Power Dynamics Foundation

Overview

This 30-minute lesson introduces Year 8 students to the concept of power in New Zealand history, focusing on two significant events: the Dawn Raids and the Parihaka protests. Students will explore how power was exercised by authorities and resisted by communities. The lesson develops critical thinking, empathy, and understanding of the complex relationship between government authority and community responses.

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Curriculum Alignment

This lesson closely follows the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh for Year 7-8 Social Sciences, specifically within the strand Aotearoa New Zealand Histories. It includes and develops the following:

• Achievement Objective:
  Explore how groups exercised power and how others responded (Level 3-4, Year 7-8) – understanding power relationships and resistance in New Zealand's history.
• Key Competencies developed:
  • Thinking: Critically analyse historical sources and form reasoned opinions.
  • Relating to Others: Engage respectfully in group discussions.
  • Using Language, Symbols, and Texts: Analyse and communicate understanding through primary sources.
  • Managing Self: Set learning goals and reflect on learning progress.
  • Participating and Contributing: Collaborate in group activities and discussions.
• Social Sciences Purpose:
  To enable students to understand how societies work, including the exercise and resistance of power, and support participation as informed citizens.
• Values supported:
  Encouragement of Equity and Respect for different perspectives and cultures, including Māori and Pasifika worldviews.

(Ref: New Zealand Curriculum Refresh – Social Sciences, pp. 9, 12-13, 243-244【4:2,3,12†New Zealand Curriculum.html】)

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Learning Objectives

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

1. Define the concept of power in the context of New Zealand history.
2. Identify key features of the Dawn Raids and Parihaka protests as examples of power and resistance.
3. Analyse selected primary sources to understand different perspectives on these events.
4. Discuss how government authority was exercised and how communities responded.

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Lesson Duration: 30 minutes

Class size: 25 students

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction to Power in NZ History (5 minutes)

• Teacher Activity: Brief explanation of the concept of power and resistance, connecting to students' lives (e.g., rules at school, decision-making). Use simple examples to illustrate power dynamics.
• Student Activity: Quick Think-Pair-Share — students discuss with a partner examples of power and resistance they have seen or experienced.

Resources: Whiteboard definitions and examples.

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2. Historical Context Overview (5 minutes)

• Teacher Activity: Provide a succinct narrative overview of the Dawn Raids (mid-1970s government raids targeting Pasifika communities) and Parihaka protests (1880s passive resistance by Māori at Parihaka). Use images or short video clips (if possible) for engagement.
• Emphasise the roles of government power and community resistance.

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3. Group Work: Primary Source Analysis (12 minutes)

• Preparation: Provide each group (4-5 students) with a curated set of age-appropriate primary source excerpts/images such as:
  • Newspaper headlines or cartoons from the Dawn Raids era.
  • Photographs or drawings of Parihaka protests and key figures such as Te Whiti o Rongomai.
• Student Activity: In groups, students analyse sources to identify:
  • How government power is shown.
  • How resistance is demonstrated.
  • How different groups might have felt or reacted.
• Teacher Support: Circulate, prompt critical thinking through questioning (e.g., "What message does this source send?" "Whose perspective do you think this source shows?").

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4. Whole Class Discussion and Reflection (6 minutes)

• Groups share one or two key insights from their source analysis.
• Teacher facilitates linking ideas back to the concept of power and resistance.
• Reflection prompt: "Why is it important to understand these moments of power and resistance in our history?"
• Optional immediate short written reflection or exit slip for students to answer: "What does power mean to you now after today’s lesson?"

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Assessment & Feedback

• Formative assessment through observations during group discussions and reviewing students’ reflections or exit slips.
• Teacher provides timely feedback focusing on understanding of power concepts and respect for historical perspectives.
• Emphasise skills development: critical thinking, empathy, collaboration, and communication.

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Resources Needed

• Whiteboard or projector for definitions and context.
• Printed or digital primary source excerpts/images for group work.
• Writing materials for reflections.

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Differentiation & Inclusion

• Sources chosen will include diverse voices (Māori, Pasifika, Pākehā) to reflect Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations.
• Support for ESL learners through visual sources and scaffolded questions.
• Encourage culturally responsive pedagogy by honouring students’ backgrounds and encouraging respectful dialogue.

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Teacher’s Notes

• This introductory lesson lays foundational knowledge and skills for the unit “Power and Resistance: NZ History”.
• Next lesson will build on this by exploring who benefits from power and acts of resistance in more depth, including contemporary connections.
• Ensure safe classroom environment for sensitive topics.
• Use kaupapa Māori pedagogies where possible, such as kotahitanga (unity) and manaakitanga (care).

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If you want, I can also draft Lesson 2 to seamlessly continue this learning.

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This lesson plan design supports students’ progress towards deeper understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand’s histories and empowers them as critical, informed, and empathetic citizens, as guided by the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh【4:2,3,12†New Zealand Curriculum.html】.