Protecting our marine world

Introduction

Use this resource to learn how to protect our unique marine environment.

This resource links to the New Zealand Curriculum at levels 1-4, but can be adapted for use at various levels. The unit is based on an integrated, inquiry learning process.

It contains teaching and learning material to support a unit of work that is grounded in Environmental Education for Sustainability (EEfS) / Conservation education themes, and incorporates aspects of Te Ao Māori (a Māori worldview). 

    Introduction and example unit

    Introduction and example unit (PDF, 2,198K)

    Let's find out how the 'Protecting our marine world' education resource is structured.
    Introducing marine reserves

    Introducing marine reserves (PDF, 1,464K)

    What are marine reserves and what is their purpose?

    Activity 1
    Marine habitats of New Zealand

    Marine habitats of New Zealand (PDF, 2,750K)

    Let's explore the habitats found within New Zealand marine reserves.

    Activity 2
    Stars of a marine reserve

    Stars of a marine reserve (PDF, 3,129K)

    Let's learn about biodiversity in New Zealand marine reserves and start to build a learning inquiry.

    Activity 3
    Investigating marine ecosystems

    Investigating marine ecosystems (PDF, 2,774K)

    Let's learn about feeding behaviours and relationships in the marine environment.

    Activity 4
    The marine world and Te Ao Maori

    The marine world and Te Ao Māori (PDF, 1,259K)

    Let's learn about Māori conservation measures and tikanga.

    Activity 5
    Marine reserves for everyone

    Marine reserves for everyone (PDF, 1,684K)

    Let's explore values and look at how marine conservation ideas and practices have changed over time.

    Activity 6
    Issues for marine environments

    Issues for marine environments (PDF, 1,996K)

    Let's learn about issues for marine environments and how they can influence ecosystems.

    Activity 7
    Visiting marine environments and reserves

    Visiting marine environments and reserves (PDF, 4,486K)

    Let's plan a visit to a marine environment and apply our knowledge in a real-life context.

    Activity 8
    The health of marine environments

    The health of marine environments (PDF, 1,732K)

    Let's find out how scientists measure the health of marine reserves.

    Activity 9
    The future of marine reserves

    The future of marine reserves (PDF, 1,746K)

    Let's find out how scientists measure the health of marine reserves.

    Activity 10
    Action for marine reserves

    Action for marine environments(PDF, 2,180K)

    Let's make a real difference and contribute to a positive future for marine environments.

    Activity 11
    Marine reserves site visit notes and glossary

    Marine reserve site visit notes and glossary (PDF, 5,495K)

    Learning objectives

    Overall vision:

    To provide students, teachers and their communities with opportunities to grow their knowledge, skills and understandings about marine conservation, so that they can help resolve environmental challenges for the marine environment in their local area and beyond.

    The exact pathways of learning and associated outcomes are up to students and teachers. Activities and suggestions in the resource enable the following learning opportunities:

    Connecting to the marine environment (Te Taha Wairua)

    Students can:

    • form significant personal connections to their local marine environment
    • have awareness and sensitivity about local species and environments and start to care for them.

    Knowledge, skills and understandings (Te Taha Hinengaro, Te Taha Tinana)

    Students can:

    • grow their understandings of no-take marine reserves in New Zealand
    • recognise the role of tangata whenua in marine conservation
    • learn skills to help address marine conservation issues.

    Taking collective action and working with community (Te Taha Whānau)

    Students can:

    • act alongside the wider community to contribute to a healthy marine environment
    • participate in active sharing with the community to celebrate success and action.

    Learning levels

    • Primary
    • Secondary

    Topics

    • Marine and coastal
    • Animals
    • Plants

    Curriculum learning areas

    • Science
    • Social science
    • Health and physical education
    • English
    • Mathematics
    • Technology

    Partners

    Teaching approach

    Use our inquiry learning cycle to guide student-directed learning in a conservation context.

    Download integrated learning inquiry cycle (PDF, 1,396K)

    Download this resource

    All activities (ZIP, 8,455K)

    Related resources

    Resources developed for Protecting our marine world:

    Others resources referenced in Protecting our marine world:

    Back to top