Hilltop Science Classes
We really enjoyed working with the science classes at Hilltop School Taupo this term. We started with a broad introductory session about Aotearoa's unique species, introduced predators, loss of habitat, and biodiversity crisis. Then, students chose topics that interested them to learn more about. The topics were wide ranging, from wetlands, to trapping, to various native species and introduced predators.
We went back in, at their request, to support their inquiry projects about predator control. They had made tracking tunnels, so we helped them to make trap boxes. Robyn from Predator Free Taupo came along to support the learning. They caught a rat in their trap the first night, even though they hadn’t had a chance to put bait in it!
They also asked us to tell them more about wetlands and why we need to try to restore some of the 90% that have been destroyed. We did experiments to demonstrate the importance of wetlands to prevent flooding and erosion, purify water, and provide habitat. It was lots of fun hands on learning. We love seeing such engaged and passionate students.
