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📚 Unit Plans → 🌿 Unit 9: Environmental Mātauranga
6 Weeks Year 9-10

Unit 9: Environmental Mātauranga — Protecting Our Taiao

"How Do We Fix What's Broken in Our Environment?" — A 6-week journey where students use both mātauranga Māori and modern science to take real action on local environmental problems.

Year Levels
Years 9–10 (Phase 4)
Duration
6 weeks
Learning Areas
Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Mātauranga Māori

📖 Unit Overview

"How Do We Fix What's Broken in Our Environment?"

Big Inquiry Question: Your local environment is facing real problems — pollution, declining biodiversity, climate impacts. How can you combine traditional Māori knowledge with modern science to create actual solutions that work?

This 6-week unit integrates traditional Māori ecological knowledge with modern environmental science, mathematics, and social studies. Students explore how whakapapa thinking connects to ecosystem relationships, investigate traditional environmental indicators alongside scientific data, and develop solutions that honor both knowledge systems.

Students will analyze environmental challenges through both mātauranga Māori and scientific lenses, use mathematical modeling to understand environmental patterns, and propose integrated solutions that respect cultural values while addressing contemporary environmental issues.

Year Levels: Years 9-10 (Phase 4)
Duration: 6 weeks
Learning Areas: Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Mātauranga Māori

📋 NZC Curriculum Alignment

This unit addresses achievement objectives across multiple learning areas, integrating science, mathematics, social studies, and mātauranga Māori.

🔬 Science / Pūtaiao (Level 5)

LW 5-2 Living World - Ecology

Explain how living things are suited to their particular habitat and how they respond to environmental changes, both natural and human-induced.

Unit Connection: Students investigate how environmental changes affect local ecosystems, using both scientific observation and traditional Māori ecological indicators. The Environmental Action Project directly addresses human-induced changes.
LW 5-1 Living World - Life Processes

Explore how the diversity of life in New Zealand is affected by human activities, and investigate indigenous approaches to environmental stewardship.

Unit Connection: Students explore biodiversity loss and enhancement through both scientific methods and mātauranga Māori, creating practical solutions for their local environment.
PE 5-3 Planet Earth - Interacting Systems

Investigate how the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere interact, and how human activities affect these interactions.

Unit Connection: Environmental Action Projects focus on specific Earth system interactions (water cycle, soil systems, atmospheric quality) and measure human impacts through data collection and traditional knowledge.

🔢 Mathematics / Pāngarau (Level 5)

S 5-1 Statistics

Plan and conduct surveys and experiments using the statistical enquiry cycle.

Unit Connection: Students collect and analyze environmental data, comparing traditional observations with scientific measurements.
S 5-4 Probability

Compare and describe the variation between theoretical and experimental distributions in situations that involve elements of chance.

Unit Connection: Environmental prediction models integrate both probabilistic thinking and traditional forecasting methods.

🌏 Social Studies / Tikanga-ā-Iwi (Level 5)

SS 5-1 Social Studies

Understand how the ideas and actions of people in the past have had a significant impact on people's lives.

Unit Connection: Traditional ecological knowledge systems and their continued relevance to contemporary environmental challenges.

💡 Key Competencies / Ngā Pūkenga Matua

🤔 Thinking

Students critically analyze both traditional knowledge systems and scientific methods, developing integrated understanding.

🤝 Relating to Others

Understanding cultural perspectives on environmental relationships develops respect for diverse knowledge systems.

🌱 Participating & Contributing

Connecting traditional and contemporary approaches encourages active environmental stewardship.

🔍 Managing Self

Integrating complex knowledge systems requires sustained critical thinking and cultural sensitivity.

📅 Weekly Learning Sequence

🔍 Week 1: Environmental Detective

Focus: What environmental problems can we actually see, measure, and fix right here at school?

Students become environmental detectives, using systematic observation and traditional knowledge to identify real problems.

Week 2: Traditional Ecological Indicators — Nature's Measuring Tools

Focus Question: How did Māori traditionally monitor environmental health, and how do these methods compare with modern scientific monitoring?

Activities:

  • Create maramataka (lunar calendar) and identify traditional environmental indicators
  • Compare traditional bird behavior observations with modern bird monitoring data
  • Mathematics: Analyze seasonal patterns using statistical measures (mean, median, range)
  • Science: Set up modern environmental monitoring (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen)
  • Literacy: Document traditional indicators from community members

🎥 Video Resources

Maramataka - Māori Calendar

Search YouTube for: "maramataka Māori calendar" or "Māori lunar calendar explained"

Recommended: Dr. Rangi Mātāmua, Māori TV, or iwi-specific calendars

Traditional Environmental Indicators

Search YouTube for: "traditional environmental knowledge" or "indigenous environmental indicators"

Focus on practical examples of environmental monitoring

Modern Environmental Monitoring

Search YouTube for: "water quality testing methods" or "environmental monitoring techniques"

Compare with traditional methods covered in class

📄 Week 2 Handouts & Resources

Differentiation: Provide different complexity levels for statistical analysis. Use multimedia resources for different learning preferences.

