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

In this week’s lesson about Aotearoa and Conservation you will be learning some Te Reo Māori: Aotearoa’s indigenous language, learning more about our country and diving into conservation topics such as pest identification and tracking.

Join Bill Nye as he explores environments and ecosystems in a search of biodiversity.
Link for video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJw1KXAjYS4

This article investigates the use of bio-control agents – insects or other organisms that are imported to manage plant pests. The article explains why they can be safer than chemical-control agents. It then investigates the research and trials that have to take place before a bio-control agent is allowed into the country and the constant monitoring that is required to make sure that these new immigrants are doing the work they have been imported to do.

In “Spying on Starfish”, students are introduced to the work of Dr Miles Lamare, who tested a new tagging technique that could be used on sea stars. Although tagging marine animals is a common practice, tagging a sea star presented Dr Lamare and his team with several challenges.

Some animals migrate thousands of kilometres every year - so how do scientists keep track of them? Take a look at the different technologies scientists use to study migration patterns, and discover what they have learnt about great migrations.

Use this guide on how to make, use and “read” check cards.

Tracking tunnels are used by scientists to find out which kinds of creatures are in gardens, nature reserves or national parks. You get a rat or other animal to walk across an ink pad to eat some food. It will then leave its inky footprints on the tunnel floor.