley road near the bridge.
        Duration: Various depending on the number of sites visited
        Hazard level: Moderate (students must bring gumboots/waders/spare shoes and warm clothing)
        Cost: LEOTC fee (presentation only)

        Note the maximum group number is 20 and teachers and parents are expected to participate.
        You will need your own transport to get from place to place. LEOTC can lend some equipment.