Year 8 Geography Lesson Plan: Understanding the Dawn Raids in New Zealand

Context and Curriculum Link

This lesson is designed for Year 8 students and links directly to the Social Sciences area of the New Zealand Curriculum, specifically under the social studies strand. It aims to meet the objectives of understanding historical events within New Zealand and examining their impacts on communities and individuals from both past and present perspectives.

Curriculum Level: Level 4
Strand: Social Studies, Continuity and Change
Key Competencies: Thinking, Using language, symbols, and texts, Relating to others.

Learning Objective: To understand the historical context, reasons, and impacts of the Dawn Raids in New Zealand during the mid-1970s, developing critical thinking and empathy.

Lesson Duration

50 minutes

Class Size

30 students

Materials Needed

• Interactive whiteboard or projector with internet access
• Timeline cards of the Dawn Raids events (provided in class)
• Discussion questions handout
• Access to New Zealand History online or other credible sources (NZ History)
• Pens and notebooks for students

Lesson Plan

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Engage and Set Context: Start by showing a brief video clip or a series of photographs from the 1970s era of the Dawn Raids in New Zealand. (Resource link: NZHistory, Dawn Raids)
2. Brief Overview and Inquiry Question: Provide a concise definition of the Dawn Raids. Pose the initial inquiry question: "What were the Dawn Raids, and why did they happen in New Zealand?"

Exploration and Core Content (15 minutes)

3. Timeline Activity: Hand out timeline cards of major events related to the Dawn Raids. In groups, students will arrange these events in the correct chronological order on a class timeline on the board.
4. Group Discussion: Each group presents a key event, discussing what happened and why it was significant in the context of the Dawn Raids.

Group Activity (10 minutes)

5. Think-Pair-Share: Students pair up to discuss the following:

   • How did the Dawn Raids affect the lives of people in New Zealand, particularly Pacific Islanders?
   • What were some reactions from the community and government during and after the Dawn Raids?

   They then share their thoughts with the class.

Critical Thinking and Analysis (10 minutes)

6. Discussion Questions: Students reflect on the broader implications of the Dawn Raids using guided questions:
   • What can we learn from the Dawn Raids about how societies react to immigration and multiculturalism?
   • How do historical events shape our current policies and attitudes towards ethnic groups?

Conclusion and Reflection (5 minutes)

7. Wrap Up: Summarize the key points discussed in today's lesson. Emphasize the importance of understanding history to appreciate the diverse cultural backgrounds that shape New Zealand's identity today.
8. Homework/Extension Task: Students are tasked to write a brief essay or create a presentation on how New Zealand has changed since the Dawn Raids regarding cultural integration and policy changes.

Assessment

• Participation in the class discussion.
• Completeness and thoughtfulness of their timeline presentation.
• Quality and depth of the critical thinking in their written or oral responses in the homework task.

Notes to Teachers

Ensure a respectful and sensitive treatment of the topic, as it discusses racial and ethnic issues that may affect students personally. Encourage open dialogue and support students to express any discomfort they may feel during the discussion.

This lesson plan provides students with an opportunity to understand a significant yet often overlooked aspect of New Zealand's social history, fostering a more inclusive perspective on historical narratives.