Science, Environment, Farm Technologies, Farm Systems
Our courses dig into the scientific, environmental and technological layers of NZ’s primary industry.
We deliver learning opportunities – we’ll guide learners to explore this complex farm, follow enquiries that are relevant to them,and develop a greater understanding through access to the rich Tokanui farm environment.
The Agritec Centre is now moving into an intensive resource and course development phase.
Our Educator, supported by a multi-media developer, is capturing and packaging a vast range of farm data and activities into relevant resources – and engaging with industry and science professionals to support those courses.
We are ready to work with teachers, trainers and tutors throughout the education sector to tailor a specific course, resources or field trip for your students’ needs. Contact the Educator to discuss the range on offer.
“Today’s students want to explore their environment and need opportunities to enquire into real industry models. Connecting with industry experts and science through direct exploration of a real farm system offers relevant learning and exposure to career options they may otherwise never see.” David Hood, Project Manager of the Coalition of 21st Century Secondary Schools.
Soil Exploration – Suitable for year 11-13 Science, Chemistry and Biology students
Evidence-based Resources for Teachers
Using current farm data and information directly from the Tokanui Farm, we build resources that are rooted in a real farm system.
For example, learners will soon be able to check what the latest weather, pasture growth and milk production stats are on farm – which allows them to explore scientific questions into the drivers of those statistics and the relationships between them.
As the learnings and data from the research farm accumulate, additional resources will be possible which examine seasonal and annual patterns and changes.
Getting the Dirt on Soil
A soil investigation programme suitable for secondary school science and chemistry learners, industry trainees and as a basis for environmental and tertiary projects.
Pre-Farm learning -
- Resources will be provided for students to explore soil characteristics and factors affecting soil health, and students will consider why soil health is important - video resource of a scientist and/or industry professional explaining the environmental and production impacts. Students will check current weather data and recent soil tests at Tokanui from the Agritec Centre website and preparation for actual soil sampling on farm will be via a video resource. Students will prepare questions for the on farm soil exploration day. More advanced students can explore historic farm data sets to observe changes and gain greater understanding.
On-Farm Learning – Soil Exploration Field trip
- Students will be helped to identify suitable soil test locations with the aid of the GIS Farm mapping system. Soil samples will be gathered, then analysed in terms of composition and features. Test sites can be mapped against the GIS system, and then historic results can be viewed for comparison. Student groups will use a PDA to photograph, capture findings, and log location of tests while on farm. Back in the Agritec Centre, students will compile and organise that information to report on their findings using the Centre’s learning and media technologies. New questions will be raised in relation to environmental, production and management aspects and students will be guided to information sources to continue their enquiry. Each student will take their data and report with them on a USB for continued post-farm learning.
Post-Farm learning
- Soil test results from the field trip will be delivered and discussed, and students will continue to investigate features of soil health, relating this to their Tokanui results. A report on the Tokanui soil exploration unit will be produced for assessment. More advanced enquiry can continue using historic data and the ‘Overseer’ data which tracks inputs to the soil system.