Timber Harvesting Operations Undertaken
In a full-immersion reo Māori learning environment, students at Te Wharekura o Te Rau Aroha are embarking on self-directed investigations into plant biology, using both scientific and cultural lenses. Published by Referencing Hub media, this innovative learning unit aims to spark curiosity and interest in plant biology, potentially leading to self-directed investigation of basic questions.
The learning unit provides students with examples of botanists' characteristics used for plant classification and identification, as well as additional resources on fundamental aspects of plant biology, such as pollination, seed dispersal, germination, and photosynthesis. All downloads are Word document files, adaptable for individual kura needs.
Key questions for student self-directed investigation include:
- How do different parts of a plant work together to support its life? - What are the differences between taproot and fibrous root systems? - How do plants convert sunlight into food? - What factors affect the rate of photosynthesis? - How do plants reproduce, both sexually and asexually? - How are seeds dispersed, and why is this important? - How can we identify and classify plants using their leaves and flowers? - What is the taxonomic hierarchy, and how do Māori plant names fit into this system? - How do plants respond to their environment and seasonal changes? - What relationships do plants have with other living things in their ecosystem? - What role do plants play in Māori culture? - How do Māori knowledge systems (mātauranga Māori) explain plant growth and life cycles?
Practical investigation ideas include fieldwork, experiments, and cultural projects. For example, students can visit local bush or wetlands to observe and record plant species, using both scientific and Māori names. They can also grow plants under different conditions and observe changes, test different seed dispersal methods and track success rates, create a rongoa garden and document the traditional uses of each plant, and interview kaumātua or local experts about plant lore and practices.
By blending scientific inquiry with mātauranga Māori, students deepen their understanding of plant biology while honoring cultural knowledge and language. The learning unit is focused on the Plants topic, with a specific emphasis on native plant leaves and classification. Examples of these basic questions include: "Why do plants have leaves and flowers?", "Why do plants produce seeds and fruit?", "Why does leaf size and shape differ so much between tree species or between different growth stages of the same species?", and "Why does seed size or type vary so much between tree species?"
The resources provided in the learning unit are bilingual articles in both English and Māori. Mokoro Gillett (Principal of Te Wharekura o Te Rau Aroha) and Norman Mason (Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research) are acknowledged for their contributions to the learning unit. A webinar titled He rauemi reo Māori mō ngā rākau is available, providing an overview of the bilingual resources created with Dr Norm Mason.
Useful links for further exploration include Flora Finder - Department of Botany, University of Otago, Te Tari Huaota te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo, Experiencing native trees in your green space - Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai, and Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao Tree - Pinterest board. These resources offer additional opportunities for students to engage with plant biology and deepen their understanding of native plants in New Zealand and beyond.
The learning unit delves into the realm of environmental science and education & self-development, encouraging students to learn about plant biology through both scientific and cultural perspectives. By investigating questions such as the function of plant parts, differences between root systems, photosynthesis, reproduction, seed dispersal, and classification using leaves and flowers, students are actively learning and deepening their understanding of plant biology, blending scientific inquiry with Māori knowledge systems.
