Maintenance and Care

Year 11 Technology – Lesson 23 of 28 in Building a Mai Mai

Curriculum Area:

• Technology (Construction and Materials Technology)
• NCEA Level 1
• Achievement Objective: Implement appropriate techniques and maintenance strategies to enhance the longevity and functionality of a constructed structure.

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Lesson Overview

In this 60-minute lesson, students will explore the importance of maintaining and caring for their Mai Mai (a camouflaged structure used for game bird hunting) to ensure durability and usability. They will assess wear and tear, understand environmental impacts, and develop a simple routine maintenance plan.

This lesson incorporates hands-on activities, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving to ensure students engage with real-world applications.

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
✅ Identify common maintenance issues in a Mai Mai structure.
✅ Recommend solutions for prolonging the life of their Mai Mai.
✅ Create a simple maintenance schedule.

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Materials Needed

• Photos/examples of weathered Mai Mais
• Maintenance tools (basic repair kits, sandpaper, nails, brush, wood preservative)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed maintenance checklists for students
• Clipboards for surveying their own models
• Safety gear (gloves, masks if sanding)

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Lesson Breakdown (60 Minutes)

1. Introduction – Why is Maintenance Important? (10 mins)

🔹 Ask students: “If you were to leave your Mai Mai untreated for three years, what do you think would happen?”
🔹 Discuss environmental factors in New Zealand:

• Moisture & Rot: Impact of rain and riverbanks
• Pests & Damage: Rabbits, possums, and birds affecting wood
• Structural Wear: Erosion of natural camouflage and material deterioration
  🔹 Show real-life images of neglected vs well-maintained Mai Mais.

Key takeaway: A Mai Mai that is well-maintained lasts years longer, costs less in repairs, and remains safe & functional.

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2. Identifying Common Maintenance Issues (15 mins)

🛠 Team Activity: Break into small groups of three to inspect a set of Mai Mai models (or sketches/photos) and:
✔️ Identify weak points or potential damage (wood rot, loose joins, missing nails)
✔️ Predict what will happen if not addressed
✔️ Suggest 1-2 solutions per issue

📌 Discussion: Groups share findings. The teacher writes common themes on the board.

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3. Creating a Simple Maintenance Plan (15 mins)

📋 Guided Exercise: As a class, build a checklist for Mai Mai maintenance, including:
✅ Monthly Tasks - Look for leaks, remove debris, check camouflage.
✅ Seasonal Tasks - Inspect nails, tighten joins, apply weatherproofing.
✅ Annual Tasks - Full structure check, replace damaged sections.

🎯 Individual Task: Each student personalises the checklist for their Mai Mai design.

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4. Hands-on Repair Simulation (15 mins)

💡 Mini Workshop: In pairs, students practice small repairs using realistic materials, such as:
🔧 Sealing holes or cracks with wood filler
🔨 Reinforcing weak joins by hammering in nails/screws
🖌️ Applying a layer of sealant to prevent water damage

Students document their steps and observations.

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5. Wrap-up and Reflection (5 mins)

💬 Whole-class discussion: Why is routine maintenance important?
📘 Students answer in their journals or classroom log:

• What is one maintenance technique you think is most useful?
• How will you ensure your Mai Mai remains durable over time?

Teacher provides feedback and reminds students that preventative care is key to long-lasting structures.

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Assessment & Homework

• Formative check-in: Observing participation in activities.
• Homework: Students take a photo or draw their Mai Mai and annotate areas requiring maintenance.

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Teacher Notes:

✔ This lesson is hands-on and encourages problem-solving.
✔ Ensure students have access to safe tools for the repair simulation.
✔ If time allows, discuss how these maintenance principles apply to other outdoor structures (decks, sheds, huts).

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Next Lesson Preview (Lesson 24 of 28):

🌿 Sustainable Materials – How to future-proof your Mai Mai using eco-friendly materials.

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🔥 Wow Factor: This lesson transforms maintenance from a dull chore into an engaging, hands-on experience. The real-world applications ensure students see the value in maintaining structures, making learning relevant and practical. 🚀