Primary school programmes

Primary School Outreach

We come to your school  

Find Out - an environmental action programme
Year 4 - 8

Key concepts: Animal pests and their effects on native flora and fauna; personal and social action.

Description: What pests are lurking in your schoolyard, waiting to pounce?

The ‘Black Trakka’ (a polyethylene tunnel designed by retired school principal Warren Agnew) enables students to detect the presence of animal pests, like mice, rats, hedgehogs, weasels, stoats and ferrets. These are the ‘baddies’ that kill our native birds, lizards, frogs and insects.

Students are encouraged to experiment with different lures, visual stimuli, camouflage and tunnel placement to find out what works best.

‘Find Out’ is being introduced to schools by the ARC’s biosecurity team and local councils, with support from DoC. It is a programme to help protect New Zealand’s unique wildlife. All equipment supplied.

Weedbusters
Year 4 - 8

Key concepts: What are weeds? Why are weeds detrimental to our environment? What can we do to control weeds.

Description: Did you know Auckland has been described as one of the weediest regions in the world - there are as many weed species as native species! We need action!

In Weedbusters, students are challenged to wise up on weeds. They learn the characteristics which make a weed invasive, and what the main weeds in their area are.

Then they put these skills to use, identifying weeds and discussing weed control options before drawing up an action plan to control the weeds.

Who you gonna call? Weedbusters!

NOTE: The programme can be adapted to a variety of age groups.

Science	Living World Nature of Science	Levels 2 - 4 Levels 2 - 4
Social Sciences		Levels 2 - 4
Cost	Free (1 hour programme with a follow-up visit)
Booking	Biosecurity Administrator Ph. (09) 366 2000 ext. 8772 biosecurity@arc.govt.nz
Resource	www.weedbusters.org.nz Back to Nature Kit $25 Natural Heritage (City Issues)