Lesson Overview | Tirohanga Whānui
Students explore the concept of kaitiakitanga (environmental guardianship) through the lens of Antarctic climate science, using the RNZ documentary "Antarctica in a Warming World" to understand global environmental interconnectedness and our responsibilities as kaitiaki of Papatūānuku (Earth).
Key Māori Concepts | Ngā Ariā Matua
Environmental guardianship and stewardship
Genealogical connections between all living things
Earth mother, the land that sustains us
Life force present in all natural elements
Learning Objectives
- Understand Antarctica's role in global climate systems and its connection to Aotearoa New Zealand
- Analyse visual and scientific evidence of climate change impacts in polar regions
- Apply the concept of kaitiakitanga to global environmental challenges
- Evaluate the responsibility of humans as kaitiaki in addressing climate change
- Develop understanding of whakapapa (interconnectedness) between all living systems
Curriculum Links
Science
- Planet Earth and Beyond: Climate systems and change
- Ecology: Ecosystems and environmental change
- Nature of Science: Investigating in science
Social Studies
- Place and Environment: Environmental perspectives
- Time, Continuity and Change: Past and present
- Identity, Culture and Organisation: Cultural worldviews
Te Marautanga o Aotearoa
- Taiao: Environmental connections
- Whakapapa: Relationships and interconnectedness
- Kaitiakitanga: Environmental stewardship
Required Resources
Primary Resource
Documentary: "Antarctica in a Warming World" (18 minutes)
Source: RNZ Video
Producer: Magpie Content Creation, supported by Antarctic Science Platform
Supporting Materials
- Antarctic map showing research stations
- Climate data graphs and charts
- Images of Antarctic wildlife and landscapes
- Māori creation stories about Papatūānuku
Lesson Structure (90 minutes)
Phase 1: Whakatōhea (Introduction) - 15 minutes
Karakia and Cultural Grounding
Begin with a karakia acknowledging our relationship with Papatūānuku and our role as kaitiaki:
"Kia tau te rangimārie ki a koutou katoa
Kaitiaki tātou o te taiao
Guardians we are of our environment
Connected through whakapapa to all living things"
Anticipation Activity: Antarctica Connections
Students brainstorm in pairs: "How might Antarctica be connected to Aotearoa New Zealand?" Create a mind map showing potential connections (ocean currents, weather patterns, wildlife migration, etc.)
Phase 2: Whakatauira (Modelling/Demonstration) - 25 minutes
Documentary Viewing with Guided Observation
Watch "Antarctica in a Warming World" with specific focus questions:
- What changes are visible in the Antarctic landscape?
- How do these changes affect wildlife like penguins and seals?
- What connections can you see between Antarctic changes and global systems?
- How might Māori concepts of whakapapa apply to these relationships?
Kaitiakitanga Framework Introduction
Introduce the four pillars of kaitiakitanga in environmental context:
- Whakapapa: Understanding connections between all elements
- Mauri: Recognising the life force in all things
- Mana whenua: Acknowledging responsibility for place
- Tikanga: Acting with appropriate protocols and respect
Phase 3: Whakamahi (Application) - 35 minutes
Small Group Analysis: Kaitiaki Response Framework
Groups of 3-4 students work through scenarios using the kaitiaki framework:
🧊 Scenario 1: Antarctic Ice Loss | Te Ngaro o te Hauhunga
Antarctic ice sheets are melting at accelerated rates, affecting global sea levels and ocean currents that reach New Zealand's shores. This impacts our coastal communities, marine ecosystems, and traditional food sources.
Kaitiaki Response:
- Whakapapa: How are we connected to Antarctic ice?
- Mauri: What life force is being affected?
- Mana whenua: What are our responsibilities?
- Tikanga: How should we act respectfully?
🐧 Scenario 2: Wildlife Displacement | Te Kōpikopiko o ngā Kīrehe
Penguin colonies are forced to relocate as their traditional breeding grounds become unsuitable due to warming. These creatures are taonga (treasures) with their own mauri and whakapapa.
