The Makarora Valley course is designed to complement the matrices for NCEA Biology (adaptation, evolutionary processes, speciation & ecological communities) and Geography (natural processes, research methodologies & spatial analysis) at Level 2 and 3. There is also the opportunity to use the course as part of internal assessments for these curricula. The role and importance of the local community is prioritized and with regards to all activities carried out.

The course is split into three parts:

1. Learning Ecology Survey Techniques

Half of the time will be spent in the field working with experienced field naturalists and learning the following techniques:

• Quadrat surveys for analysing vegetation community structure
• Possum and ungulate detection
• Bird mist netting and ringing
• Standardised bird point counts and transects
• Braided river ecology and surveys
• Predator control methods to maintain native fauna

These activities reflect the focus of students’ high school studies on developing scientific enquiry skills and the ability to design and carry out research methods.

2. Developing skills in research methods and scientific reporting

Students will work together in small groups (2 -3 students) on one of the following data sets: reef fish communities, coral reef structure, cloud forest bird communities, spider monkey behaviour or large mammal distribution in a South African reserve. Over the week the objective will be for the group to write up a paper answering a research question they have devised based on the data sets. Each group will present their final paper by the end of the course.

This enables students to gain in-depth knowledge of topics at Levels 2 and 3 in Biology, Environmental Science and Geography, whilst also developing essential skills in quantitative data analysis and reporting. Through supervised small group work, students will develop their capacity to work effective within a team and practice essential presentation skills.

3. Learning about how to develop a career in environmental science or conservation biology

In the evenings there will be presentations from different academics and professional field ecologists explaining about the conservation techniques being used and wildlife in the area together with upcoming opportunities for careers in wildlife conservation in New Zealand.