Unit 12: Ngā Manu o te Taiao — Local Birds & Habitats

Phase 2 (Y4-6) | Students investigate local manu, connect mātauranga Māori with science, and act to protect habitats.

Year Levels
Years 4–6 (Phase 2)
Duration
6 weeks
Learning Areas
Science, Social Studies, English, Arts

🪶 Key Journey Highlights

🌿
Mātauranga + Science
Bird ID, habitat mapping, simple counts; pūrākau and tikanga for local manu.
🔍
Inquiry & Evidence
Structured counts, cause/effect of habitat change, data-informed actions.
🗣️
Communication
Posters/PSAs with data + quotes; bilingual vocab woven throughout.

🎯 Learning Intentions

🧭 Driving Question

“How can we act as kaitiaki to help local manu thrive near our school and homes?”

📅 6-Week Outline (Phase 2)

W1 — Meet the Manu

  • Local manu pūrākau; vocab + ID practice.
  • Habitat mapping around kura.
  • Wonder board: questions about manu.

W2 — Counting Birds

  • Practice 5-min counts; tally sheet; intro to data table.
  • Safety/tikanga for observation spots.

W3 — Habitats & Impacts

  • Habitat needs; threats (predators, litter, noise).
  • Cause/effect organiser; interview a kaitiaki/whānau.

W4 — Solutions & Action

  • Choose one action (e.g., signage, planting, bird feeders).
  • Plan with feasibility grid; start poster/PSA drafts.

W5 — Communicate

  • Rehearse posters/PSAs with data + quote.
  • Peer feedback; whānau invite.

W6 — Action & Reflection

  • Deliver action; capture evidence.
  • Reflect on impact; share next steps.

🚀 Project Pathway & Scaffolds

Milestones

  • W2: First count + vocab
  • W3: Cause/effect + interview quote
  • W4: Action chosen + poster/PSA draft
  • W5: Feedback loop
  • W6: Action + reflection

Student Tools

  • ID/tally sheets, habitat map
  • Cause/effect organiser
  • Poster/PSA planner + rubrics
  • Evidence capture + success criteria

Teacher Supports

  • Risk brief + whānau permission
  • Moderation notes + exemplars
  • Interview prompts

📚 Lesson Plans

📄 Handouts & Resources

📎 Unit Resources

Downloadable handouts, worksheets, and materials for this unit.