Teacher Ryan Fitzgerald said a recent trip to the sanctuary was not just about experiencing native wildlife, but also understanding the challenges of conducting experiments.
Student Olivia Ellis said one of the experiments used light meters to measure intensity.
“We’re looking at whether, as light intensity increases, the leaf stomatal density increases or decreases.”
The students examined plants including broadleaf (kapuka), pepper tree (horopito) and five-finger (whauwhaupaku).
Orokonui Ecosanctuary educator Taylor Davies-Colley said the trip was designed to fit the National Certificate of Educational Achievement standards.
The goal was to give students the confidence to conduct science in the real world.
“So we’re trying to think about experimental design, about doing good science, about asking the world questions.”
The program focused on plants and how plants respond to the world around them.
It was also an opportunity to reflect on wider environmental issues.
“With a changing environment and a changing world, how will our native plants respond.”
The school trip was an example of the kind of educational experiences the ecosanctuary could be more difficult to provide since it lost $70,000 in funding from the Department of Education on July 1.
“We really appreciate the work we do,” said Mr Davies-Colley.
“The loss of funding will make it more difficult to implement programs like this.”
If the eco-sanctuary were unable to secure alternative financing, this could mean a higher price for the students.
“That’s something we’ll do everything we can to avoid.”
The real message to the community was that the eco-reserve wanted to keep in touch with students and teachers.
“The program isn’t about making money or anything, it’s about, you know, supporting teachers and supporting these students,” Mr. Davies-Colley said.