Learn how to be water-wise at one of Christchurch's pumping stations.

Student drinking water

Year level 5 to 13
Curriculum level 2 to 8
Availability Available year-round
Times 9.30am to 12noon or 12.15pm to 2.30pm
Site Main Water Pumping Station, Colombo Street
Cost Free
Number of students Maximum of 35
Special requirements Closed-in shoes must be worn
  • Water conservation and preservation.
  • Personal responsibility for action.
  • The water cycle.
  • Aquifers.
  • Local freshwater systems.

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 comparatively use. The session includes a tour of the pumping station.

Children are challenged to think of reasons to conserve water and how they can incorporate water-saving strategies into their daily lives.

The programme winds up with a range of problem-solving and reinforcement activities.

We are learning to:

  • Explain and describe the concepts of the water cycle and an 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 the reasons for conserving water.
  • Identify actions that can be taken to support a sustainable water supply.

Using language, symbols and texts

Students will investigate oral and visual texts and symbols to gain an understanding of the extent to which freshwater is a precious resource.

Thinking

Students will collaboratively and independently come up with solutions on how and why to conserve water in their daily lives.

Managing self

Students will be encouraged to justify the actions they will take as a result of the information and activities they are exposed to during the programme.

Participating and contributing

Students will have the opportunity to work in small groups to plan a weekly water ration from different societies with different access to infrastructure.

Relating to others

Students will explore and discuss different societies’ access and attitudes to freshwater.

Curriculum area Strand and level Objective
Science
Pūtaiao		 Nature of Science
Levels 2 to 4		 Investigating in science
Communicating in science
Participating and contributing
  Planet Earth and Beyond
Levels 2 to 8		 Earth Systems
Social Sciences
Tikanga ā-Iwi		 Levels 2 to 8 Social Studies
Economics
Geography
Health and Physical Education
Hauora		 Healthy communities and environment
Levels 2 to 8		 People and the environment
Technology
Hangarau		 Nature of Technology
Levels 2 to 8		 Characteristics of technology
Maths
Pāngarau		 Number and algebra
Levels 3 to 6		 Number strategies
Number knowledge
  Geometry and measurement
Levels 3 to 6		 Measurement
  Statistics
Levels 3 to 8		 Statistical investigation
Statistical literacy

Level 1

Subject Standard
Generic Technology 1.7 AS91050
1.8 AS91051
1.9 AS91052
Geography 1.3 AS91009
1.6 AS91012
1.7 AS91013
Science 1.15 AS90954

Level 2

Subject Standard
Earth and Space Science 2.2 AS91188
2.3 AS91189
2.7 AS91193
Education for Sustainability 2.1 AS90810
2.2 AS90811
2.3 AS90813
Generic Technology 2.8 AS91361
2.9 AS91362
Geography 2.6 AS91245
2.7 AS91246

Level 3

Subject Standard
Earth and Space Science 3.2 AS91411
3.5 AS91414
Education for Sustainability 3.1 AS90828
3.4 AS90831
3.3 AS91736
Generic Technology 3.8 AS91615
Geography 3.6 AS91431
3.7 AS91432
Social Studies 3.1 AS91596