Each lesson includes a brief descriptor of the purpose and scope of the lesson. Most lessons are supported with many digital resources indicated by:
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Environment Units
(001) 3Rsnow5Rs.pdf : [332 KB]
The 3 Rs are now the 5Rs. Reuse, Reduce and Recycle have always been the mantra for recycling and dealing with waste in an environmentally friendly way. But no longer – although the 3 Rs are still there, 2 further Rs have been added – Refuse and Rot (compost) not only to these new Rs make perfect sense, they also enhance the 3Rs we already use. It's time to introduce your class to the new Rs and revise the time-honoured Rs. Best suited to Yrs 4 - 8, the lesson ideas are easily adapted to lower and higher levels. The lesson contains many links to videos and websites.
(01)Sustainable Electricity Generation.pdf : Subscription Only Download [288 KB]
A cross-curricular (STEM) unit best suited to years 6-10+ that begins by exploring the impacts of electricity on our everyday lives, the history of electricity in New Zealand and methods of production for full class investigation. The unit then focuses on producing electricity using only renewable sources. Students investigate how hydro and wind energy is produced, how households can cut back on their power, what households must consider when choosing solar power, the advantages of electric vehicles, and how to have an electric efficient home.
(02) CARING FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT.pdf : [103 KB]
An introductory unit where students consider environmental concepts and learn that our environment is a place to enjoy and respect. Major unit. Meet the Locals DOC Video Series Caring For the Environment - Lessons, Activities and Resources 1080 – Frequently Asked Questions and Why We Use it Information,Website and Videos supporting this unit.Websites and links to videos/images/lesson ideas supporting this unit.
(02)Discovering Native Bats–Pekapeka.pdf : [1 MB]
Discovering New Zealand's Native Bats – Pekapeka A Science and Social Sciences major teaching unit where we focus on New Zealand's only native mammals – long tailed and short tailed bats – Pekapeka. We focus on why our bats are so special and what actions we cn take and are taking to prevent their decline and extinction. The unit is based on the work of the Allan Wilson Centre supported by Pete Handford of Groundtruth. Many thanks to Gillian Dennis (previous PhD student at Massey University, now Bat Recovery Project Manager for Forest and Bird) for assistance with providing lesson ideas and activities for this unit.
10 ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES.pdf : [78 KB]
10 starter environmental challenges for students to complete over a period of weeks/months in a science, social science and English context. Additional activities include evaluation of challenges and student goal setting for further environmental investigations and promotions.
1080 THE FACTS.pdf : Subscription Only Download [1 MB]
Scientists and conservationists are all united in their view that if we had a better alternative we would not use 1080. The problem is so great that we have to choose between having our native flora and fauna eaten and destroyed by introduced pests or killing the pests so our native species can survive. Trapping and other methods are widely used but we have such a large area of often inaccessible bush and back country that put simply – without the carefully controlled aerial application of 1080 we will just lose the battle. In light of this, it will come as no surprise that highly regarded conservation organisations such as Forest & Bird and DOC support controlled use of 1080. Opponents of 1080 claim that the indiscriminate use of the poison kills all wildlife, including birds and game animals, and threatens human health. Intensive scientific research, rigorous testing and observable results refute these extravagant, and at times, totally false claims. In this section of the unit we encourage students to explore videos and stories of people who see the very real difference that controlled use of 1080 is having. 1080 THE FACTS METHODS OF CONTROLVideos and Resources and Videos Supporting this Unit.
ATMOSPHERIC GARDENING AND ENERGY INVESTIGATIONS.pdf : [1011 KB]
ATMOSPHERIC, GARDENING AND ENERGY INVESTIGATIONS The search engine Google has radically changed the way we can locate information quickly and accurately. One of its great features is we can ask it questions. Simply type in a question in plain English and it is answered instantly. in this multi-level unit, the following questions and topics are on science and natural science themes and are cross-curricular in nature – lots of discussion, related arts and social science activities.
BECOME A WEEDBUSTER.pdf : [1 MB]
BECOME A WEEDBUSTER! SPREAD THE WORD
Multi-level science, social science, environmental and English based classroom activities. Students explore just what weedbusting is all about, identify weeds to bust and plan and carry out their own weedbusting programme. The unit concludes with spreading the weedbusting message to the local community.
