PTC Trust in collaboration with Lake380 scientists created a hands-on lake science workshop for Whanganui students. Rangatahi were able to discuss, work and collaborate with Marcus Vandergoes, Susie Wood, Julia Short, John Pearman and Mckayla Holloway from GNS and Cawthorn Institute to gain a better appreciation of Lake Virginia/Rotokawau.

Mike Paki represented Iwi in these parts providing students, staff and scientists with Mātauranga Māori of lakes in the rohe. Students were captivated with the stories and were motivated to get to work learning:

1.How to take a sediment core to assess and assess/subsample a sediment core;

2.What are cyanobacteria and how can we measure them and what levels are dangerous to humans and animals

3.   How can we use environmental DNA to measure lake biodiversity.

The day was filled with extensive hands-on, practical activity as science was made real, relevant, fun and laughter-filled for all. A social science component enriched the experience as students utilised technology to document and communicate their findings to a larger audience.