Smart Water – a context for learning
In Aotearoa New Zealand, water is our most precious resource, yet it is often taken for granted and perceived to be unlimited.
Smart Water is a partnership between Hamilton City Council, Waipā District Council and Waitomo District Council. It aims to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of water from source to tap. Smart Water supports schools, organisations and the community to use water sustainably.
The resources use an inquiry approach to connect with water in the Waikato region. However, the science and mātauranga concepts that underpin Smart Water are transferable to other locations across the motu.
The interactive below guides you through the Smart Water inquiry cycle and has links to resources.
Smart Water – integrated inquiry cycle
The Smart Water inquiry cycle encourages students to think about water as a natural resource and take action for conservation.
Curriculum links
Smart Water resources are designed for use with years 5–8 – levels 3–4 of the New Zealand Curriculum. They can be adapted for use at other levels and provide opportunities for integrating curriculum subjects such as science, technology, English, social sciences, health and maths.
The resources are underpinned by the key aims and dimensions of environmental education – education in, about and for the environment and kaitiakitanga through participation and action.
Key concepts
The suite of resources explore:
why clean fresh water is important
water conservation and reasons to save water
water treatment processes
te mana o te wai and mauri
climate change and impacts on freshwater such as the Waikato River
how we can all look after our water.
Structure of resources
The resources are organised in an inquiry format, with materials to develop each stage of the inquiry. The suite of activities include learning experiences, videos, slideshows and interactives to encourage deep understanding and engaging experiences. The activities work together to build a solid understanding of water as a natural resource and culminate with students planning a meaningful task to address a local water issue of interest to them. However, each activity also functions as a stand-alone resource so teachers can create a bespoke programme to meet student needs.
Smart Water: Inquiry plan and student reflection – slideshow
Students may find it helpful to download the slides on a shared platform to develop and record their ideas throughout the inquiry.
See Smart Water – a context for learning for more informtation.
Resources to support learning
Getting to know water – activity
Water in nature – activity
Te mana o te wai – activity
Water in the Waikato – activity
Global water perspectives – activity
Getting water ready to drink – activity
Water use challenge – activity
Water issues and effects – activity
Being smart with water – activity
Water views and values – interactive
Steps in getting water ready to drink – interactive
Smart Water: Inquiry plan and student reflection – slideshow
Smart Water resources in downloadable PDF format:
Smart Water: The water cycle (PDF, 1.9 MB)
Hamilton’s water source and supply (PDF, 434 KB)
Waipā’s water sources and supply (PDF, 547 KB)
Waitomo’s water sources and supply (PDF, 481 KB)
Waikato region water features (PDF, 387 KB)
Tai’s water story (PDF, 6.5 MB)
Makena’s water story (PDF, 4.9 MB)
May’s water story (PDF, 841 KB)
Chandran’s water story (PDF, 1.5 MB)
Thinking about action (PDF, 98 KB)
Water saving actions in the bathroom (PDF, 131 KB)
Water saving actions in the kitchen (PDF, 115 KB)
Water saving actions at school and outdoors (PDF, 103 KB)
Related content
Taking action for conservation is a PLD webinar about taking action for conservation.
Rivers and Us – a context for learning has pedagogical information, and links to numerous resources that explore water use and water quality.
Tōku awa koiora – introduction curates resources about the Waikato River ecosystems and the iwi, researchers and scientists who are working to restore and protect the health and wellbeing of the Waikato River.
Lakes380 – a context for learning curates resources that explore lake health past and present and draw upon both scientific and mātauranga Māori knowledge systems.
Useful links
Visit Smart Water for water level alerts, water saving tips and more.
See the articles in the New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 2018 Special Issue: Mātauranga Māori shaping marine and freshwater futures.
Acknowledgement
This resource has been produced with the support of Smart Water.
Smart Water
Smart Water is a partnership between Hamilton City Council, Waipā District Council and Waitomo District Council. Aiming to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of water from source to tap, it supports schools, organisations and the community to use water sustainably.
