This issue of Your environment, Canterbury breathes fresh air into the issue of wintertime smog –
what actually is air pollution, what causes it, why it is so bad in many towns and cities across the
world, and in New Zealand and Canterbury, and what you, your family and friends can do about it!

The CARIM project, funded by MBIE is researching the decrease in pH in NZ’s coastal waters and its effect on marine life.

BikeReady is about having the skills and experience to bike for life. It is New Zealand’s national cycle education system and includes curriculum-based learning.

An inquiry learning programme for Year 6-9 students based around the use of public and active transport modes.

We want you to get behind pest control, but safety first! A trapping tunnel is a box you put your rat trap inside, to protect you, young members of your family, and your pets.

Waterways can recover; however it takes a sustained effort over many years. Working together we can make a positive difference. Every bit helps — even small things make a difference.

Climate is the average weather of a given area over a long period of time. This includes seasonal temperatures, rain, sunshine, and large weather events such as storms.

A class arrives at school to find their room transformed into a laboratory and their teacher transformed into an animal dental hygiene scientist. The zoo asks them to invent a recipe for elephant toothpaste.

A teacher challenges his class to design a ramp that will get a marble to stop at any set distance between 500 millimetres and 2 metres from the end of the ramp. What processes will the students follow to meet this challenge?

The Samoan village of Sa’anapu is under threat from tsunamis, cyclones, and rising sea levels. To protect their village, the Council of Matai are working with an architect and scientist from New Zealand. Together, they’re drawing on cultural, scientific, and technological knowledge to build a safer future for Sa’anapu.

Nancy Bertler is a scientist who studies the ice. She’s been examining Antarctic ice cores to discover what Earth’s climate was like in the past – and how it might change in the future.

Humans and animals have a powerful bond. Some people think that this bond could have a positive effect on human health and behaviour. But what does the science say? Investigate the evidence for yourself.

How clean is the water in your river? Scientists are testing the health of the Maitai River. Find out what data they collect and what can be done to make our rivers cleaner and healthier for everyone.

This detailed article looks at the science and politics of climate change. It examines what global warming is, explores how scientists use computer modelling to predict the impact of climate change, and explains how scientific innovations in New Zealand could help reduce our agricultural emissions.

The future of our kauri forests is at risk from a disease called kauri dieback. Combating the spread of this threat requires expertise from both Western science and mātauranga Māori and calls on everyone to get involved.

Air pollution is a problem in many cities, including Christchurch. After the 2011 earthquake, a team of researchers used technology and big data to help make Christchurch a healthier, smarter city to live in.

Shoes made from chewing gum? Jackets made from drink bottles? Go beyond the recycling bins and find out how everyday objects and materials can be broken down and made into something new.

Use these resources to learn about conservation dogs, biosecurity, Predator Free 2050 and how to take conservation action in your local community.

This project will walk students and teachers through the process of designing a solution to an issue within their transport community. Students and teachers can work through this planning document in groups or individually. It takes students from problem detection through to initial design ideas.

Who, what, where, why and how are powerful question words.

Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7dh3EdCEHE

This resource provides ideas and learning experiences to enhance the native and endemic biodiversity in your green space.

Note: This is just a suggested format. Let your students come up with their own ideas. Then together, you and your students can decide on an action plan for your class.

This activity encourages students to explore various aspects of complex issues. It encourages students to consider the interaction of science and diverse community views.

Use this resource to experience birds in your school grounds or another local green space.