Dunedin school pupils have been looking to catch plankton, analyse the anatomy of cockles and mussels and monitor the health of water at Karitane.
Science wananga programme co-ordinator Mariana Te Pou said 30 children from three schools took part yesterday.
The marine science activity was part of their role as coastal caretakers yesterday, as they immersed themselves in learning outside the classroom with Te Runaka o Kati Huirapa and the University of Otago science wananga team.
Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Otepoti pupil Zyanalee McIntosh (10) said racing in her waka was really fun and Dunedin North Intermediate pupil Azaleah Howard (12) said they learnt paddling techniques and fished for plankton.
Dunedin pupils and tutors get hands-on experience to engage with marine science in a Maori context at Karitane yesterday. Waka paddlers are (from left) University of Otago science wananga tutor Tasha Burton, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Otepoti pupil Maraia Karetai (11), Dunedin North Intermediate pupil Lexani Turu-Bates (13), tutor Te Kahurangi Skelton, Queen’s High pupil Georgia Te Raki (14), DNI pupil Azaleah Howard (12) and kaihautu, or skipper, Alex Whitaker. Photo: Stephen Jaquiery
The programme sought to weave together ancient knowledge from tupuna and Western knowledge and share that among rangatahi Maori, she said.
Scientist Hanna Ravn, one of the organisers, said the children had a lot of knowledge.
Two waka were provided by Karitane Maori Tours.
