Maori Cultural Lesson: Te Ao 2018 (For 14 and 15-Year-old students)

This lesson builds on the previous lessons.

TITLE OF PREVIOUS LESSONS: “Maori gods and demi-gods.” For example Tangaroa god of the ocean, and Tane Mahuta, god of the forest.

The focus of this lesson is on Sustainability and Global Citizenship (Environmental Issues)

Title: “As a Global Citizen, my thoughts on a chosen Environmental Issue.”

Learning Intention:

Students to understand an environmental Issue of their choice (sustainability).

Students to consider a solution to the problem as a global citizen. Taking possible actions to solve the problem.

GENERAL:

When you open the link and hover with the cursor over the links on the list you will immediately understand the different environmental issues listed (pop up windows containing images and text will appear). Excellent resource! I (the teacher) have explored Fishing. I am passionate about the fishes in the oceans and the rivers. That is why I have chosen the following under the fishing category –  blast fishing, bottom trawling, shark finning, whale fishing, etc. Blast fishing practices really upset me (Tanzania – Africa – been going on for decades). Hover with the cursor over the links on the Wikipedia page and find one issue you would like to talk about. You also have to come up with a solution to the problem (sustainability). How do you think this problem could be addressed? My (the teacher’s) solution to blast fishing: Provide proper boats and fishing equipment to the fishermen. They are poor. Educate the people about the destructive power of blast fishing. Get children to dive (snorkeling) in shallow water and appreciate the fish and sea life in the ocean. Tanzania’s population is increasing – educate everyone on the impact of overpopulation. Provide resources and support to curb Tanzania’s population growth. See the dangers of blast fishing in Tanzania – It destroys the resources. Video: https://youtu.be/gOyusJVKxvc

Image: Shark Finning. Credit: By NOAA (http://www.magazine.noaa.gov/stories/mag230.htm) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Image: Poster by Jerryhattric. Credit – https://www.flickr.com/photos/62140256@N04/

CAPTION POSTER (Jerryhattric): The NZ Shark Alliance is using this poster to draw attention to the cruel and ecologically destructive practice by fishermen of cutting the fins off sharks for the lucrative Asian market. Usually, after the fin has been removed, the shark’s body is dumped back into the sea. How much longer will we tolerate the exploitation of endangered species to satisfy the perverted desires of the wealthy and the greed of exploiters?

98 countries have banned shark finning; New Zealand hasn’t. NZ is one of the top 20 countries exporting shark fins to Hong Kong. All of New Zealand’s political parties support the banning of shark finning in New Zealand waters apart from the governing National Party. The Primary Industries Minister, Nathan Guy, should rename it. Exploitation and Vested Interests Minister to reflect his role in the governing of our country better.