BiosecurityMonthWeek.pdf : [7 MB]
BIOSECURITY MONTH/WEEK 2018 A major English, Health, Social Sciences, Technology, Science and Conservation-based unit to celebrate Biosecurity Week (23-28 July) 2018. Because it is such a major subject, many schools make the month of July their Biosecurity Month. In this unit we explore the mistakes we have made in the past and the effects they have had on our biodiversity. But more optimistically we look forward to a future where there is a heightened awareness of this problem. Many thousands of Kiwis now take positive actions to become involved in controlling, managing and eradicating these threats.
CELEBRATING THE SEA.pdf : Subscription Only Download [80 KB]
Short and sharp activities where students consider the importance of the sea in our daily lives, identify the seas and oceans that surround New Zealand, keep a media watch on aquatic topics and debate the ethics of hunting wales. Websites and Videos Supporting this Unit 50 Best Beaches of New Zealand Explore Bay of Island Beaches and Coastlines
CELEBRATING WATER.pdf : [196 KB]
Cross curricula activities where students explore the following key ideas in building an understanding and respect for our aquatic environments.
Resources/Videos Supporting this Unit
CLEAN AIR AND POLLUTION.pdf : Subscription Only Download [195 KB]
CLEAN AIR AND POLLUTION Sustainability, Social Science and Health-based explorations to raise awareness of the problem of air pollution, its causes and actions we can take to improve this problem. This unit has a particular emphasis on vehicle emissions. Websites/Videos supporting this unit.
CLEAN UP THE WORLD.pdf : Subscription Only Download [103 KB]
These activities are language/social science related activities suitable for all class levels. They demonstrate that being environmentally friendly is simple, enjoyable and should be part of our everyday lives.
CLIMATE CHANGE LESSON PLAN.pdf : [1 MB]
Teacher Lesson Plan Science, Technology and Social Sciences – based explorations to enable students to: understand the concept and causes of climate change and global warming; identify the dangers it poses to our planet; the actions we must all take to lessen the impact of global warming and the major part that renewable energy can play in mitigating the impact of climate change. Use in conjunction with the Student Fact Sheet.
CLIMATE CHANGE STUDENT FACT SHEET.pdf : [3 MB]
Student Fact Sheet In this fact sheet students explore climate change and renewable energy solutions. They also look at New Zealand’s emission levels, how we can reduce these levels, and what we can all do in our daily lives to help reduce greenhouse gas levels.
CONSERVATION ISSUES.pdf : Subscription Only Download [75 KB]
A short unit featuring 4 environmental/sustainability issues for class discussion, research and action.
ConservationWeek2023.pdf : [4 MB]
CONSERVATION WEEK 2023 Conservation Week 2023 will be held from Sepember 5-11, 2023.. Download this free resource which features: Visit the following page to discover: It's History; Timeline; Observation; Mind Blowing Facts and Why Conservation Week is so importent.
DEEP SEA.pdf : Subscription Only Download [107 KB]
Cross curricula activities and research topics all about the deep sea – includes fish types, quotas, ocean depths, deep sea diving. Video Supporting these Research Topics Take a dive 300 metres below the surface in a submersible – very exciting.
DESIGN A CITY.pdf : Subscription Only Download [93 KB]
Students explore all the considerations that are taken into account when designing a city or a local community. Health and Social Sciences context. THE HIGHLINE PARK NEW YORK. The High Line park is an innovative park built on an old railway that cuts through the middle of Manhattan Island in New York City. This is an interesting new take on city design that will interest students. They may want to incorporate a similar concept into their city design.
ENJOYING THE NATIVE BUSH.pdf : Subscription Only Download [92 KB]
ENJOYING OUR NATIVE BUSH A low cost and educationally stimulating experience is to plan and implement a trip through our native bush. Many students have never experienced the sights, sounds, smells, peace and atmosphere of native bush. The bush offers wonderful opportunities for life-long recreation and there is still unspoilt bush close to most schools in New Zealand. The unit provides ideas for teachers to plan stimulating native bush experiences. NZ Native Bush – Story, Images, Videos (Te Ara)Websites supporting this unit.