Week 3: Climate Knowledge Integration — Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science

Focus Question: How can traditional Māori climate knowledge enhance our understanding of scientific climate data?

Activities:

  • Analyze long-term temperature and rainfall data for local area
  • Research traditional Māori weather prediction methods and their accuracy
  • Mathematics: Create climate graphs and calculate trends using linear regression
  • Science: Investigate greenhouse effect and climate change mechanisms
  • Compare traditional seasonal knowledge with modern climate models

🎥 Video Resources

Traditional Māori Weather Knowledge

Search YouTube for: "Māori weather prediction" or "traditional weather knowledge"

Look for indigenous weather forecasting methods and their scientific basis

Climate Change in New Zealand

Search YouTube for: "climate change New Zealand" or "NIWA climate science"

Recommended: NIWA, MfE, or university climate research

Indigenous Climate Adaptation

Search YouTube for: "indigenous climate adaptation" or "traditional ecological knowledge climate"

Global examples of traditional knowledge supporting climate adaptation

📄 Week 3 Handouts & Resources

Differentiation: Provide scaffolded graphing support. Allow choice in final presentation format (written, visual, or oral).

Week 4: Climate Data Analysis — Reading Nature's Warning Signs

Focus Question: What do real NIWA climate numbers tell us about environmental changes, and how did Māori traditionally track these same patterns?

Activities:

  • Data Analysis: Use the NIWA Climate Data Analysis Sheet to examine real 2024 rainfall and temperature data
  • Graph Creation: Create line graphs and bar charts showing temperature and rainfall trends using actual NIWA data
  • Traditional Knowledge Integration: Interview community members about traditional environmental indicators (birds, plants, weather patterns)
  • Statistical Analysis: Calculate percentiles, averages, and identify extreme weather events in the data
  • Pattern Recognition: Compare 2024 data with long-term averages to identify climate change impacts

🎥 Video Resources

Microplastics in New Zealand Waters

Search YouTube for: "microplastics New Zealand" or "plastic pollution NZ waters"

Recommended: NIWA research, university studies, or environmental NGOs

Traditional Water Quality Assessment

Search YouTube for: "traditional water quality Māori" or "indigenous water monitoring"

Focus on traditional indicators and cultural water values

Plastic Pollution Impact

Search YouTube for: "plastic pollution marine life" or "microplastics ecosystem impact"

Scientific evidence of pollution effects on ecosystems

📄 Week 4 Handouts & Resources

Differentiation: Ensure safe sampling procedures. Provide alternative activities for students unable to participate in fieldwork.

Week 5: Predictive Models — Integrating Probability with Traditional Forecasting

Focus Question: How can mathematical probability enhance traditional environmental prediction methods?

Activities:

  • Analyze accuracy of traditional weather predictions over time
  • Mathematics: Calculate probability distributions for environmental events
  • Create risk assessment models for environmental hazards (flooding, drought)
  • Compare traditional prediction methods with modern probabilistic models
  • Develop integrated forecasting approach combining both methods

🎥 Video Resources

Probability in Environmental Science

Search YouTube for: "probability environmental science" or "risk assessment modeling"

Focus on practical applications of probability in environmental contexts

Traditional Environmental Prediction

Search YouTube for: "traditional environmental prediction" or "indigenous forecasting methods"

Examples of traditional prediction accuracy and methods

Climate Modeling and Prediction

Search YouTube for: "climate modeling explained" or "weather forecasting methods"

Understanding how modern prediction systems work

📄 Week 5 Handouts & Resources

Differentiation: Provide probability concept support. Offer choice between mathematical modeling or qualitative analysis approaches.

Week 6: Integrated Solutions Project — Bridging Knowledge Systems

Focus Question: How can we develop environmental solutions that honor both traditional knowledge and scientific evidence?

Activities:

  • Choose local environmental issue for investigation
  • Research both traditional Māori perspectives and scientific evidence
  • Develop integrated solution proposal with mathematical justification
  • Create presentation combining cultural protocols with scientific communication
  • Peer evaluation using both cultural appropriateness and scientific rigor criteria

🎥 Video Resources

Collaborative Environmental Solutions

Search YouTube for: "indigenous environmental solutions" or "traditional ecological restoration"

Examples of successful traditional-scientific collaborations

Māori Environmental Restoration

Search YouTube for: "Māori environmental restoration" or "kaitiakitanga in practice"

New Zealand examples of traditional approaches to environmental issues

📄 Week 6 Handouts & Resources

Differentiation: Allow various presentation formats. Ensure cultural safety in all presentations. Provide peer evaluation criteria.

🎯 Summative Assessment: Environmental Action Taiao Project

Assessment Overview: Students work in small groups to plan and implement a real environmental action project in their school or community, demonstrating integration of mātauranga Māori and scientific approaches through actual action, not just reports.

🌱 The Challenge: Taiao Guardians in Action

"Ko au te taiao, ko te taiao ko au" - I am the environment, the environment is me

Using the environmental problems you identified in Week 1 (Environmental Detective), prioritized in your Problem Ranking votes, and analyzed with real NIWA climate data in Week 4, your group will now take actual action to fix one specific problem. This isn't a report about what could be done — it's doing it for real.

