A pilot programme, whereby pupils can monitor information on crops in their school garden remotely, has its roots in North Otago.
The Electric Garden programme, the brainchild of two former pupils of Papakaio School, Gloria Hurst and Michael Trengrove, is now being trialled in 70 schools in Otago and Canterbury.
Using electronic kits, pupils install wireless sensors in their school garden and monitor readings on their crops online.
The programme will deliver two terms of supported lesson plans that teach the new digital technologies curriculum through gardening — teaching children computer coding and developing gardening knowledge.
Spark, Microsoft Philanthropies and Verizon Connect have provided it with $250,000 in funding.
Mr Trengrove said work was under way to make electric gardens available to all New Zealand schools during term 2 next year.
