Sustainable Technology
Hangarau Toitū • Technology for a Sustainable Future
Duration
6-8 weeks
Year Level
Years 9-10
Subjects
Technology, Science
Focus
Kaitiakitanga
"Toitū te whenua, whatungarongaro te tangata"
The land remains, while people come and go
Our technological choices must serve the wellbeing of the land that sustains us all.
📋 Unit Overview
This unit explores how technology can be designed and used in ways that protect and restore our environment. Students will investigate sustainability challenges, analyze existing technologies, and design their own sustainable solutions.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the environmental impacts of technology (positive and negative)
- Apply life cycle thinking to evaluate products
- Design technological solutions that minimize environmental harm
- Connect sustainability to kaitiakitanga and Indigenous knowledge
- Evaluate technologies using sustainability criteria
- Create prototypes that address real environmental challenges
🏛️ The Three Pillars of Sustainability
Environmental
Protecting ecosystems, reducing pollution, conserving resources, restoring nature
Taiao — Environment
Social
Equity, health, community wellbeing, cultural preservation, fair treatment
Tangata — People
Economic
Viable businesses, fair wages, long-term thinking, circular economy
Ōhanga — Economy
True sustainability requires balance across all three pillars.
📖 Unit Structure
Introducing the three pillars and kaitiakitanga
Environmental impacts of everyday tech
From raw materials to end-of-life
Designing out waste
Solar, wind, and NZ's energy future
Traditional sustainable practices
Identifying a real problem to solve
Building sustainable solutions
Improving our designs
Presenting solutions
🎯 Student Project Ideas
♻️ Waste Reduction
Design a system to reduce food waste in the school cafeteria
☀️ Solar Solutions
Create a solar-powered device for a specific school need
💧 Water Conservation
Design a rainwater collection or greywater system
🌿 Urban Greening
Create a vertical garden or native planting system
🚲 Sustainable Transport
Design infrastructure for active transport at school
📦 Packaging Innovation
Create sustainable alternatives to single-use packaging
📋 Curriculum Alignment
NZ Curriculum — Technology
- Technological Practice: Planning, brief development, outcome development
- Nature of Technology: Characteristics of technology, technology and society
- Technological Knowledge: Technological systems, technological products
NZ Curriculum — Science
- Planet Earth and Beyond: Earth systems, sustainability
- Physical World: Energy transformations
Key Competencies: Thinking, Participating and Contributing
Values: Ecological sustainability, Innovation, Integrity
📎 Unit Resources
Downloadable handouts, worksheets, and materials for this unit.