WuHoo Timaru aims to help cultivate the “Explorer Mindset” in lifelong learners across the Timaru District.
The Explorer Mindset is a dynamic blend of curiosity, courage, critical thinking, and empathy that empowers learners of all ages to engage meaningfully with the world. WuHoo Timaru has been inspired by the National Geographic Society’s vision for education, we give our time to support educators, researchers, and community leaders with innovative learning experience inspiration that bridge science, art, history and storytelling, to spark curiosity, critical thinking and drive action. Through immersive, inquiry-based strategies and direct engagement with real-world explorers and changemakers, we aim to help our community grow outstanding future citizens by helping them develop the skills and attitudes needed to navigate complexity, nurture empathy, and contribute to a more sustainable and interconnected future.
When we know where we have come from, we can better know ourselves and where we are going. - Roselyn Fauth
Learning Through Play at Caroline Bay
One way we are putting this into action is through our involvement in the Caroline Bay playground project. Now that the playground is open, we are focused on activating learning in the space — bringing education into play. To guide our work, we completed a National Geographic education course focused on developing the Explorer Mindset and implementing the Explorer Mindset Learning Framework (EMLF). You can learn more here:
Designing for Education and Community Impact
Together with CPlay, WuHoo volunteers Roselyn and Christopher Fauth consulted with local educators in schools and at Council Facilities such as the Museum, Gallery and Libraries, and mana whenua and various cultural groups to ensure the playground aligned with the New Zealand curriculum, which emphasizes local and cultural learning. Key features include:
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Interactive signage and exhibits that highlight local flora, fauna, and cultural stories, created in collaboration with the South Canterbury Museum and iwi representatives.
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Nature-based play elements designed to promote inquiry, discovery, and sensory engagement with the environment.
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Curriculum-aligned content to support teachers in using the playground as an outdoor classroom.
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Community engagement initiatives that ensure the playground remains a living, evolving educational resource.
We referred to the New Zealand Curriculum at the time via nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz, now being replaced by tahurangi.education.govt.nz.
We continue to devlope digital, print and physical signage to help our community find free fun, and make it meaningful.
Explorer Mindset Learning Framework (EMLF)
(Source: natgeoed.org)
Attitudes
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Curious
Explorers are curious and engage with the world around them. They observe, document, and ask questions about where things are and why they are there. -
Empathetic
Explorers care about other people, cultural resources, and the environment. They are respectful and committed to making the world a better place. They value and understand their own and others’ points of view, acknowledging differences. -
Empowered
Explorers recognize their ability to protect people, cultural resources, and the environment. They are leaders who use their knowledge, confidence, and ability to take action and make a difference.
Skills
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Communicate
Explorers are storytellers who communicate their work using scientific, academic, and narrative methods and media. They aim to inspire others to protect and sustain the wonder of the world. -
Problem-Solve
Explorers seek solutions to protect and sustain our planet. They identify alternatives, weigh trade-offs, and make well-reasoned decisions based on facts. They pursue bold ideas and persist through challenges. -
Use Geographic Perspectives
Explorers analyze the world using diverse perspectives—geological, ecological, historical, economic, political, cultural, and spatial—across local to global scales. They model spatial patterns and change over time. -
Apply Geographic Practices
Explorers use mapping, inquiry, and citizen science to explore geographic questions and investigate problems. They think critically and generate new understanding. -
Collaborate
Explorers engage actively with communities. They foster global cooperation and support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), working productively across cultures toward shared sustainability goals.
Knowledge
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Seek Interconnections
Explorers strive to understand the complex and interconnected systems of our planet. They study how people and environments influence one another. -
Learn About Human and Natural Systems
Explorers deepen their understanding by studying the Earth’s physical properties, its natural and human systems, and the diverse organisms we share it with.