The Electric Garden is a learning programme for Year 5–8 that helps teach Digital Technologies through experiences in the natural world. It’s made up of two parts:

1. a wireless device with sensors that students install in the environment with real-time data showing soil temperature, soil moisture, air humidity, air temperature and amount of light; and

2. a learning platform where students use data gathered from the device to practise essential skills in Digital Technologies and beyond!

With guided hands-on lessons, students step into nature and use Digital Technologies to learn and explore our everyday world. Each lesson contributes to specific achievement objectives and progress outcomes in support of four primary Learning Areas:

• Digital Technologies

• Learning Languages - te reo Māori

• Mathematics and Statistics

• Science

Beyond the academics, the platform provides a framework for students to consider their roles as guardians and protectors of the natural environment, to practise te reo Māori, and gain experience working with Digital Technologies in an authentic context.

8-Lesson Overview