Why This Assessment? This builds naturally from 6 weeks of investigation, voting, planning, and data analysis. It's AI-resistant because it requires real-world action, community interaction, measurable results, and photos of actual environmental change that cannot be faked.

📋 Project Requirements

🔍 Phase 1: Investigation & Planning (Weeks 1-2)

  • Issue Selection: Use your completed Environmental Detective Checklist and Problem Ranking Card votes to choose your team's focus problem
  • Baseline Data: Take "before" photos and measurements using the Measurement Planning Template from Week 1
  • Cultural Research: Use the Kaumātua Interview Guide to learn traditional approaches to your chosen environmental issue
  • Permission Gained: Get written approval from school/property owners for your environmental intervention

🛠️ Phase 2: Implementation (Weeks 3-5)

  • Action Implementation: Carry out your environmental intervention (plant native species, install composting system, create rain garden, etc.)
  • Daily Documentation: Photo journal with reflections on traditional vs scientific approaches
  • Community Engagement: Involve at least 10 other people in your project
  • Data Collection: Gather evidence of impact using quantitative measures

📊 Phase 3: Impact Assessment (Week 6)

  • Before/After Analysis: Compare baseline data with post-intervention measurements using the same mathematical skills from your NIWA Climate Data Analysis
  • Mathematical Analysis: Calculate percentage improvements, create graphs, and use statistical analysis (just like Week 4's temperature change calculations)
  • Traditional Knowledge Integration: Reflect on how traditional indicators and community interviews influenced your environmental solution
  • Sustainability Plan: Create maintenance schedule showing how your project addresses the climate change trends identified in NIWA data

🎨 Choose Your Final Presentation Format (Pick 2):

  • 🏫 Action Showcase: Physical installation/display in school with before/after photos, data charts, and ongoing maintenance plan
  • 🎤 Community Presentation: 10-minute presentation to school board/community group with recommendations for scaling up
  • 🎬 Digital Story: 3-5 minute video documenting the journey, traditional knowledge learned, and measurable impact
  • 👥 Peer Teaching Session: Lead other classes through hands-on activity based on your project learnings
  • 📋 Policy Proposal: Written proposal to school/local council for broader implementation with cost-benefit analysis
  • 🌿 Living Legacy: Create permanent environmental improvement that will benefit the community for years

⚡ Example Project Ideas That Actually Work:

  • School Composting System: Measure food waste reduction + soil improvement + plant native species in improved soil
  • Native Plant Rain Garden: Address school flooding + provide habitat + use traditional plant selection methods
  • Energy Monitoring Program: Track classroom energy use + implement traditional conservation practices + measure reduction
  • Biodiversity Enhancement: Create native habitat space + monitor species return + document traditional ecological knowledge
  • Water Conservation System: Install water collection + monitor usage reduction + integrate traditional water values

📊 Environmental Action Taiao Project Marking Rubric

This rubric assesses students' ability to plan, implement, and evaluate real environmental action while integrating mātauranga Māori with scientific approaches.

Criteria Developing (Working Towards) Proficient (Meeting Expectations) Extending (Exceeding Expectations)
A. Environmental Action Implementation Basic intervention attempted with some success. Limited follow-through. Minimal evidence of actual environmental change. Practical environmental action successfully implemented. Clear evidence of positive impact through before/after data. Good follow-through on planned intervention. Innovative and highly effective environmental intervention. Significant measurable environmental improvement. Excellent project management and sustained implementation.
B. Cultural Knowledge Integration Some attempt to include traditional knowledge. Basic community engagement. Limited understanding of cultural concepts. Meaningful integration of mātauranga Māori. Successful community interviews conducted. Traditional approaches genuinely inform project design. Deep integration of traditional knowledge throughout project. Strong community partnerships established. Cultural approaches enhance and guide environmental actions.
C. Scientific Method & Data Analysis Basic data collection attempted. Simple measurements taken. Limited mathematical analysis of results. Systematic data collection using appropriate scientific tools. Clear before/after analysis. Mathematical tools used to calculate improvements and trends. Sophisticated data collection and analysis. Multiple scientific methods employed. Advanced mathematical modeling demonstrates environmental impact and future projections.
D. Community Engagement & Leadership Some community involvement achieved. Basic communication about project. Limited engagement of others. Successfully involved at least 10 other people. Effective communication about environmental issues. Clear leadership in organizing collective action. Exceptional community engagement creating ongoing environmental stewardship. Inspiring leadership that motivates sustained environmental action. Project creates lasting community change.
E. Presentation & Communication Clear communication of project outcomes. Basic visual documentation. Some use of traditional and scientific terminology. Professional presentation format effectively communicating environmental impact. Good visual documentation. Appropriate use of cultural and scientific language. Outstanding multi-format presentation that powerfully communicates environmental change. Compelling visual storytelling. Masterful integration of cultural and scientific perspectives.