Workshop 2: Micro-organisms
Information for teachers
Biodiversity focus on microbial ecosystems, exploring decomposition, gas cycles, food webs, and priorities in environmental decision-making.
Introduction: Crack the code
Students receive puzzle-filled activity books.
Environment: Gas guardians
Led by a delightfully quirky “fart scientist,” students explore how microbes feed, respirate, and excrete.
Hands-on activities include:
- yeast and sugar balloon experiments
- observing gas release
- connecting microbial processes to ecosystem cycles
- understanding how all organisms contribute to microbial food webs
Economy: Priority patrol
In a Dragons’ Den–style session, students become investors choosing which microbial innovations get funding.
Projects include:
- oil spill solutions
- renewable energy concepts
- agricultural biotech solutions
Students compare competing priorities, learning why some innovations succeed while others miss out.
Social: The community debate
In this session, students explore how communities make decisions about using microbes to solve environmental challenges. Through a lively “town hall”–style debate, they take on roles such as iwi, farmers, residents, and businesses, each bringing different priorities to the table. By weighing options like wetlands, composting, soil health, and wastewater treatment, students discover that even strong science relies on social choices, values, and collaboration. This session highlights how fair, sustainable solutions are created when science and community work together.
Conclusion: The debrief
Students regroup to explore how environmental, social, and economic factors interact.
They answer questions, earn small rewards, and receive the critical thinking challenge they’ll complete back at school.
Partner and Premier Sponsor