ENVIRO CHOICES.pdf : Subscription Only Download [154 KB]
Science based cross-curricular unit where students investigate the effects of car exhaust pollution on the local environment. Students are then challenged to take action in many ways to reduce the amount of pollution in the local area by involving the community in many ways to reduce the use of cars – especially the trips made to the school. AIR QUALITY CURRICULUM RESOURCES, ACTIVITIES & MATERIALS Websites, Animations, Information, Lessons supporting this unit.
ENVIRONMENTAL APPRECIATION.pdf : Subscription Only Download [107 KB]
Social Science, Health and English based activities where students focus on the very real problem that we have with litter in our communities. Students conduct investigations into the problem and then look at solutions for this problem including raising community awareness. The unit concludes with 'creative' uses for litter.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHOICES.pdf : Subscription Only Download [126 KB]
Cross curricula investigations into the problem of air pollution, the causes, harmful affects and solutions to lessen the problem and create healthier communities. AIR QUALITY EDUCATION RESOUCES FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS Websites supporting this unit.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.pdf : Subscription Only Download [75 KB]
Two environmental issues for discussion and action – water and natural resources.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATHS.pdf : Subscription Only Download [101 KB]
Lots of fun and practical statistics, number and measurement activities on a mathematical theme.
ENVIRONMENTAL WOF.pdf : Subscription Only Download [374 KB]
A major unit where students take part in environmental awareness activities with the aim of awarding your classroom, school, and local district an environmental warrant of fitness – ewof. Along the way they discover and list the criteria that each area needs to conform with to to be awarded its ewof. They may be in for some (nasty) surprises about the state of these areas.
Focus on Smoke.pdf : Subscription Only Download [122 KB]
Environmental and social science & health-based exploration to raise student awareness of the problem of air pollution, its causes and actions we can take to solve this problem. This unit has a particular emphasis on open fires and wood burners. Curriculum levels 2–4
Enjoy the Heat Not the Smoke pdf. Download this pdf for student research.
GREEN CLASSROOM IDEAS.pdf : Subscription Only Download [242 KB]
A potpourri of ideas for establishing a 'green classroom'.
INVESTIGATING OUR VOLCANOES.pdf : Subscription Only Download [1 MB]
INVESTIGATING OUR VOLCANOES A major Science, Social Sciences and Health and Safety teaching unit that develops the following: Students will: Explore, understand and be able to describe the physical forces, the effects and the nature of volcanoes in New Zealand. Discover who is involved and how they monitor volcanic activity and why this is so important Discover how people interact with volcanic eruptions, including the past, the present and in the future and discover the impacts these eruptions have had, are having and could have on our landscape and the effects they can have on people who experience these eruptions. Investigate and identify the positive actions we can all take to prepare for and what to do during and after a volcanic eruption to maintain and enhance our personal well-being.
INVESTIGATIONS.pdf : Subscription Only Download [99 KB]
Dozens of investigations for students on scientific and environmental themes. Use as an on-going project. Makes extensive use of 'Google'.
KERERU.pdf : Subscription Only Download [183 KB]
THE KERERU COUNT The kereru (NZ wood pigeons) are very important for keeping our forests healthy as they are the only birds that can spread the seeds of native trees. Unfortunately kereru are in decline through predation, habitat loss and damage, competition and illegal hunting. This unit provides ideas and linksfor your students to learn about these wonderful birds, the threats they face and their importance in the wider ecosystem. Close-ups of Kereru Feeding Eating and Flying https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm4r3jfRQ3s https://www.shutterstock.com/video/clip-1009102532-kereru-pigeon-taking-flight-branchWebsites supporting this unit.Videos supporting this unit.
LANGUAGE OF MOUNTAINS.pdf : Subscription Only Download [142 KB]
THE LANGUAGE OF MOUNTAINS Social Science, English and Languages Cross-Curricula unit on an environmental theme. Key ideas include: • New Zealanders feel connected to their mountains. • Mountains have spiritual and cultural significance. • Mountains are enjoyed by people – both visually and for recreation. • Mountains support unique ecosystems. • Conservation and protection is needed from the mountains to the sea. Google: Info/Photos of New Zealand Mountains. Click on Pictures for Links
LEARNING ABOUT PARKS.pdf : Subscription Only Download [76 KB]
Activities where students think about the concept of a park, locate local and NZ parks, create an imaginary park, care for a park and then add value to a local park.
