Key concepts
Sustainability, natural cycles for dealing with waste, processes, basic biochemistry, technology.
Lesson description/intentions
For once, hands-on is not the first choice of learning. Students are able to get up close to the working systems and processes that take place to treat what we flush away in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry. Closed-in shoes are required for entry to this working site.
Possible success criteria
Students may be able to:
- describe one or more parts of the waste water treatment cycle
- consider the implications of disposing liquid waste
- describe the natural processes that are used in the treatment of waste water
- name two key issues about the treatment of waste water
- name two by-products from waste water treatment
- explain to others what they think is the best way to deal with waste water in Christchurch and justify their decision
- identify actions they can take to reduce the amount of waste water produced in their homes.
Key competencies
- Thinking – students will be able to justify their decisions and aspirations for a sustainable waste water system.
- Relating to others – students are encouraged to see how they are an important part in the wastewater process, and how their actions can impact on others and the environment.
- Participating and contributing – students can become actively involved in securing a sustainable future for their communities by identifying ways of maintaining environmentally friendly water systems.
- Using language, symbols, and texts – students will uncover the secrets of the processes taking place at the CWTP (Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant).
Learning areas | Strands | Curriculum level | Achievement objectives |
Science | Planet Earth and Beyond | 2 to 4 | Describing and investigating systems and their interactions with the water cycle |
Science | Living World | 2 to 6 | Identifying elements of life processes and recognising requirments of living things |
Science | Material World | 2 to 6 | Observing and investigating chemical properties and changes |
Technology | Technological Knowledge | 2 to 6 | Understanding components and relationships in a technological system |
Technology | Nature of Technology | 2 to 6 | Understanding the nature of technological outcomes |
Social sciences | Social Studies | 2 to 6 | Understanding that people have social responsibilities, make choices to meet their needs and wants, and how interactions with natural environments change over time |