Students learning through action

The City Council offers a range of free and exciting educational programmes to schools in Christchurch.

Students can look at waste and how it is managed; they can investigate what is happening to our native biodiversity and learn about the importance of our manmade and natural heritage.

The programmes and site visits are provided by the City Council’s Learning Through Action environmental education team. They are led by experienced teachers and Council staff, and are linked to the school curriculum.

City Council environmental education co-ordinator Andrea Taylor says that while many schools are already accessing the programmes, there are still some who may not be aware of what’s on offer.

She says the aim of all the programmes is to introduce students to the city environment they live in and its many facets.

“We want to help them consider what impact their actions can have on that environment. All the programmes rely on making the most of the students’ senses to enrich the learning process.

“They can delve into the mud to look for crabs and other crusty creatures; spy on the private life of our local bird life and their neighbours; plunge into our waterways to see what mysteries lie beneath; take expeditions up steaming mounds of freshly turned compost and identify the less than delicate scents of rotting sea lettuce and putrid food wastes.”

Rather than compete for bookings during peak times in term one and four, Andrea says schools should consider booking in for some of the Learning Through Action programmes that can be undertaken during the cooler months.

• For more information see www.ccc.govt.nz/ learningthroughaction or contact Andrea Taylor on 941 8298.