MARINE RESERVES.pdf : Subscription Only Download [94 KB]
Science and social science investigations into the importance and promotion of our marine reserves. Additional Resources for this Unit Diving in the Rich Waters of the Poor Knights
NewZealand's Predator Problem.pdf : [1 MB]
New Zealand has a Serious Predator Problem In this unit, students will research and identify the causes of the destruction of our native flora and fauna, discover the successful work carried out by Goodnature in conjunction with DOC, identify the actions we can take to stem this decline and become involved in practical ways to use the latest Goodnature technology to protect the biodiversity in their local areas. Cross curriculum unit with links to Science, Technology, Social Sciences and English. Yrs 4-8Website Links Supporting this Unit Videos Supporting this Unit
NoToGraffiti.pdf : [513 KB]
No To Graffiti – Yes to Community Art Social Sciences: Students will gain an understanding that the relationship between people and the environment they live in can be badly harmed by the vandalism of graffiti tagging. They will also learn that communities can band together and take positive actions to overcome these problems and restore community pride. Health & PhysEd: In the context of removal and prevention of graffiti, students will gain an understanding of how participating in communal events enhances the well-being of a community. Students will also understand how planning and implementing a programme of community art will enhance their school and local environment. Visual Arts: By exploring the process of making a mural, supported by the study of other artists’ works, students will take an appropriate, artistic imaginative, and creative response to creating community art.
OPEN OUR EYES.pdf : Subscription Only Download [128 KB]
Part one of a litter awareness series. In this unit, students observe and assess the state of the school and local environment. Do we have a problem?
OPEN OUR EYES2.pdf : Subscription Only Download [133 KB]
Part two of a litter awareness series. In this unit we consider visual pollution, green areas and their uses, built areas and roads and beauty spots. We also consider the very real problem of gum litter and how to prevent it.
OPEN OUR EYES3.pdf : Subscription Only Download [135 KB]
The series concludes with students finding out about the importance of tourism to New Zealand and their local district plus our 'clean, green image'. Does our area measure up? How clean and green would they find our town? How can we get this message out to our local community?
OURS TO PROTECT.pdf : Subscription Only Download [95 KB]
Using local rivers as a context, students will explore how our we interact with and enjoy these natural features, why we must protect and respect them by identifying measures we can take to ensure their health and quality – both now and for the future. A social sciences Place and Environment based unit.
Outdoor Safety.pdf : [2 MB]
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO – OUTDOOR SAFETY Every year, New Zealand Land Search and Rescue Inc, New Zealand Police and other organisations are called upon to search for and rescue people who have become lost or injured in our great outdoors. Too often these searches end in tragedy. Many of these tragedies could have been avoided if people had prepared fully and known the Outdoor Safety Code. In this unit we explore the 5 simple rules we must all take to keep safe in the outdoors by developing an understanding the reasons for taking these steps.
PARKS ARE AWESOME.pdf : Subscription Only Download [87 KB]
Environmental investigations in local natural or created areas for recreation and conservation in an English based context. The unit concludes with student investigations into how our local parks are used, how often, and by whom and a promotion of our local parks and/or conservation areas.
Predator Control.pdf : Subscription Only Download [176 KB]
Predator Control in New Zealand – the why, how and where. 1080 – The Facts Video Links – How and Why We Use 1080 DOC Website – 1080 for Pest ControlLinks to websites in the unit (videos, pdfs and websites).
PROTECTING OUR SPECIAL HABITATS AND ANIMALS.pdf : [5 MB]
PROTECTING OUR SPECIAL HABITATS – BIODIVERSITY IN ACTION New Zealand has a richness of distinctive and unique habitats including: alpine, drylands, estuaries, forests, freshwater, marine, farms, wetlands and built environments. Put simply, habitats are environments where plants and animals live. In this unit we explore these habitats to discover the diversity of plants and animals that live there and how we value them. We then identify pests and diseases that pose threats to these habitats and the measures we must all take to eliminate or minimise these risks. We then apply these learnings to our own district and how and why we must all become part of a New Zealand-wide ‘biosecurity team’ of 4.7 million to protect our environment. This 4 page cross-curriulum unit (science, social sciences, technology, English and environmental) is best suited to Years 4/5 – 10+ students
PURE NEW ZEALAND.pdf : Subscription Only Download [92 KB]
Students learn why tourism is so important to New Zealand and how our country is promoted as 100% pure, clean and green. Students then investigate the local area under these criteria looking at local tourist spots through the eyes of a tourist. How does the district stack up? Can we take steps to improve it?
REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE.pdf : [160 KB]
Practical cross curricula activities to cut down on the amount of materials we throw away and practical steps we can take.
REDUCING WASTE.pdf : Subscription Only Download [97 KB]
Students explore the concept of waste management in a school-wide context.Websites and links supporting this unit.
Recycling and Waste Reduction for Schools – Tips and Resources
Seaweek.pdf : [3 MB]
https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/2162-seaweek-resources (Science Learning Hub resources) WORLD OCEANS DAY TEACHING RESOURCES 
SEAWEEK ACTIVITIES.pdf : [86 KB]
Seaweek is the annual celebration where we encourage students to: increase their knowledge and understanding of our precious marine environment; understand and promote the need for sustainable use of our coastal and marine environments; develop a sense of personal responsibility for the marine environment; and develop an understanding of the relationship between people and the marine environment. Cross curricula opportunities abound! Protecting and Respecting the Sea/Ocean Video SeriesWebsites/Videos Supporting this Unit
SPORT AND ENVIRONMENT.pdf : Subscription Only Download [116 KB]
In this unit we challenge our students to consider two ideas: the environment is affected by the way in which sport is conducted; the environment has an effect on those participating in sport. Through discussion and classroom activities we help our students learn how sport can help or harm the environment and how sport can benefit from or be hurt by environmental conditions. Once armed with this knowledge we challenge our students to take positive environmental action using sport as a vehicle for positive change.
STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION.pdf : Subscription Only Download [109 KB]
STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION Social Sciences and Health based unit where students discover the effects of stormwater pollution on our marine environment and beaches and the steps we can all take to help improve the marine environment. Up the Creek Education Resources
SUSTAINABILITY IDEAS.pdf : Subscription Only Download [94 KB]
Information, Teaching Tips and Links to Education Resources for teaching Sustainability
SustainabilityCalendar2019.pdf : [1 MB]
Sustainability Calendar 2019 Education for sustainability (EFS) challenges and engages students to think and act in ways that shows respect for and safeguards our precious environment. EFS encourages students to learn about: the total environment, the interactions between human activities and the natural environment; the consequences of these nteractions and discovering the many choices we can make to prevent and reduce activities that have an adverse environmental effect. EFS lessons and topics can cover all curriculum areas and support the attitudes and values of the NZ Curriculum. The web-links to each event or theme will provide you with ideas for lesson plans and classroom activities for each event including: pre-prepared lesson plans; video; information and websites for student research; student activities; images and ideas and suggestions for taking class, school and community actions in projects and actions to sustain and improve the sustainability of our environment. Keep dates flexible so activities can be carried out to fit in with your class programme or if the event falls during holidays or over a weekend.
TEACHER ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGE.pdf : Subscription Only Download [77 KB]
The teacher challenge is to plan a visit to the bush or the beach. Pre, during and post visit activities are provided to help teachers get the most out of these environmental experiences.
TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC.pdf : Subscription Only Download [79 KB]
Investigations into the problems of traffic in our towns and cities and practical can-do solutions that students can put into action to help with this problem.
WATER USAGE.pdf : Subscription Only Download [104 KB]
English, science, social sciences and mathematics activities based on a water theme.
Wetlands of New Zealand.pdf : Subscription Only Download [133 KB]
APPRECIATING NEW ZEALAND’S WETLANDS – PRECIOUS, PRODUCTIVE AND ENDANGERED A natural science and sustainability-based cross curriculum units where students investigate the importance of our wetlands, the diversity of plant and bird life they support, the food chains they sustain, the recreational opportunities they provide. It aims to teach students to appreciate, value, protect and help increase the numbers of these precious eco-systems. Videos & Websites Supporting this Unit
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY.pdf : Subscription Only Download [105 KB]
World Environment Day is the 5 June every year – the same day as our Arbor Day. In this unit, students investigate the meaning and importance of the day and develop action plans to implement that will help improve our local environment.
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ACTIONS.pdf : Subscription Only Download [96 KB]
More actions and ideas for taking part in World Environment Day – or any time!