Conservation Education update- Term 4 2017 No Images? Click here Kia ora koutou Happy Conservation Week! This year’s theme encourages you to “love your backyard” through getting involved in activities and events either in your own backyard or in our big New Zealand backyard. Check out how some of our amazing DOC rangers have been celebrating this week on the DOC Blog. Although Conservation Week is finishing on 22 October, it is never too late to get involved and show your love for our nature! Activities like investigating invertebrates and birds, tracking pests, planting natives, weeding and clean-ups in your own backyard all help with protecting our unique biodiversity. Our ‘IN the environment’ resources have plenty of activity ideas you can do in your school grounds. Thank you to all the groups that entered our Habitat Heroes competition! We have thoroughly enjoyed reading and hearing about your amazing conservation projects. We will be contacting the finalists and announcing the winners in the next few weeks. Also in this issue:
Ngā manaakitanga, DOC Outreach and Education team New Conservation Education resourcesInvestigating alpine environments - Years 9-13
Young Ocean Explorers – Love Our Ocean Young Ocean Explorers aim is to inspire children to love our ocean through entertaining education. The interactive website uses a blend of fun storytelling, fascinating facts and incredible images… all told through a teenager’s eyes. Young Ocean Explorers want to connect the hearts and minds of children with the ocean, so they care and want to look after NZ’s unique and beautiful marine world. The interactive website has been designed for maximum engagement for this digital generation, with lots of short videos, poll and quizzes. For more information about how this amazing website can be used in your classroom, check out this video Toyota Kiwi Guardians updateWe have launched a new permanent Toyota Kiwi Guardians action medal - Toa Tiaki Wai/Water Champion. Five new sites have also recently launched -
Check out the website for more information - Lachlan cleaning up a beach, Image: Becs Gibson Programme spotlightTaupō for TomorrowTaupō for Tomorrow is a freshwater education programme based out of Tongariro National Trout Centre, coordinated by DOC educators. If you’re in the Central North Island on camp or field trips, take advantage of programmes tailored to your group’s needs – whatever that group may be! From hands-on interactive learning, to social-science debates about sustainability, to studies of flow and fluvial environments, they can cater for all levels of schooling, including NCEA. Add Taupō for Tomorrow on Facebook to take advantage of their freshwater related teaching and learning ideas for all levels, and check out their website for bookings and more information. Tongariro School NCEA Geography students measure velocity of a stream Noteworthy nature competitons and eventsThere are still lots of events happening across the country this weekend that showcase our special species, places and conservation champions. Go along to an event near you to find out more about how you can contribute to conservation in your local environment. Conservation Week 2017 "Love my Backyard" photo competition Closes midnight, Monday 23 October While you're out protecting, growing, nurturing and caring for our nature this Conservation Week – take a photo and share it with us!
The grand prize for the top photo submitted is a Conservation Experience on the iconic Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara, off Stewart Island/Rakiura! Voting closes 5pm, Monday 23 October Bird of the Year is one of Forest & Bird's most popular annual events and attracts over 20,000 votes each year. The competition asks New Zealanders to vote for their favourite bird in the hopes of raising awareness of the threats they face. This year, the conservation status of each bird has been added to the competition’s website. This will educate New Zealanders on just how many native birds are threatened. The competition involves enthusiastic New Zealanders acting as ‘campaign managers’ for their favourite birds with many going to great lengths to get votes for their chosen bird. Team Kakī have produced a music video, Team Kererū have released some bird-themed memes, and Team Kea have been filming a promo video. Last year’s winner was the kōkako, which flew into first place with 3,614 votes. 16-year-old Oscar Thomas led a strong campaign that involved a New Zealand’s Got Talent inspired video. October 2017 October is Save Kiwi Month and as always it is a great opportunity to celebrate all things kiwi! Here are 5 ways to get involved in protecting our national icon:
Closes Friday 3 November Have a go at colouring in whio, and you could win some great prizes Young students seek camouflaged native fish in the aquarium at Tongariro National Trout Centre Got Any Feedback? Help us improve this e-newsletter by telling us what interests you! Email us your feedback and ideas Want to access the full range of DOC education resources? |