Under the Transdisciplinary Theme of Sharing the Planet, T@TT are investigating the interconnectedness of the biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem. We are using Google Classroom for the the first time to curate the information students can use in their inquiry.

Google Classrooms is an awesome tool to manage student access to the world wide web. We all have concerns about how our tamariki use their time online and with one-to-one devices, the challenge is keeping kids on relevant and safe websites.

Recently all whanau in Years 5 - 8 received an updated Digital Citizenship Agreement from school for parents and students to read and sign. It is so important that our students know the acceptable and unacceptable uses of the school network.

Google Classrooms means that we can set up assignments and tasks, including news articles, informative videos and information sites for students to use. They are given specific tasks to complete in this forum and can comment on one anothers' learning in this space.

This unit of inquiry includes not only the science of ecosystems, but also the bicultural perspective of Kaitiakitanga. 

Kaitiakitanga means guardianship, protection, preservation or sheltering. It is a way of managing the environment, based on the traditional Māori world view. 

Māori world view
Traditionally, Māori believe there is a deep kinship between humans and the natural world. All life is connected. People are not superior to the natural order; they are part of it. Like some other indigenous cultures, Māori see humans as part of the web or fabric of life. To understand the world, one must understand the relationships between different parts of the web.
(retrieved on 4/8/17 from Te Ara)

We are investigating ecosystems through three conceptual lenses: CONNECTION, CHANGE, RESPONSIBILITY.

The lines of of inquiry are:

• Ecosystems are unique because of their biodiversity. [Connection]

• Interrelationships within the ecosystem are delicate and vulnerable to disruption. [Change]

• Human actions have an impact on the ecosystem. [Responsibility]