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In 2023 Regenpreneur Ltd will be working with students of Aberfeldy School to design a demonstration EnviroSchool education site and support curriculum. Once this curriculum is ready the resources will be displayed here.
Key goals:
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Background:
Regenpreneur Ltd and Aberfeldy School collaborate to develop an innovative environmental school program, aiming to educate students about sustainability, critical thinking, and nature connection.
- The freely accessible online curriculum supports nationwide adoption, cultivating a generation that values environmental conservation for sustainable development.
- Aligned with Māori values, it integrates cultural perspectives on nature's interconnectedness.
- Topics include sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, resource use, waste management, and climate change.
- Students develop practical skills in designing regenerative systems and engage in community service.
- The program fosters critical thinking, environmental literacy, biodiversity preservation, ecosystem enhancement, and sustainable food production.
- It ultimately promotes sustainable development by nurturing students' understanding, appreciation, and active engagement with the environment.
Some Design Concepts from Other Projects
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Curriculum Topics
Aquaponics
Aquaponics, a sustainable agricultural system that combines hydroponics and aquaculture, is gaining popularity in New Zealand schools as an educational tool that enhances student learning outcomes while promoting environmental sustainability. This closed-loop system is efficient, requires minimal space and water, and produces a large volume of food crops, providing schools with a source of fresh produce and protein. Aquaponics has been found to improve student learning outcomes in various subjects, including science, math, and sustainability, by increasing engagement, motivation, and problem-solving skills. By providing a hands-on learning experience, students can apply concepts in real-world situations, promoting critical thinking and environmental literacy.
In addition to its academic benefits, aquaponics can also promote environmental sustainability by teaching students about the importance of resource conservation and reducing waste. It is a practical way to learn about sustainable agricultural practices and the importance of taking care of the environment. The system also promotes community engagement and service learning, as it provides opportunities for students to work with their local communities and learn about traditional Maori methods of land use and conservation.
Furthermore, incorporating aquaponics into the classroom aligns with the ethics and values of Maori people. Maori people view the environment as a taonga, or treasure, to be protected and cared for, and aquaponics promotes sustainable land use practices and responsible resource management. The system also demonstrates the interconnectedness of all living things, which is consistent with Maori beliefs in the interconnectedness of all things in the natural world.
One example of aquaponics in New Zealand schools is Wairakei Primary School, which installed an aquaponics unit that combines aquaculture and hydroponics to grow crops and fish in a closed-loop system. The school received donations from the community to help set up the unit, and students will learn about the entire process of looking after the fish and growing crops in the system. The school hopes that other schools in the area will follow its example, especially if they are interested in implementing sustainable agricultural practices in their curriculum.
In addition to its academic benefits, aquaponics can also promote environmental sustainability by teaching students about the importance of resource conservation and reducing waste. It is a practical way to learn about sustainable agricultural practices and the importance of taking care of the environment. The system also promotes community engagement and service learning, as it provides opportunities for students to work with their local communities and learn about traditional Maori methods of land use and conservation.
Furthermore, incorporating aquaponics into the classroom aligns with the ethics and values of Maori people. Maori people view the environment as a taonga, or treasure, to be protected and cared for, and aquaponics promotes sustainable land use practices and responsible resource management. The system also demonstrates the interconnectedness of all living things, which is consistent with Maori beliefs in the interconnectedness of all things in the natural world.
One example of aquaponics in New Zealand schools is Wairakei Primary School, which installed an aquaponics unit that combines aquaculture and hydroponics to grow crops and fish in a closed-loop system. The school received donations from the community to help set up the unit, and students will learn about the entire process of looking after the fish and growing crops in the system. The school hopes that other schools in the area will follow its example, especially if they are interested in implementing sustainable agricultural practices in their curriculum.
Food Forests
Designing a food forest can be a practical way to teach students about sustainability and improve their learning outcomes. A food forest is an ecosystem made up of edible plants, designed to mimic the structure of a natural forest. By creating a food forest, students can learn about biodiversity, ecological balance, and sustainable land use practices. Additionally, it can provide opportunities for community engagement and service learning, building connections with the local community. Food forests can promote environmental literacy and sustainable practices that align with Māori values and principles. They are also a great tool for teaching nutrition, and easier for busy school gardeners to maintain.
Furthermore, food forests can enhance learning outcomes by promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and environmental literacy. Students can learn about permaculture principles, companion planting, water harvesting, and soil regeneration. By understanding these practices, they can develop skills and knowledge that they can apply to other areas of their lives, such as their own homes and communities.
A study by Harvard University compared the benefits of permaculture food forests in schools to traditional raised bed school gardens. The research assessed the performance of food forests based on a cost-benefit analysis of ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, avoided runoff, air pollution reduction, and food production. The study found that food forests outperformed raised bed school gardens by enhancing ecosystem services, reducing costs, and upholding food production.
Furthermore, food forests can enhance learning outcomes by promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and environmental literacy. Students can learn about permaculture principles, companion planting, water harvesting, and soil regeneration. By understanding these practices, they can develop skills and knowledge that they can apply to other areas of their lives, such as their own homes and communities.
A study by Harvard University compared the benefits of permaculture food forests in schools to traditional raised bed school gardens. The research assessed the performance of food forests based on a cost-benefit analysis of ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, avoided runoff, air pollution reduction, and food production. The study found that food forests outperformed raised bed school gardens by enhancing ecosystem services, reducing costs, and upholding food production.
Restoring Natural Habitats
Restoring the natural health of school grounds and incorporating environmental education programs can have numerous benefits for the future of Tāmaki, New Zealand. Education for sustainability and conservation education is critical for young people as it connects them to the environment that nurtures them, provides experiences that promote hauora (wellbeing), and contributes to healthy and flourishing biodiversity. The resources available for teachers and students can help foster kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and empower young people to take action in their community.
Incorporating activities that restore the natural environment of school grounds can make education more compelling for school children in New Zealand. By making it hands-on, creating a curriculum, involving experts, using technology, and encouraging teamwork, children will have a greater sense of ownership and pride in their school grounds. Several studies have demonstrated that participation in outdoor environmental education programs leads to an increase in children's pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors, well-being, academic achievement, and social and emotional development.
Environmental education is crucial for the future of New Zealand's unique natural environment and its significant impact on the country's culture, economy, and society. It helps young people develop an understanding and appreciation of the natural environment, its values, and the need for its protection. Environmental education can promote sustainable development, which is vital for the country's future economic growth and social well-being. It is incorporated into the national curriculum and recognized as a vital component of the country's education system.
Incorporating activities that restore the natural environment of school grounds can make education more compelling for school children in New Zealand. By making it hands-on, creating a curriculum, involving experts, using technology, and encouraging teamwork, children will have a greater sense of ownership and pride in their school grounds. Several studies have demonstrated that participation in outdoor environmental education programs leads to an increase in children's pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors, well-being, academic achievement, and social and emotional development.
Environmental education is crucial for the future of New Zealand's unique natural environment and its significant impact on the country's culture, economy, and society. It helps young people develop an understanding and appreciation of the natural environment, its values, and the need for its protection. Environmental education can promote sustainable development, which is vital for the country's future economic growth and social well-being. It is incorporated into the national curriculum and recognized as a vital component of the country's education system.