Lesson Plan: Exploring the Weka

Class Information

• Year Level: Year 1
• Subject: Science
• Duration: 30 Minutes
• Number of Students: 20

New Zealand Curriculum Details

• Curriculum Area: Science - Living World
• Strand: Nature of Science (Investigating in Science), Living World (Ecology)
• Achievement Objectives:
  • Understand the ways different living things are suited to their particular habitat.
  • Develop an understanding of the basic needs of animals.
  • Begin to use a variety of sources to answer questions about the natural world in the local environment.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify the Weka as a native New Zealand bird.
2. Describe basic facts about the Weka, including its habitat and diet.
3. Explain the importance of protecting native wildlife in New Zealand.

Resources

• Pictures and videos of Weka
• Weka fact sheets
• Play materials (blocks, natural materials for creating habitats)
• Weka habitat activity worksheet
• Storybook about a Weka (optional)
• New Zealand Birds Online - Weka

Lesson Structure

Introduction (5 minutes)

• Welcome and Settling In: Begin with a greeting and a quick settling in activity.

• Engagement with Topic: Show a picture of a Weka and ask students if anyone knows what bird it is. Briefly introduce the Weka as a native bird of New Zealand.

Main Activity (20 minutes)

• Interactive Storytelling: Read a short story or show a brief video about a day in the life of a Weka. Emphasise the Weka's environment, what it eats, and some fun facts (like its curious nature).

• Play-Based Learning Activity: Divide students into small groups and provide them with play materials. Challenge them to build a model of a typical Weka habitat. Discuss why each part of the habitat is important for the Weka's survival.

• Discussion: Walk around the classroom discussing the habitats created by each group, and discuss how these environments help meet the Weka’s needs (shelter, food sources, protection from predators).

Conclusion (5 minutes)

• Recap of Learning: Recap the key facts learned about the Weka and why it is important to protect such native species.

• Future Thinking: Ask students to think about how they can help protect native birds like the Weka at home or in their local environment.

• Closure: Thank everyone for their participation and encourage them to share what they learned today with their family.

Assessment

• Informal assessment through observation during group activities.
• Review of habitat models and group discussion contributions.
• Completion of the Weka habitat activity worksheet.

Reflection

After the lesson, reflect on what worked well and what could be improved for future lessons. Consider student engagement, the effectiveness of materials used, and the clarity of explanations about the Weka.

This lesson plan is crafted to not only educate Year 1 students about a specific New Zealand native bird but also engage them through interactive, play-based learning, thereby aligning with New Zealand’s educational priorities and curriculum standards.