Our Geothermal Area: a Joint Gns / Taup?-Nui-a-tia College Integrated Science Education Initiative

Abstract

Science and technology are crucial for New Zealand’s continued economic growth and social and environmental wellbeing, but require a sustainable, highly-skilled workforce and an informed, engaged public. Domestically, science and technology graduate numbers are increasing, but as global demand grows faster, a national skills shortage is predicted. There is also a noticeable decline in the uptake of, and performance in, science subjects at the senior high-school level.
GNS science and Taup?-nui-a-Tia College are developing a long-term geothermal monitoring initiative designed to increase student engagement and performance in science throughout the course of their high school education. Using an integrated approach that combines subjects traditionally taught independently, students will monitor public-owned thermal features in the Taup? area and disseminate their findings to the local community via a public-access database and website. The premise is to move education from the classroom to ‘real world’ environments, enabling students to realise the relevance of their learning experience. The project provides opportunities for participants to build partnerships with scientists, stakeholders and the local community, and to discover science career pathways.
To test the project’s viability, a pilot scheme commenced earlier this year (with some funding assistance from MBIE’s ‘A Nation of Curious Minds’ fund) with one class of Year 10 students monitoring one thermal area. Participants measure soil temperature and fumarole activity at dedicated sites every two to three weeks and are analysing their data during integrated science and maths lessons. Students will have the opportunity to present their results to GNS staff, local council and other community members.
The major challenge for the future is in the logistics of expanding the project to include all of the Taup?-nui-a-Tia College students, and involve other subjects in the school curriculum. Our ultimate goal is to develop a science- and technology-based, integrated model of teaching using a local environment and community focus that can be commuted to other New Zealand high schools.