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Module 4: Connect

Ka mate kāinga tahi, ka ora kāinga rua – there is more than one way to achieve an objective

From Cape Reinga 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 explore how Aotearoa New Zealand’s wai network connects wai to our hapori. Then you’ll plan and create your first pipe prototype!

Connect

After it’s been collected and cleaned, the next stage in the journey of wai 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!

The power of gravity

Our wai network is mostly gravity-fed, which means wai flows through pipes thanks to gravity. Let’s check in with Lupesina to learn more.

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Your pipe prototype

Rōpū, get ready to create a pipe prototype to connect wai to your hapori!

A prototype is a simple model that lets you test out an idea. Yours needs to include each stage of the journey of wai and solve one of the challenge scenarios.

Challenge scenarios

Half of the class will do challenge scenario one, and the other half will do challenge scenario two.

Water Challenge Challenge Scenario

Make sure you’re always thinking about how to practise kaitiakitanga and protect the mauri of wai on its journey.

STEM design process | Plan

To get started, you’ll continue with step 3 of the STEM design process and plan some solutions to your challenge scenario.

Activity 4.1: Wai network plan

Plan a wai network to solve your challenge scenario!

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STEM design process | Create

Are you ready to bring your plan to life? Follow step 4 of the STEM design process to create your pipe prototype!

Lupesina’s back to help you get started:

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First flow

STEM design process | Test

Will your pipe prototype make a splash or spring a leak? Continue with step 5 of the STEM design process and test its performance..

Activity 4.3: First flow

Send some wai on its first journey through your pipe prototype.

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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