Recreating the Panama Canal

As part of our preparation for the visit to the Napier Port Ruma Whitu has investigated the way the Miraflores Locks work as part of the Panama Canal. Ships pay tolls to cut through Panama instead of travelling the whole way around Sout America. We have been intrigued by the way the locks raise the ships up by pumping water to control the depth of the holding pools. Students have endeavoured to recreate the locks and we have pulled out some valuable science learning and considered cause and effect.