aidemia--modules-lessonplan_request | Titles of parts of the lesson must be formatted as headings |
What to create | Lesson plan |
Which subject | Biology |
What topic | Should our rohe retain, adjust, or remove chlorine treatment from the local drinking water supply? |
What length (min) | 45 |
What age group | Year or Grade 11 |
Include homework | |
Include images descriptions | |
Any other preferences | AS 91602 (Biology L3, 4 credits, Internal) – Integrate biological knowledge to develop an informed response to a socio scientific issue Issue focus: “Should our rohe retain, adjust, or remove chlorine treatment from the local drinking water supply?” 1. Project Kaupapa Ngāti Manawa values fresh, living waters (wai ora) that sustain people, mahinga kai and whakapapa. The Bay of Plenty District Health Board currently mandates chlorination to reduce microbial disease risk. Some whānau express concern about taste, possible long term health effects, and the impact on river tikanga when treated water returns to the awa. Uri will evaluate the biological, social, economic and cultural dimensions of chlorinated water and develop a justified personal and societal response grounded in kaitiakitanga. The class will have a discussion where two groups (western science perspective and traditional Ngāti Manawa cultural perspectives) to advice the whanau at a marae hui |
Students will integrate biological knowledge and social perspectives to evaluate the impacts of chlorine treatment in drinking water, developing an informed response grounded in kaitiakitanga (guardianship) for the community.
Set the Context
Introduce the topic: The debate on whether to retain, adjust, or remove chlorine treatment from the local drinking water supply. Discuss the importance of fresh, living waters (wai ora) to Ngāti Manawa and sustainability practices.
Present the Issue
Highlight the concerns expressed by some whānau regarding taste, long-term health effects, and cultural impacts on river tikanga when treated water returns to the awa (river).
Break into Groups
Divide the class into two groups:
Group Research
Each group will research their assigned perspective:
Guiding Questions
Group Presentations
Each group will present their findings to the class for 5 minutes. Use this time to promote understanding of both perspectives, focusing on the integration of biological and cultural factors.
Facilitated Discussion
Individual Reflection
Students will take 5 minutes to jot down their thoughts on the following:
Guided Questions
Summarize Key Points
Recap important biological and cultural perspectives discussed in class. Emphasize the importance of balancing health needs with cultural significance.
Next Steps
Discuss potential actions the school or students could take, such as organizing a community hui (meeting) to further engage with whānau and develop a collective approach to water treatment.
Encourage students to consider this issue as a real-world application of biology and cultural stewardship, showcasing the significance of interdisciplinary understanding in addressing socio-scientific issues.