Lesson 8: Conservation Strategies: Predator Free 2050 & Mainland Sanctuaries
Exploring NZ ecosystems, biodiversity, energy flow, invasive pests, kaitiakitanga, and field restoration projects.
🎯 Ngā Whāinga Akoranga | Learning Intentions
Predator Free 2050 goal, predator-proof pest fences (e.g. Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, Zealandia), offshore island reserves, 1080 poison debate, and genetic pest control technologies.
Evaluate pest control methodologies (trapping, 1080 aerial drop, pest-proof fencing), weigh costs vs ecological recovery outcomes, and debate conservation strategies.
🎥 Media Anchor & Pedagogical Scaffold
Predator Free 2050 & Island Sanctuary Conservation
Video Clip: Towards a Predator Free New Zealand — Department of Conservation (Watch in full — declared full-watch).
🧠 1. Before Viewing (Activate & Predict)
Is eradicating all introduced rats, stoats, and possums across Aotearoa by 2050 an achievable goal or an impossible dream?
👁️ 2. During Viewing (Watch With a Job)
- As you watch: What is the Predator Free 2050 goal, and which species are targeted for eradication?
- Note: What conservation tools and technologies are being used — fences, trapping, aerial operations?
- Consider: How is community involvement (citizen science, local groups) essential to making this vision work?
🗣️ 3. After Viewing & Kaiako Move (Process & Apply)
Kaiako Move: Facilitate a structured class discussion comparing mainland sanctuary fences vs aerial pest control in remote national parks.
Immediate Task: Complete Section 8 of your Ecology Field Journal: Pest Control Methodology Evaluation Matrix.
⚡ Whakaoho | Do Now: Ecology Recall (10 mins)
Review key ecological vocabulary, native species names, and kaitiakitanga principles for Lesson 8. Connect previous field observations to today's inquiry.
📖 Activity 1: Field Investigation & Ecological Analysis (25 mins)
Construct food webs, calculate trophic energy transfer, execute quadrat/transect sampling, monitor stream water quality, or design native restoration plans in pairs.
📝 Activity 2: Ecology Field Journal & Reflection Scaffolding (20 mins)
Draft your formal Field Journal entry for Lesson 8. Apply exact scientific and cultural terminology (e.g., biotic/abiotic, trophic levels, 10% rule, endemic species, invasive predators, rāhui, mauri, quadrat sampling, MCI score, eco-sourcing) to justify your findings.
🏫 Kaiako Planning & Pedagogy Notes
Year 9 Curriculum Alignment: Te Mataiaho Science Phase 4 — Living World / Ecosystems strand. Fosters environmental stewardship, field research skills, and Te Ao Māori kaitiakitanga perspectives.