Natures Techno Tricks in Action Our 4 year old children used the information they "read" to learn about wasp nests. They then made their own nest using the shape and 'stamped' the interlocking shapes. They then cut around their nest and displayed their work on the wall. This all fits with the Early childhood Curriculum Te Whariki Communication & Exploration Goal. Finding information and using it to build their knowledge and understanding of the natural world. Cathy |
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Introducing Arocatus rusticus The Swan Plant Seed Bug It was a beautiful sunny afternoon and while examining a swan plant that had reached 2 metres, tiny flashes of red caught my eye. On closer examination I saw the tightly clustered swan plant seeds were crawling with tiny red insects that I had never seen before. Photographs being the best method of identification, Mike was  quickly on hand to photograph the evidence.After capturing the insects and placing them in a large jar, complete with foliage and seeds, I rang Landcare Research. An email complete with photographs was sent to Leonie Clunie. Her reply: "These insects are the immature stage of Arocatus rusticus, an Australian bug. Common name is swan plant seed bug, as that is where it's usually found. Also found on a NZ plant Parsonsia and Tweedia. Hibernates under bark and under old leaves of cabbage trees. These nymphs don't have fully developed wings yet. In adults, grey wings cover the red body and you only see a red flash as they launch into flight." I will be watching with interest to see if we can photograph the adults when they develop. But if any of you have seen this insect and would like to share some of your photos, just send me an email. Dee |
| Re: Feed Me Right Book I am a first year mature student doing my Bachelor of Nursing Degree. I had trouble in Biology for the first semester and tried different avenues to assist my learning but to no avail. Then I came across your book in the library and have read this endlessly for the last couple of months, I would just like to say a big thank you as for my style of learning with this book it has helped me so much that I have finally passed two exams, and am now awaiting the result for my Nutrition / Metabolism Assignment. Please if there any other books to which you think would assist me I would very much like to know of them especially if it has been homegrown. Thank you all once again. Yours Sincerely, Stephney Edser. |
| Dear Mike and Dee Thank you so much for letting us home school families look around your lovely garden. We also enjoyed exploring the bugs and creepy things under the microscope. My boys were very interested and we are even going to grow our own vegetable garden. Thank you for your enthusiasm and willingness to pass your knowledge on to the next generation. Regards Caroline, Michael Jonathan and Nicholas. |
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Any backyard can grow fresh organic vegetables using the science of nature's cycles. |
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Dee can help you reclaim the knowledge and ability to grow your own food. |
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The nutritional value and safety of our food is the basis for health. |
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Home gardens are more productive than conventional agriculture. |
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Everything we eat, sooner or later ends up in the blood as molecules of glucose. |
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Ideas are renewable resources. |
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Promote food production with minimal cultivation and maximum return of organic fertilizers. |
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Every backyard garden is unique, learn to live in harmony with nature. |
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Making herb tea for the school caretaker. |
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Involve the kids in all your garden projects. |
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