Matariki Science
kiaora@littlescientists.co.nz
LITTLE SCIENTISTS NZ: EXPLORE THE SCIENCE OF MATARIKI
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE ROADSHOW
TUESDAY JUNE 11/ WEDNESDAY JUNE 12
As an exciting introduction to upcoming Matariki /Māori New Year celebrations, Little Scientists NZ brought their interactive science roadshow to St Heliers School over two days to inspire and spark curiosity among our Paikea students about the Science of Matariki. Each class visited the interactive science roadshow led by superb individually over the two days for a 60 minute interactive scientific presentation with expert science teacher Jess. Students brainstormed about Matariki and made constellations and star clusters on geo boards. They also learnt more about Waiti - the star connected to fresh water and eels and learnt how repo grass acts like a giant filter by creating a wetland/”river bank” with bottles to see how vegetation and plant matter slows down erosion, protecting our rivers. Students also heard more about Waita - the star connected to sea water and sea food and learnt how we depend on the ocean for our livelihoods and wellbeing, and how these are being affected by pollution and climate change. Finally students explored Waipunarangi - the star connected to rain from the sky and discovered how clouds are formed with water condensed in the air in particles and when they become too saturated it begins to rain. Not one minute of the whole interactive science roadshow was downtime and all the students were fully engaged and learning loads more about the Science Around Matariki from start to finish.
Manawatia a Matariki! /A time of reflection and new beginnings.