Our Responsibilities as Kaitiaki:
- How do we honour the mauri of displaced wildlife?
- What does whakapapa teach us about our relationship with penguins?
- How can we support their wellbeing from afar?
🔬 Scenario 3: Scientific Research Ethics | Ngā Tikanga Rangahau
Increasing human presence in Antarctica for climate research may impact pristine environments. We need knowledge to understand climate change, but must balance this with respect for place.
Balancing Knowledge and Respect:
- How do we apply tikanga to scientific research?
- What protocols should guide our interaction with Antarctica?
- How can mātauranga Māori inform climate science?
Phase 4: Whakamātau (Assessment) - 15 minutes
Reflection and Commitment
Individual written reflection addressing:
- How has your understanding of Antarctica's importance changed?
- What specific actions can you take as a young kaitiaki?
- How do you see yourself connected to Antarctic ecosystems through whakapapa?
- What is one commitment you will make based on today's learning?
📦Materials & Resources
🎥 Primary Resource
Documentary: "Antarctica in a Warming World" (18 minutes)
Producer: Magpie Content Creation
Supported by: Antarctic Science Platform
📋 Handouts & Worksheets
🛠️ Equipment & Setup
- Projector/screen for documentary
- Reliable internet connection
- Large paper for mind mapping
- Coloured markers/pens
- Scenario cards (printed)
- Reflection booklets
📊Assessment Framework
📝 Formative Assessment
During Lesson Observations:
- ✓ Observation of group discussions and application of kaitiaki concepts
- ✓ Quality of questions and connections made during documentary viewing
- ✓ Use of appropriate te reo Māori terminology and concepts
- ✓ Engagement with scenario analysis activities
🎯 Summative Assessment Options
Option 1: Kaitiaki Action Plan
Detailed proposal for addressing one Antarctic climate issue using the four pillars framework
Option 2: Whakapapa Diagram
Visual representation of connections between Antarctica and local environment
Option 3: Letter to Future Generations
Personal commitment as kaitiaki based on documentary insights
📋 Assessment Rubric - Kaitiaki Understanding
Beginning
Limited understanding of connections. Minimal use of Māori concepts.
Developing
Basic understanding of whakapapa. Some application of kaitiaki concepts.
Proficient
Clear understanding of connections. Appropriate use of cultural frameworks.
Advanced
Sophisticated understanding with personal connections and actionable commitments.
🚀Extension Activities
🔬Science Extension
Research specific climate data from Antarctic research stations. Create graphs showing temperature and ice mass changes over time. Predict future trends and their global impacts.
🌿Social Action Extension
Develop a school or community campaign promoting kaitiakitanga principles in response to climate change. Include practical actions and Māori perspectives on environmental stewardship.
🗣️Cultural Connection Extension
Interview kaumātua or local environmental groups about traditional Māori approaches to environmental change and adaptation. Compare with modern climate science approaches.
