Whakataukī | Proverb

"Toitū te marae a Tāne, toitū te marae a Tangaroa, toitū te iwi"

If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive.

This whakataukī reminds us that human wellbeing depends on healthy ecosystems. Our tīpuna understood the balance of nature - how forests, rivers, and oceans sustain all life. As kaitiaki, we must protect and restore our taiao. Designing your ideal ecosystem helps you think like a kaitiaki!

🌏 Design Your Dream Ecosystem

Level 4 (Years 8-9) | Science / Environmental Studies

📋 Learning Objectives:

  • Design a balanced, functional ecosystem
  • Include producers, consumers, and decomposers
  • Show energy flow through food chains/webs
  • Consider climate, geography, and biodiversity
  • Apply kaitiakitanga principles to ecosystem design

✅ Ecosystem Design Checklist

Your ecosystem MUST include all of these:

Climate & Location: Where is your ecosystem? (NZ forest, beach, wetland, island, etc.)
Producers: At least 3 different plants/trees (they make their own food!)
Herbivores: At least 2 plant-eating animals
Carnivores: At least 1 meat-eating predator
Decomposers: Include fungi, bacteria, or insects that break down dead material
Water Source: Stream, lake, ocean, rain - how do organisms get water?
Food Chains: Show at least 2 food chains with arrows
Shelter/Habitats: Where do animals live? (burrows, trees, caves, etc.)
Biodiversity: Variety of species (not just one type of everything!)
Labels: Name each organism clearly

🎨 Your Ecosystem Poster

YOUR ECOSYSTEM NAME HERE
☀️ SUN

(Energy source)

🌿 PRODUCERS

(Draw plants here)

🦎 CONSUMERS

(Draw animals)

🍄 DECOMPOSERS

(Fungi, bacteria)

Draw arrows to show energy flow! (Sun → Plants → Animals → Decomposers)

🔗 Draw Your Food Chains

Food Chain #1:

Producer
→
Herbivore
→
Carnivore

Food Chain #2:

Producer
→
Herbivore
→
Carnivore

📋 Ecosystem Information Card

Ecosystem Name:

Location/Climate:

Temperature Range:

Unique Features (What makes your ecosystem special?):

Threats to Your Ecosystem:

How to Protect It (Kaitiakitanga Actions):

🎨 Design Your Ecosystem Poster

Use colors, labels, arrows, and illustrations to bring your ecosystem to life!

Draw your ecosystem name here in BIG, colorful letters!

📝 Species List

List all organisms in your ecosystem and their roles:

Organism Name Role (Producer/Consumer/Decomposer) Diet Type

🌟 Extension Challenge

Climate Change Impact: How would your ecosystem be affected by climate change? What adaptations would organisms need?