Students learn how to be waterwise! At one of Christchurch’s water pumping stations, students investigate the importance of valuing water as a precious resource. They compare water use around the world and view the various pump station components. The programme finishes with a range of problem solving and reinforcement activities. Students can continue their learning at school with a Christchurch City Council water diary and mathematical challenge.
| Age/level: | Years 5–8 |
| Availability: | Available year round |
| Length: | 2.5 hours (morning) 2.25 hours (afternoon) |
| Site: | Main Water Pumping Station, Colombo Street |
| Cost: | Free |
| Number of classes: | One at a time
(One class = 35 students) |
Risk Analysis and Management (RAM) form [DOC 87KB]
Programme outline
Key concepts
Water conservation and preservation, personal responsibility for action, the water cycle, aquifers, local freshwater systems.
Lesson description/intentions
From the aquifers through to our taps, students will discover how Christchurch residents access some of the world’s best water. During a visit to the water pumping station, students will compare Christchurch’s water usage with the rest of the world to see how much we waste. They will tour the pumping station to see the big water tank, water pumps, the control room and a retired World War II submarine engine.
The programme winds up with a twist on a game of Snakes and Ladders. A large-scale board game is played using students as board pieces. Student groups can advance their human markers by correctly answering questions about water consumption and conservation.
Possible success criteria
Students may be able to:
- Explain the terms water cycle and aquifer.
- Describe the course water takes before it comes out of a tap.
- Understand that no matter who or where we are that we depend on water.
- Explain reasons for conserving water.
- Identify actions they can take to support a sustainable water supply.
Key Competencies
Using language, symbols, and texts - students will investigate oral and visual texts and symbols to gain an understanding of the extent to which fresh water is a precious resource
Relating to others - students will explore and discuss different societies' access and attitudes to fresh water
Managing self - students are encouraged to justify the actions they will take as a result of the information and activities they are exposed to during the programme
Feedback
“The educators were knowledgeable and related well to children. Excellent content and sequence of activities – well balanced and interesting. Snakes and ladders excellent conclusion. Kids loved it!”
Teacher, Year 8
“We are so lucky with our pure water but we take it for granted and if we keep using our water as we are now, sea water will enter our aquifers because there won't be enough pressure and then we will have to use chemicals to purify our drinking water. We need to start saving water.”
Student, Year 7
Learning areas
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| Science | Nature of science | Levels 1–4 | - Investigating in science
- Communicating in science
- Participating and contributing
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| Planet Earth and beyond | Levels 2–4 | - Earth systems
- Interacting systems
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| Social sciences | | Level 2 | - Understand how people make choices to meet their needs and wants
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| Level 3 | - Understand how people make decisions about access to and the use of resources
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| Level 4 | - Understand how exploration and innovation create opportunities and challenges for people, places and environments
- Understand how producers and consumers exercise their rights and meet their responsibilities
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| Level 5 | - Understand how people’s management of resources impacts on environmental and social sustainability
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| Technology | Nature of technology | Levels 2–4 | - Characteristics of technology
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| Health and physical education | Personal health and physical development | Levels 2–5 | |
| Healthy communities and environments | Level 4 | - People and the environment
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