Mountains of Mess, Close Encounters of the Plant Kind and Sea Shore Safari are among the topics to be offered in a new education programme for Christchurch schools.

Students will also be able to learn about Sensational Seasons, Mountains of Fire, Voices of the Past and many other intriguing subjects.

The City Council has received funding from the Ministry of Education to deliver wide- ranging activities outside the classroom in its parks, reserves and recycling centres. Supported by on- line resources, the programme will focus on biological sciences, earth science, waste management technologies, recycling and disposal. It will be hands on, interactive and discovery based.

Programme organisers say classes will visit sites to make and record observations on surveys and be involved in different experiences as part of classroom curriculum activities. Class teachers will be supported by web site information and visits from programme staff and Council specialists. It will complement other initiatives run by Science Alive!, Canterbury Museum and Ferrymead Historic Park.

Running from term three 2000 to the end of term two next year, the programme is offered to Year 1-10 students in the Christchurch area. Schools will not be charged for activities but will have to meet transport costs. Extension of the programme will be subject to further funding.