Pollution Calculations
Unit 9 · Week 4 · Maths in Environmental Context
NgÄ WhÄinga Akoranga · Learning Intentions
- Apply rates, averages, and percentage change calculations to real pollution data
- Interpret calculation results in their environmental context
- Compare pollution levels across sites or time periods using quantitative evidence
- Evaluate what the numbers mean for the health of a waterway or ecosystem
Paearu Angitu · Success Criteria
- I can correctly calculate a rate (e.g. particles per litre, mg per day)
- I can calculate a mean and a % change from pollution data
- I can explain what each answer means in environmental terms
- I can identify which site or time period has the highest pollution load based on my calculations
Hononga Marautanga · Curriculum Alignment
Apply proportional reasoning, rates, and percentage calculations in authentic contexts; interpret statistical findings.
Use mathematical representations to communicate scientific findings; interpret data to draw evidence-based conclusions.
Raraunga Homai · Given Data
Use your data from the Week 4 Microplastic Sampling or NIWA Climate Data handouts, or use the teacher-provided dataset below.
| Quantity / Variable | Value(s) | Units | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
Tatau 1 · Rate Calculation
Rate = Total quantity ÷ Time or Volume
Write your specific rate calculation here:
Tatau 2 · Mean and Site Comparison
Mean = sum of all values ÷ number of values
Show your working:
Tatau 3 · Percentage Change
% change = (new value â old value) ÷ old value à 100
Show your working:
WhakamÄrama · Interpretation and Reflection
1. Summarise what your three calculations tell you about the health of this environment:
2. If you were presenting this data to a local iwi rūnanga or council, what would your key message be? (One sentence.)
3. What limitation in your data might weaken your argument? How could you address it?
Aronga MÄtauranga MÄori
Quantitative measurement of pollution â mg/L, particles/litre, % change â gives us precise, comparable evidence. But these numbers only matter when connected to the living systems they describe. In te ao MÄori, the question is not only "how much pollution?" but "what does this mean for the wairua of this wai?" â for the mauri (life force) of the river, the awa, the moana.
Iwi and hapū use pollution data in resource consent hearings, Treaty settlements, and environmental monitoring partnerships with councils. The maths you practise here is the same maths used in real kaitiakitanga work. Numbers without context are inert; numbers in service of wai ora have power.
NgÄ Rauemi Tautoko · Support Materials
Resources already provided:
- Week 4 Microplastic Sampling handout â use your particle counts as input data
- Week 4 NIWA Climate Data Analysis handout â use your recorded values
- Calculator (permitted throughout)
- Unit 9 formula reference card (distributed Week 1)
Aronga RerekÄ Â· Differentiated Pathways
Tīmata · Entry Level
Complete Calculation 1 (rate) only. Answer interpretation question 1. Use a calculator for all working. Write your answer in a sentence.
Paerewa · On Level
Complete all three calculations. Answer all three interpretation questions. Show working for each calculation.
TÅ«Äpae · Extension
Complete all sections. Design a fourth calculation of your own choosing (e.g. pollution load per km of waterway, projected level in 10 years using % change). Explain what your calculation shows and why it matters for environmental decision-making.