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Kia ora koutou katoa
Welcome to 2020, we hope you had a replenishing holiday season and are ready to make a splash with freshwater learning!
We have so much to share with you, there are events, professional development, even a worldwide art competition. As always, we try to bring you a range of resources that are relevant to kaiako around the country, in addition to those that are more locally focused. If you'd like to share any resources with us, or even what your students have done, please feel free to get in touch at educator@doc.govt.nz.
Remember to check our calendar before booking your next visit to the Trout Centre, we hope to see you, and your students, soon!
Krysia, Ardy, and Naomi
Taupō for Tomorrow Educators
Taupō for Tomorrow Updates
Taupō EEC Calendar
The Taupō Environmental Education Collaborative (which we're a part of!) has once again produced a calendar as a one-stop-shop for environmental education opportunities in the Taupō area. It includes events, PLD, and dates of interest - you can download a personal copy below, or see more information at eectaupo.co.nz
📷 A Bieleski
Creature Feature
Yellow swimming mayfly
Have you been following our aquatic creature features on Facebook? Recently we profiled the aptly named 'yellow swimming mayfly'.
Mahi Aroha 2020
We had a blast contributing to Mahi Aroha - summer programme this January. We held a night tour of the Trout Centre, where our aquarist James showed his love for all critters - not just the underwater ones! We also helped with the Whānau Nature Day in Taupō alongside our other Taupō EEC providers. Check out our posts on Facebook for more photos.
📷 L O'Brien & K Nowak
Trout Centre Updates
Hardening Facility - Whio crèche
It's been a slow year for the North Island whio 'breed-for-release' programme. We don't know why, but some of our ducks have simply failed to lay eggs. This has meant a slow start for the hardening facility, which only opened on the 10th of January for five juvenile whio. The whio come from Auckland Zoo (1), Staglands (2), and Pukaha (2). Groups that visit between now and the end of February are likely to see whio in the crèche.
If you want to prep your students before their visit to the Trout Centre check out the Whio Forever education resources.
📷 S O'Sullivan
In your classroom
Want to get all the details on your chosen fish? We welcome classes to the Tongariro National Trout Centre aquarium to observe and learn about their subject for the World Migratory Fish Day art competition. Book here. Image: 2015 State Fish Art Program
Fish art - worldwide competition!
This year your students are invited to celebrate World Fish Migration Day (16th May) by entering their art in a global competition.
What's World Fish Migration Day? It's when we celebrate all the fish that need to migrate as part of their life-cycle. In New Zealand lots of our native freshwater fish have to spend part of their life at sea (it's called diadromy!), so when there are barriers on our streams it means big trouble for their migration.
This year our budding New Zealand artists can focus on īnanga, shortfin eel, common bullies or brown trout (a sport fish). For some background knowledge, and to introduce your students to our ika (fish) try some of these options:
- Science Learning Hub: Native Freshwater Fish
- NIWA: Mahinga kai and migration
- DOC: Freshwater fish videos (how they move)
Supporting activities and fun:
- Kiwi Conservation Club: Native Fish Windsocks
- Kiwi Conservation Club: Barricade (game about barriers to fish migration)
- Riverscapes for Kids: free educational resources
- How to draw a fish!
Entry to the art competition is for students from ages 5-18, see the full conditions here under 'Wildlife Forever Fish Migration Award'. We know there will be some amazing budding artists around Aotearoa!
Professional Development
Ruud Kleinpaste - bugman extroadinaire
March 12 | Taupō
Join bug expert and charismatic scientist Ruud Kleinpaste to be inspired by your local environment. Ruud's enthusiasm for nature will bring out the child in you - and have you taking that joy into the classroom.
Zero Waste in Nature
May 14 | Taupō
Get ready for Plastic Free July with this hands-on workshop brought to you by the Taupō Environmental Education Collaborative.
Mātauranga and the Living World
Pre-recorded
Presented by Science Learning Hub, this PLD is free to listen to at any time. No time? Here's the key things we learned about bringing mātauranga into the classroom:
- Be brave, make mistakes, but try!
- Call on local experts - no-one expects you to know everything.
- Science Learning Hub has some great resources to help you, click here to begin exploring.
Events
Whole School Opportunity - Lakefront Watering
20th February | Lake Taupō foreshore
After a long summer our plants might be getting a bit thirsty - this is an easy opportunity to get outdoors and feel good giving nature a helping hand. All schools are welcome.
For more information contact Thea at Kids Greening Taupō
📷 Freepik
Whio Whanau Fun Day!
8th March 10am-2pm | Tongariro National Trout Centre
Join us to celebrate all things whio - our fabulously unique native blue duck. A day of fun for the whole whanau, complete with scavenger hunt, obstacle course, conservation displays and demonstrations, as well as competitions with awesome prizes!
Free entry, but bring some cash for the kai with proceeds going to local conservation projects.
Watch out for the Facebook event closer to the date, or check out on Eventfinda now.
📷 V Buckley & S O'Sullivan
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educator@doc.govt.nz