Conservation in Aotearoa
Evidence for kaitiakitanga decisions
Who is present in this place — and what conservation action does the evidence support?
Science inquiry · Unit 5
Conservation in Aotearoa
Evidence for kaitiakitanga decisions
Living World · Ecology · Human impacts
Wero
Who is present in this place — and what conservation action does the evidence support?
First step
Set up monitoring stations and record detection patterns over time.
What you will show
Consequence reflection on who benefits if your conclusion is wrong.
Local place context
Name the monitoring place and any predator-free or iwi partnership supporting your evidence.
Living World · Ecology · Human impacts
First step
Set up monitoring stations and record detection patterns over time.
Expected outcome
Consequence reflection on who benefits if your conclusion is wrong.
You will design a monitoring system (tracking tunnels, chew cards, or camera traps) and use it to map predator presence around your school. What predators or pests are visiting your site, where, and when — without harming any animal. Detections, locations, dates, and weather.
Five ways you could investigate
Pick one to start — or write your own question. The AI mentor supports you gently inside your investigation.
Idea 1
Predator detection patterns
Where are predators detected most often — and what habitat features align?
Start with this question →Idea 2
Bait type comparison
Does one bait type attract more evidence — with a fair rotation plan?
Start with this question →Idea 3
Seasonal presence
How does detection change across your monitoring period — and what might drive it?
Start with this question →Idea 4
Human activity impact
Do counts differ near paths vs quiet zones — cautiously interpreted?
Start with this question →Idea 5
Monitoring method reliability
When two teams use the same method, how close are their counts?
Start with this question →
Five things you could build
Fabrication ideas linked to makerspace tools — 3D print, laser cut, Arduino, data products, and more.
Build 1
Monitoring station marker
Laser-cut a totem or marker for consistent station identity.
Open in outcome selector →Build 2
Trap stabiliser
3D print a part that stops traps shifting between checks.
Open in outcome selector →Build 3
Conservation brief
One-page recommendation for kaitiaki based on your strongest evidence.
Open in outcome selector →Build 4
Field label set
Vinyl-cut weatherproof labels for each monitoring point.
Open in outcome selector →Build 5
Sensor mount for site
Position a simple sensor where your evidence says activity peaks.
Open in outcome selector →
AI mentor (inside your investigation)
No separate mentor page — support appears in your investigation workspace. It starts gentle: short prompts about your research context, data, and analysis. You or your teacher can turn assistance off for unassisted work, or request more help when you need it. It also guides fabrication choices tied to your evidence.