Water Challenge
Level 4, Year 7–8
Term 3
Ready, set, flow! Ākonga construct and test a mini model of Aotearoa New Zealand's wai network. They'll explore the journey of wai and how STEM is used to collect, clean, connect and care for one of Earth’s most precious taonga.
Kaiako are supported with a high-value water kit, ākonga learning material, and a detailed challenge guide completely free of charge. Where possible, classes are matched with a volunteer STEM professional to build confidence, raise aspirations and help ākonga dive into a future STEM career.
Thanks to Water New Zealand for being the initial development partner of this challenge.
SUPPORTED BY
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Water cycle
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Wai network
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Mauri compass
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STEM design process
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Sustainability
How it works
Any kaiako or industry STEM professional in Aotearoa can register their interest to take part. They must be available to participate in Term 3. They then complete some easy-peasy online training and we contact ambassadors to assess their suitability. Once ready to flow, we work to match every school and volunteer Wonder Project Ambassador so they can provide the best learning experience for ākonga. We then send out access to our online Learning Hub packed with all the ākonga learning content and challenge guide and send out our epic free water kits.
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Register your interest online
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Watch videos to prepare
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Get matched with a local school or STEM professional
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Receive free water kit
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Inspire ākonga with the Water Challenge
Water Challenge Ambassadors
If you're a STEM professional, we'd love you to join our hapori of Wonder Project Ambassadors on the Water Challenge. Once you’ve registered online, we'll get in touch to discuss what's involved and get you started with the training you need to feel confident supporting a kaiako. We'll then match you with a local participating school to dive into your splash-tastic STEM journey.
And there's no need to be a wai expert to get involved! Everything you need to know about the challenge is in our online Learning Hub, with a challenge guide, ākonga learning material and helpful videos.
The challenge takes classes 1–2 hours per week across 6–8 weeks to complete, but you only need to be available for at least 3 hours during the challenge to visit the classroom – either in person or online.
Water Challenge Teachers
Getting your class involved in the Water Challenge is easy! Simply register online (each participating kaiako needs to register separately). Once we’ve confirmed your spot based on challenge capacity, we’ll try and match you with a local STEM professional.
Before the end of Term 2, you'll receive access to our online Learning Hub with a challenge guide, ākonga learning material and helpful videos, to ensure you feel confident before the challenge. You’ll also receive your free water kit! Kits are carefully curated with STEM equipment like pH testing kits, pipes and connectors, to help you and your ākonga make a splash! You’ll need to supply recycled bottles to complete your network.
The challenge takes around 2 hours per week for 6–8 weeks to complete. Your ambassador will be available for at least 3 hours during the challenge to support the class, so use their time wisely!