Unit 4, Lesson 2: Environmental Science & Kaitiakitanga
Reading the Land, Upholding the Responsibility
📖 Lesson Overview
This lesson builds on the concept of indigenous science by focusing on traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). Students will learn how to read the "signs" of the environment and understand the deep sense of responsibility (kaitiakitanga) that is linked to this knowledge.
Enrichment Suggestion: Link to a recent news article from RNZ Te Manu Korihi about a local iwi using kaitiakitanga principles to manage a river or forest. This connects the lesson to contemporary civics.
🎯 Learning Activities
1. Do Now: Reading the Signs (10 mins)
Show students images of different natural phenomena (e.g., a flock of birds flying in a certain direction, dark clouds, a particular flower blooming). In pairs, students discuss what each sign might indicate.
2. Introduction to Kaitiakitanga (10 mins)
Class discussion: Introduce the concept of kaitiakitanga. It's not just about "using" the environment, but about a reciprocal relationship of care and guardianship. How does this differ from a purely extractive view of resources?
3. Case Study: Ecological Indicators (25 mins)
Hand out the Traditional Ecological Indicators handout. Students read it and work on the critical thinking questions. In groups, they can focus on one indicator and prepare to teach it to the class.
4. Exit Ticket (5 mins)
Students name one traditional indicator and one modern scientific tool that could be used to measure the same environmental condition.
📋 Lesson Details
Learning Intentions:
- Define Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and kaitiakitanga.
- Analyse examples of TEK from Aotearoa.
- Compare and contrast traditional and modern methods of environmental monitoring.
Key Competencies:
- Thinking
- Participating and contributing
Resources:
- ✨ Pouako-Created for Unit 4:
- 💰 Wealth Inequality Simulation
- ⚖️ Economic Systems Comparison
- 📋 Integrated Experiment Template
- Additional Resources:
- Traditional Ecological Indicators Handout