Community Partnerships: Marine Metre Squared and Para Kore
This webinar was hosted by NZAEE in Term Four, 2021, as part of a series of webinars to support teachers at the primary level.
Part One of the Webinar (17 mins): Sally Carson - NZ Marine Studies Centre
Sally discusses the Marine Metre Squared (Mm2) citizen science project with a focus on: "How do seashore communities respond to a changing environment?"
She outlines five case studies showing examples of how schools have used Mm2 to address questions of local concern.
"The Marine Metre Square really focuses your eyes on what's there... students discover new things when they look with that scientific eye." - Teacher, Karitane School
These inspiring stories cover a range of actions and values, including kaitiakitanga, long-term thinking, advocacy, and managing recreation with environmental protection. The examples are based in Ōtepoti - Dunedin and Tāmaki Makaurau - Auckland, but the Mm2 programme is used all over Aotearoa.
"I would like to continue because I would like to see how it changes throughout the seasons." - Yr 8 Student from the Hauraki Gulf Monitoring Project
Visit the Marine Metre Squared website and the homepage for the NZ Marine Studies Centre to find resources, stories and more.
We also recommend watching this short video about Karitane School's marine inquiry, from the useful collection of videos on the Mm2 website.
Part Two of the Webinar (25 mins): Paul Murray - Para Kore
Paul discusses the kaupapa of Para Kore and gives examples of the mahi happening in schools and communities across the motu. He is joined by kaiako Dee from Pirongia School.
"The Para Kore programme is developmentally appropriate for all age groups - it's never too early to introduce this to our tamariki. Teacher buy-in can be really difficult... so it's nice to have people around you like Paul, who can come in an inspire the teachers and students, and I know that I've got someone there supporting me." Dee
You can find out more about the Para Kore programme, including resources and how to join, on their website.
NZAEE Webinars in 2022
NZAEE will host at least one webinar each term, with a range of inspirational speakers and relevant topics for teachers and environmental education providers.
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