Solution Design Template
Unit 9 · Week 5 · Environmental Mātauranga — He Ara Hou (A New Path)
Ngā Whāinga Akoranga · Learning Intentions
- Define an environmental problem with specific evidence from Unit 9 investigation
- Identify constraints and success criteria for a realistic environmental solution
- Generate and evaluate multiple solution concepts using kaitiakitanga principles
- Plan a prototype or trial approach with clear evaluation criteria
Paearu Angitu · Success Criteria
- I can write a specific problem statement with at least 2 pieces of evidence from my investigation
- I can identify 3 design constraints that any solution must work within
- I can describe 2 different solution concepts and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses
- I can write measurable success criteria — specific enough to test whether the solution worked
Hononga Marautanga · Curriculum Alignment
Level 5: develop a brief that reflects the needs of a community; identify constraints and criteria; generate, develop, and evaluate design concepts; plan for implementation and testing.
Level 5: propose and evaluate solutions to environmental problems; consider multiple values and perspectives; design investigations with clear success criteria.
Whakataukī
"Mā pango mā whero, ka oti ai te mahi"
By black and by red, the work will be completed. By combining different approaches and knowledge systems, we solve problems together.
Every solution to an environmental problem starts with a clear question: what exactly is broken, who does it affect, and what does success look like? In te ao Māori, environmental restoration is not just a technical task — it is a relationship repair. The best solutions weave together mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge), scientific understanding, and community values.
Wāhi 1 · Te Rārangi Kaupeka · Problem Definition
The environmental problem I am designing a solution for:
Evidence that this is a real problem (at least 2 specific pieces from your Unit 9 investigation):
Who is most affected by this problem? (Include both human communities and ecological communities.)
What would success look like in 5 years if this problem were solved?
Wāhi 2 · Ngā Ture Ārai · Design Constraints
Any realistic solution must work within constraints. For each category, identify a specific constraint that applies to your solution.
What is the realistic funding or resource limit?
How long can the solution realistically take?
Where will it work? How large an area?
What agreements or permissions are needed?
What ecological limits must the solution respect?
What skills, tools, or knowledge are required?
Wāhi 3 · Paearu Angitu · Success Criteria
Write 4 measurable success criteria. Each must be specific enough to test — avoid vague words like "improve" or "better." Instead: by how much, by when, measured how?
| # | Measurable success criterion | How it will be measured | By when |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 |
Wāhi 4 · Ngā Ariā Rongoā · Solution Concepts
Solution Concept A — brief description:
Sketch / diagram of Concept A:
Strengths:
Weaknesses / risks:
Solution Concept B — brief description:
Sketch / diagram of Concept B:
Strengths:
Weaknesses / risks:
Wāhi 5 · He Ara Hou · Preferred Solution and Next Steps
My preferred solution is Concept because:
How does this solution incorporate Māori knowledge, values, or practices? What role could tangata whenua play in implementing or governing it?
Prototype or trial plan — what would you test first, and how?
What would you do next? (One specific, realistic step within the next 4 weeks.)
Aronga Mātauranga Māori
In te ao Māori, environmental problems are relationship problems. Degraded water quality in an awa does not just mean elevated nitrates — it means that the relationship between the people and the awa has broken down. Solutions are therefore not just technical — they are relational. A riparian planting programme is not just erosion control; it is the beginning of restoring the mauri of the stream. A community monitoring programme is not just data collection; it is the re-establishment of kaitiakitanga obligations.
The best environmental solutions combine tino rangatiratanga (self-determination: communities leading their own restoration) with mātauranga (knowledge: using the best of both traditional and scientific understanding) and whanaungatanga (relationship: solutions that strengthen connections between people and place). When you evaluate your solution concepts, consider not just whether they will work technically — but whether they will strengthen the relationship between the community and its environment.
Ngā Rauemi Tautoko · Support Materials
Resources already provided:
- This design template — work through sections in order
- Unit 9 investigation data (weeks 1–4) — use as evidence for problem definition
- Traditional water assessment results (unit-9-week4-traditional-water-assessment.html)
- NIWA freshwater restoration guidance (niwa.co.nz/freshwater/management)
- Blank paper for additional sketching if needed
Aronga Rerekē · Differentiated Pathways
Tīmata · Entry Level
Complete the Problem Definition section and 2 success criteria. Describe one solution concept with a simple sketch. Write 2 sentences about your next step.
Paerewa · On Level
Complete Parts 1–4 fully. Write 4 measurable success criteria. Sketch both solution concepts with labelled diagrams. Choose your preferred solution and justify your choice.
Tūāpae · Extension
Complete all parts. Develop a full prototype plan for Part 5 including: what you would build/trial, what data you would collect, what a "pass" result looks like against your success criteria, and a timeline. Present your design as a 5-minute pitch to a "panel" of classmates representing the local rūnanga and the regional council — what would you say to convince both groups?