🎯Differentiation Strategies
🤝Support for Emerging Learners
- ✓ Provide vocabulary sheets with key terms in English and te reo Māori
- ✓ Use graphic organisers for documentary note-taking
- ✓ Pair with confident speakers for group activities
- ✓ Offer choice in reflection format (written, oral, visual)
- ✓ Pre-teach cultural concepts before lesson
🎆Challenge for Advanced Learners
- ✓ Research and present on specific Antarctic research projects
- ✓ Analyse multiple indigenous perspectives on climate change globally
- ✓ Create detailed action plans with timeline and resource requirements
- ✓ Lead discussions on complex ethical issues in environmental science
- ✓ Develop original kaitiaki frameworks for global issues
📝Teacher Notes & Implementation Guidance
🌿Cultural Considerations
- ✓ Ensure respectful use of te reo Māori and cultural concepts
- ✓ Acknowledge that different iwi may have varying perspectives on environmental issues
- ✓ Consider inviting local kaumātua or environmental experts to share perspectives
- ✓ Be sensitive to students' own cultural backgrounds and environmental experiences
📺Technical Setup
- ✓ Test documentary link before class - have backup available
- ✓ Prepare closed captions if needed for accessibility
- ✓ Consider splitting documentary viewing if attention spans require it
- ✓ Have printed images available as backup for digital resources
🔗Cross-Curricular Links
Data analysis of climate graphs and statistics
Persuasive writing for environmental action
Mental health impacts of climate anxiety and action
Digital tools for environmental monitoring
🔗Unit Progression & Next Steps
This lesson serves as a foundational element in a comprehensive 8-lesson climate change unit that integrates Māori worldviews with environmental science. Students will build on today's understanding throughout the unit:
Lesson 2: Local Climate Impacts
Connecting global Antarctic changes to local NZ environments and communities
Lesson 3: Mātauranga Māori
Traditional Māori environmental knowledge and modern science integration
Lessons 4-7: Action & Solutions
Youth climate activism, community solutions, and practical kaitiakitanga projects
Lesson 8: Reflection
Personal commitment and ongoing kaitiaki journey planning
Preparation for Next Lesson: Students should reflect on local examples of climate change they've observed in their community to bring to Lesson 2.
📋 Teacher Planning Snapshot
Ngā Whāinga Ako — Learning Intentions
Students will investigate the impacts of climate change on Antarctica's ecosystems and understand why Aotearoa New Zealand has a special relationship with Te Ika-ā-Māui's southern neighbour. Using real scientific data, students will develop climate literacy and connect kaitiakitanga to global environmental stewardship at the end of the earth.
Ngā Paearu Angitū — Success Criteria
- ✅ I can explain how climate change is affecting Antarctica's ice, wildlife, and ocean systems.
- ✅ I can analyse scientific data about temperature and ice loss trends and draw evidence-based conclusions.
- ✅ I can connect Antarctica's climate to impacts on Aotearoa and articulate a kaitiakitanga response.
Differentiation & Inclusion
Scaffold support: Provide pre-structured data analysis templates and graph reading frameworks for entry-level learners. Offer extension tasks requiring students to evaluate international climate policy responses using evidence from Antarctic research.
ELL / ESOL: Pre-teach climate science vocabulary (glacier, sea level, albedo, ecosystem collapse, carbon cycle). Use visual data displays and maps. Allow students to discuss concepts in home language before writing in English.
Inclusion: Use multimedia resources — NASA and NIWA data visualisations — to make abstract climate data concrete. Neurodiverse learners benefit from structured inquiry frameworks and choice in how they present their understanding. Climate anxiety is real — acknowledge student feelings and emphasise agency and kaitiakitanga as empowering responses.
Mātauranga Māori lens: Connect to Māori understandings of Papatūānuku and the climate crisis as a disruption of mauri. Explore the whakataukī "Ka mua, ka muri" (walking backwards into the future) as a framework for using past knowledge to navigate an uncertain climate future. Discuss how Pacific and Māori communities who have lived with seasonal change and environmental reading for generations bring valuable ecological knowledge to climate science.
Prior knowledge: Best used after foundational science and geography concepts. Connects well to environmental studies and social sciences units.
Curriculum alignment
- Te Mātaiaho (2025) · Science · Phase 4 (Years 9–10) · Ecosystems (Practices): “Analysing the effects of human activities (e.g. deforestation, pollution) on ecosystems and large Earth systems (e.g. climate, oceans) using scientific models and concepts”
- NZC (2007) · Science · Level 5: “Understand that scientists’ investigations are informed by current scientific theories and aim to collect evidence that will be interpreted through processes of logical argument.”
- Earth Systems — Knowledge: Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere becomes part of living organisms through photosynthesis; changes to Earth systems affect climate patterns globally.