Level 4 Social Studies
Water is life—waiora. It shapes our landscapes, defines our history, and is at the heart of our most intense modern debates. In this course, we dive deep into the story of water, starting right here in Aotearoa before widening our lens to the global stage.
We will explore the incredible power of rivers. We’ll look at how awa are viewed as ancestors with their own legal rights, how European colonisation and gold mining transformed our waterways, and how we harness rivers for hydroelectricity.
Part way through the term we will be joined by a student teacher - Kealy. She will work on helping you understand water issues beyond our borders, we will tackle the massive national and international issues surrounding water today. You will investigate global crises like pollution, climate change, and "water wars" where countries compete for control over shared resources. If you enjoy debating different perspectives, investigating the headlines, and wanting to learn how communities can solve massive environmental challenges, come join us!