Sustainable Technology Design Challenge
Innovating for a Better Future, Inspired by the Past
The Challenge: Design with Purpose
Your challenge is to design a new piece of sustainable technology that addresses a local environmental issue. Your design must be inspired by the principles of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and integrate ideas from both mātauranga Māori and modern science. This is not just about creating something new; it's about creating something that cares for the environment and the community.
Design Challenge Options
Choose one of the following challenges, or propose your own with your teacher's approval.
Challenge 1: The Smart Pā Tūhā
Design a modern, small-scale composting or waste-sorting system for a school or community garden. It should be efficient, easy to use, and reflect Māori principles of returning nutrients to the soil.
Challenge 2: The Rainwater Guardian
Design a system for collecting, filtering, and storing rainwater for use in gardens or for non-drinking purposes. Your design should consider traditional water-saving techniques and use modern, sustainable materials.
Challenge 3: The Pollinator Palace
Design a habitat or "hotel" for native bees and other pollinators. Your design should use natural materials and be based on research into the specific needs of local insect species.
Challenge 4: The Greywater Gardener
Design a simple system to filter and reuse "greywater" (from sinks or washing machines) for watering fruit trees or ornamental gardens, reducing overall water consumption.
The Design Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Tautuhia te Raru (Identify the Problem)
Clearly define the environmental issue you are trying to solve. Who does it affect? What are its impacts?
2. Rangahaua (Research)
Gather information from both mātauranga Māori and modern science. How was this issue dealt with in the past? What modern technologies exist?
3. Whakaarohia (Brainstorm & Design)
Sketch out your ideas. How will you integrate traditional principles with modern design? Label your design and explain how it works.
4. Hangaia (Build a Model - Optional)
If possible, create a small-scale model or prototype of your design using recycled materials.
5. Whakaaturia (Present Your Solution)
Prepare a presentation explaining your design. How is it sustainable? How does it reflect kaitiakitanga? What are its benefits?
Design Canvas
Environmental Issue:
Mātauranga Māori Inspiration:
Sketch of My Design:
How it Works:
Curriculum alignment
- NZC (2007) · Science essence statement: Science is a way of investigating, understanding, and explaining our natural, physical world and the wider universe. It involves generating and testing ideas, gathering evidence – including by making observations, carrying out investigations and modelling, and communicating and debating with others – in order to develop scientific knowledge, understanding, and explanations.
- Pairing chosen by this resource: This resource chooses to teach that science alongside mātauranga Māori, which stands as a knowledge system in its own right — the pairing is this resource's own approach, not a quotation from the curriculum.
- Identity, Culture, and Organisation: Understand how different knowledge systems — including mātauranga Māori — shape how communities relate to the natural world.