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Summer nature exploring�Tūhura taiao o raumati

Outdoor connection activity

February, 2022

Keep the date on one line.

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Learning intentions

We are learning to: 

  • explore and connect with nature in summer 
  • make observations of the environment, plants and living things 
  • record findings and express experiences through photos, drawings, writing, notes or music.

Curriculum links (Levels 1-4)

Science: Living world; Nature of science 

English, The Arts. 

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He aha ngā kaupapa o waho i te raumati?

What is happening outside in summer? �

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We are all part of nature

  • What can we learn from the living things around us in summer? 
  • What do you notice about what is living near you?

He tūhonotanga tātau nā te taiao, ki te taiao

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Outdoor explore 

Let's explore: 

  • Te taiao | nature/ the environment
  • Ranginui and Papatūānuku
  • Birds in summer
  • Insects and invertebrates
  • Other living things in summer 
  • Plants and flowers 
  • How we connect with te taiao in summer 

Take a camera, device or paper to record your findings.

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Let's explore!�

Head outside and visit Ranginui and Papatūānuku.

�Make a list of adjectives to describe what you see and feel.

How do Ranginui and Papatūānuku look and feel in summer | raumati?

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Birds in summer

| raumati

  • What are the birds doing today?
  • Can you see any signs of nests or eggs?
  • Are birds feeding their chicks?

Many birds raise their families in summer

Dotterels (shorebirds) nesting by Mithuna Sothieson DOC

Fantail/pīwakawaka feeding by David Mudge

Tūī feeding by D. Merton

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On the Home tab, click the “Reset” button. This will reset your slide back to the template while keeping the content.

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Insects and invertebrates  

Invertebrates are animals without a backbone

Stick insects | rō

(smooth stick insect)

Cicadas | kihikihi

(chorus cicada)

Beetles (Huhu)

Dragonflies | kapowai

(Carove’s bush dragonfly by Shellie Evan)

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Summer bugging

Can you find any… ?

Butterflies | pūrerehua

 (copper butterfly)

Crickets | pihareinga

(north of Kaikoura) 

Wasp | wāpi

(german wasp)

Bees | pī

(bumble bee)

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Sounds of summer | raumati

What can you hear outdoors in summer?

Chorus cicada | kihikihi and their song

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Exoskeletons and moults

Insects have skeletons on the outside! They shed their exoskeletons as they grow. Summer is a great time to spot them. 

Cicada moult by Shellie Evans (DOC)

Giant bush dragonfly nymph moult by Milen Marinov

Stick insect exoskeleton

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Other summer loving native animals

These animals are much more difficult to find.

Geckos | pāpā

Bats | pekapeka (photo DOC). Bats are nocturnal animals (they come out at night).

Tuatara by Sabine Bernert

Wētā by Kyle Bland

Tūī feeding by D. Merton

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Which plants are flowering in your area?

Photograph or draw your favourite flowers 

Pōhutukawa and hebe flowering in summer

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My summer nature observations

Record your findings 

Take photos from the same points in each season to help you observe how the seasons influence nature.

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Back in the classroom

Summer learning 

  • Reflect on what you saw, heard and felt outside 
  • Record your findings on iNaturalist
  • Draw or paint what summer feels like to you 
  • Make music that sounds like summer 
  • Make a photo story about summer 
  • Write about and describe summer 
  • Learn more about local living things. List or survey the species in your area.
  • Start a learning inquiry about something you observed and record your questions. 

For other conservation and teaching outside resources, visit: Resources: Conservation education (doc.govt.nz)

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How do you connect with nature in summer | raumati?�

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Whiti ana te rā, ki te pae o mahara,

whiti, whiti ora.

The sun shines, shining on a distant horizon.