Try this next
Take pH readings before feeding, one hour after, and three hours after to map the full recovery curve.
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Science inquiry · Unit 1Inquiry 1
Freshwater ecology
Living water systems — measure, explain, redesign
What is happening in our freshwater system — and what should we change?
Science inquiry · Unit 1
Freshwater ecology
Living water systems — measure, explain, redesign
Nature of Science · Living World · Ecology
Wero
What is happening in our freshwater system — and what should we change?
First step
Log water quality measurements across three runs, then link evidence to a claim.
What you will show
A defended claim about water chemistry with a system explanation and optional sensor redesign.
Local place context
Name your school awa or water feature. Who are the tangata whenua kaitiaki for this place?
Nature of Science · Living World · Ecology
First step
Log water quality measurements across three runs, then link evidence to a claim.
Expected outcome
A defended claim about water chemistry with a system explanation and optional sensor redesign.
You will track real water-quality readings in a living aquaponics system over several weeks and use what you see to explain a small mystery in the tank. How pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and temperature change together — and which patterns can explain what you see in fish and plants. Readings of pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and water temperature at the same times each week, plus notes on fish behaviour and plant growth.
Five ways you could investigate
Pick one to start — or write your own question. The AI mentor supports you gently inside your investigation.
Idea 1
pH patterns over time
Does pH change at the same site across repeated visits — and what might explain any pattern?
Start with this question →Idea 2
Temperature vs dissolved oxygen
When temperature rises, what happens to dissolved oxygen readings — and is the link consistent?
Start with this question →Idea 3
Plant growth and water chemistry
As plants grow, which water variables shift first — and could one be driving another?
Start with this question →Idea 4
Feeding schedule impact
If we change feeding frequency, what water measurements respond after a follow-up observation?
Start with this question →Idea 5
Compare two tank zones
Are readings different near the inlet vs near plants — and what system explanation fits?
Start with this question →
Five things you could build
Fabrication ideas linked to makerspace tools — 3D print, laser cut, Arduino, data products, and more.
Build 1
Sensor shade or holder
3D print a bracket that keeps the probe at the depth your evidence says matters.
Open in outcome selector →Build 2
Sampling station signage
Laser-cut labels that show where and when each sample was taken.
Open in outcome selector →Build 3
Plant support clip
Print a clip sized to stems you measured when growth leaned or crowded.
Open in outcome selector →Build 4
Water-quality infographic
Turn your strongest trend into a one-page story for classmates.
Open in outcome selector →Build 5
Arduino logger
Log temperature or pH automatically at intervals you can defend.
Open in outcome selector →
AI mentor (inside your investigation)
No separate mentor page — support appears in your investigation workspace. It starts gentle: short prompts about your research context, data, and analysis. You or your teacher can turn assistance off for unassisted work, or request more help when you need it. It also guides fabrication choices tied to your evidence.
What other investigators found
Try this next
Record both water temperature and dissolved oxygen in the same measurement session to test this relationship.
What you will investigate
You will track real water-quality readings in a living aquaponics system over several weeks and use what you see to explain a small mystery in the tank.
What you will collect
Date and time, pH
What you might make or share
A short data story for kaiako and whānau, a 3D-printed sensor mount that holds your probe steady