Ahi Pepe MothNet: Gateway to ecology and science
This timeline follows the citizen science project that aims to engage teachers, students and whānau with moths and, through moths, with nature and science. Ahi Pepe MothNet started with four schools in Otago and now covers all of New Zealand.
Note: To use this interactive timeline, move your cursor or finger over any of the labelled boxes and select to get further information. You can also scroll forwards and backwards or use the arrows in the top section.
Transcript
November 2015 – Ahi Pepe MothNet
Shedding Light on the Night receives PSP funding to investigate nocturnal biodiversity in the Otago region. Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Orokonui Ecosanctuary and the University of Otago partner with four schools.
Acknowledgement: University of Waikato
March 2016 – Identification guide
The science team completes the prototype design of a user-friendly, laminated, foldout beginners’ guide to the common moths of Otago.
Acknowledgement: Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research
May 2016 – Moth data
From March to May, the science team and schools collect moth distribution data and field data for the artificial light experiment.
Acknowledgement: Rachel O’Connell, Clutha Valley Primary School
May 2016 – Problem solving
Repeating the experiments due to weather conditions, differing phases of the Moon, dead batteries or empty traps are part of the investigation process. Students learn to problem solve as a result.
Acknowledgement: University of Waikato
May 2016 – Extended funding
Unlocking Curious Minds funding comes through for a second year and expands to include 14 South Island schools. The theme is identifying, strengthening and restoring connections.
Acknowledgement: Ahi Pepe MothNet
July 2016 – NZ International Science Festival
During the NZ International Science Festival, the team learns the value of using creative ways to engage children. Face painting is a popular activity as children closely observe the moths to choose which one to become.
Acknowledgement: Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research
October 2016 – Resources in te reo
In collaboration with Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ōtepoti, the team develops Kā Puka Whakamārama o Te Pepe Nui, a field guide to macro-moths in the Kāi Tahu dialect. There are guides for four South Island regions.
Acknowledgement: Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research
February 2017 – Ahi Pepe MothNet radio show
Tamariki from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ōtepoti and Dr Barbara Anderson present a mix of science and te reo each week on a local radio show. You can listen to the podcast interviews here.
Acknowledgement: Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research
February 2016 – Ahi Pepe MothNet – Aotearoa
Unlocking Curious Minds, the Biological Heritage National Science Challenge and Landcare Research fund the project to cover all of New Zealand.
Acknowledgement: Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research
May 2017 – Crazy & Ambitious conference, Wellington
Dr Anderson and tamariki from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ōtepoti present their work at the Biological Heritage National Science Challenge conference.
Acknowledgement: New Zealand’s Biological Heritage National Science Challenge 2017
July 2017 – international conference, Canada
Six tamariki present Science Through an Indigenous Lens – A Moth Study at the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education.
Acknowledgement: Marcia Cassidy
March 2018 – North Island guides
New guides are produced in te reo Māori and English. There are guides for four North Island regions.
Acknowledgement: Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research
Funding
The Ahi Pepe MothNet project received funding through Otago Science into Action – the Otago pilot of the Participatory Science Platform (PSP), which is part of the Curious Minds initiative and funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. The PSP is currently being implemented as a pilot in three areas: South Auckland, Taranaki and Otago.
Ahi Pepe MothNet has also received additional funding from Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research; Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ōtepoti; Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu; Te Tumu, University of Otago; Department of Geography, University of Otago; Orokonui Ecosanctuary; Otago Museum; and New Zealand’s Biological Heritage National Science Challenge.
The government’s national strategic plan for Science in Society [PDF, 1.2 MB], A Nation of Curious Minds – He Whenua Hihiri i te Mahara, is a government initiative jointly led by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Ministry of Education and Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor.
