Year 13 Geography Lesson Plan: Tourism in Rotorua

Objective:

• To explore the history of tourism in Rotorua, its impacts on people and places, and the sustainability of tourism in this region, aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum for Level 3 Geography.

Curriculum Links:

• New Zealand Curriculum - Social Sciences (External link)
• NCEA Level 3 Geography, Achievement Standard 91430 (AS91430) - Conduct geographic research with consultation.

Total Duration: 4 Lessons (50 minutes each)

Class Size: 25 Students

Resources Needed:

• Internet access for research
• Access to library resources on Rotorua and tourism
• NZQA subject resources for Level 3 Geography (NZQA Geography Resources)
• Computers or tablets for student research
• Projector and screen for presentations

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Lesson 1: Introduction to Tourism in Rotorua and Research Methods

Objectives:

• Understand the scope of the 3.5 research internal.
• Introduce the history of tourism in Rotorua.

Activities:

1. Introduction to the Research Project (10 minutes):

   • Overview of NCEA Level 3 research standards and expectations.
   • Discussion of assessment criteria for AS91430.

2. Lecture on the History of Tourism in Rotorua (20 minutes):

   • Presentation on the early discovery of Rotorua as a tourist site focusing on its geothermal attractions.
   • Discuss the evolution of tourism, significant milestones, and the development of infrastructure.

3. Introduction to Research Techniques (20 minutes):

   • Teach effective internet search strategies, use of academic databases, and referencing techniques.
   • Discuss ethical considerations in conducting research and consultations.

Homework:

• Start preliminary research on the history of tourism in Rotorua. Compile a list of key events and figures.

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Lesson 2: Impacts of Tourism on Rotorua

Objectives:

• Analyse the social, economic, and environmental impacts of tourism on Rotorua.

Activities:

1. Group discussion (15 minutes):

   • Students share their findings on historical impacts of tourism.
   • Discuss how these impacts have shaped the local community and environment.

2. Case Study Analysis (20 minutes):

   • In groups, students pick a case (e.g., the Polynesian Spa, Redwoods Forest) to explore impacts in depth.
   • Groups will look at economic benefits, societal changes, and environmental effects.

3. Report Preparation (15 minutes):

   • Begin drafting sections of their report detailing the discovered impacts.
   • Outline the structure of their case study analysis.

Homework:

• Continue research and begin to compile findings into a structured report format.

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Lesson 3: Sustainability of Tourism in Rotorua

Objectives:

• Evaluate the sustainability of current tourism practices in Rotorua.

Activities:

1. Lecture on Sustainability Concepts (15 minutes):

   • Define sustainable tourism and discuss its importance.
   • Introduce different sustainability models and indices.

2. Research Activity (20 minutes):

   • Students research sustainable practices in Rotorua’s tourism sector.
   • Focus on initiatives like eco-tourism, community involvement, and governmental policies.

3. Group Presentations (15 minutes):

   • Groups present their findings on different sustainability initiatives.
   • Class discussion on the effectiveness of these practices and potential improvements.

Homework:

• Refine and conclude their research report. Prepare to present findings in the next class.

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Lesson 4: Presentation and Peer Review

Objectives:

• Present research findings.
• Engage in peer review to refine and evaluate work.

Activities:

1. Student Presentations (40 minutes):

   • Each student or group presents their research findings.
   • Focus on history, impacts, and sustainability of tourism in Rotorua.

2. Class Discussion and Feedback (10 minutes):

   • Peer feedback session.
   • Discussion on key learnings and reflections on the research process.

Homework:

• Finalise research reports incorporating feedback.
• Submission of the completed research report for assessment.

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This lesson plan provides a comprehensive overview of how to structure the lessons to cover all necessary aspects of the geography research internal focused on the tourism sector in Rotorua. Adjustments may be needed based on class pace and specific interests.