Module 4: Connect
Ka mate kāinga tahi, ka ora kāinga rua – there is more than one way to achieve an objective
From Cape Reinga all the way to Rakiura, we all need clean, healthy wai. But how does it get from where it’s cleaned, to the places that need it?
In this module, you’ll dive deeper into how Aotearoa New Zealand’s wai network connects wai to our hapori. Then you’ll create your first pipe prototype!
Connect
Now that you’ve collected and cleaned wai, the next stage in its journey is connect – where wai is connected to hapori across the motu.
In Aotearoa New Zealand’s wai network, STEM superstars connect wai using over 88,000 kilometres of pipes. That’s over 50 times the length of Aotearoa!
Gravity
Our wai network is mostly gravity-fed, which means wai flows through pipes thanks to gravity. But what is gravity? Let’s check in with Lupesina to learn more.
The power of gravity
STEM superstars think a lot about gravity and water flow when they work on our wai network.
You can explore this for yourself by creating a siphon. A siphon is a bent tube that can move liquid from a higher spot to a lower spot thanks to gravity and air pressure.
How did that work?
Siphons show us that water can travel over a hill or pipe bend, so long as the end of the pipe is lower than the start. This helps STEM superstars design pipes that travel over small hills or bridges without needing pumps.
Your pipe prototype!
STEM design process – create
Bring together all your knowledge on Aotearoa New Zealand’s wai network, gravity and flow by creating your pipe prototype!
A prototype is a simple model that lets you test out an idea. Just like a STEM superstar, you can use your prototype to test how your pipe network will work and then make changes to improve it.
Lupesina is back to help you get started.
First flow
STEM design process – test
Will your pipe prototype make a splash or spring a leak? Let’s continue with the STEM design process and test its performance.
Activity 4.2: First flow
Send wai through your pipe prototype for the first time, collecting data on the results. Then analyse your data to see if there are any ways it could be improved.
Reminder!
Start collecting resources to improve your pipe prototype.
Tools down!
Mīharo. Today you:
- Learned about the ‘connect’ stage of the journey of wai
- Discovered Aotearoa New Zealand’s pipe network
- Explored gravity and flow
- Continued the STEM design process
- Created and tested your pipe prototype