Lesson 6: Guardians of the Future

Starter (10 mins)

Conservation Heroes Inspiration

Brief profiles of young conservation activists making a difference:

• Greta Thunberg: Climate action from Swedish teenager
• Xiuhtezcatl Martinez: Indigenous youth environmental activist
• Local example: NZ youth involved in conservation projects
• Historical inspiration: Young Wangari Maathai and the Green Belt Movement

Key Message: Young people can and do make real differences in conservation. Your voice matters!

Reflection: What conservation issue do you feel most passionate about?

Campaign Creation (35 mins)

Choose Your Conservation Campaign

Students work individually or in pairs to create a conservation awareness campaign in their preferred format:

Campaign Requirements (All Formats):

• Focus on specific NZ conservation issue
• Include scientific evidence from unit learning
• Feature traditional Māori knowledge where relevant
• Propose realistic, actionable solutions
• Target specific audience (students, families, community)
• Include compelling call-to-action

Science Wānanga (20 mins)

Campaign Presentations

Students present their conservation campaigns to the class in a supportive, collaborative environment:

Presentation Format:

• 3 minutes to present campaign
• Explain the conservation issue and why it matters
• Highlight key scientific evidence
• Discuss proposed solutions and call-to-action
• 2 minutes for peer questions and feedback

Peer Feedback Protocol:

• Star: What was most effective about this campaign?
• Wish: What would make it even more powerful?
• Wonder: What questions does it raise?

Cultural Element: Acknowledge each presenter with appreciation, following principles of manaakitanga (hospitality and care).

Personal Action Planning (10 mins)

My Kaitiakitanga Commitment

Students create personal action commitments based on their learning throughout the unit:

Reflection Questions:

• What's one thing you learned about NZ ecosystems that surprised you?
• Which conservation issue feels most urgent to you personally?
• What realistic action can you take in the next month?
• How will you continue learning about conservation?
• What role do you want to play as a kaitiaki (guardian)?

Commitment Categories:

• Personal lifestyle: Reduce waste, choose sustainable products
• Community involvement: Join local conservation group, volunteer for projects
• Learning & advocacy: Continue research, educate others
• Direct action: Plant natives, remove weeds, report pest sightings

Closing Circle (10 mins)

Karakia & Celebration

End the unit with reflection and commitment to ongoing guardianship:

Sharing Circle: Each student shares one word describing how they feel about their role as kaitiaki.

Group Commitment: Class creates collective commitment statement about protecting NZ's unique ecosystems.

Closing Karakia: Traditional blessing for the land and all living things (seek appropriate cultural guidance).

Celebration: Acknowledge all the learning, growth, and commitment demonstrated throughout the unit.