Lesson Plan: The Evolution of Communication Technology in New Zealand

Curriculum Area and Level

• Subject: Social Sciences / Technology
• Year Level: Year 6 (Ages 10-11)
• Curriculum Link: Technology in the New Zealand Curriculum

Duration

• Length of Lesson: 60 minutes
• Class Size: 28 students

Lesson Objective

Students will explore and understand the historical changes in technology used for communication in New Zealand, from traditional Māori methods to modern digital communications. They will investigate how these changes in communication technologies have impacted social interactions and information sharing.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Identify key historical communication technologies used in New Zealand.
2. Describe the impact of each technological advancement on New Zealand society.
3. Reflect on how communication technology could evolve in the future.

Resources Required

• Access to internet-enabled computers or tablets for research (1 per student or 1 per pair).
• Projector and screen for displaying images and videos.
• Printed images/articles of different communication technologies (telegraph, radio, smartphones, etc.).
• Art supplies (paper, markers, glue, scissors) for creating timelines.
• TKI Resources for additional reference and material support.

Lesson Breakdown

Introduction (10 minutes)

• Welcome and Objective Sharing: Begin by outlining the objectives of the lesson. Discuss the importance of communication technology and its impact on society.
• Motivation and Activation: Start with a question: "How did your grandparents communicate when they were your age?" Allow a few responses to generate interest.

Exploration and Discovery (20 minutes)

• Group Activity - Timeline Creation: Divide students into small groups. Assign each group a specific time period (e.g., pre-1900s, 1900s-1950s, 1960s-1990s, 2000s-present). Each group researches key communication technologies during their assigned period using class resources.
  • They will create a segment of a timeline using art supplies and printouts, highlighting major communication technologies and their impacts on New Zealand society.

Group Presentation (15 minutes)

• Sharing and Discussion: Each group presents their timeline segment to the class. Encourage students to discuss how each technology might have influenced changes in society, culture, and everyday life in New Zealand.
• Visual aid: Use the projector to display additional images or videos related to significant communication tools (e.g., the introduction of the Internet in New Zealand).

Reflection and Future Predictions (10 minutes)

• Class Discussion: Engage the class in a discussion about the evolution of communication tools. Questions to consider:
  • "What has been the biggest change in technology in your lifetime?"
  • "How do you think we will communicate in 50 years?"
• Encourage students to think creatively and predict future technologies.

Conclusion and Wrap-up (5 minutes)

• Recap the session and emphasise key points learned.
• Assign a reflective homework task: Students write a short paragraph on how the invention of smartphones has changed the way we communicate today.

Assessment and Feedback

• Assess students based on group participation, the accuracy of timeline events, and creativity in their future predictions.
• Provide feedback on their presentations and written assignments, highlighting insightful observations and areas for improvement.

Additional Notes

• Adapt group sizes and roles based on the dynamics and specific needs of the students.
• Ensure all resources are prepared in advance to maximise the effective use of lesson time.

This lesson plan aims to enhance students' understanding of technological advancements in communication within the context of New Zealand’s unique cultural and historical background, aligning with the Technology curriculum outcomes.