Social Studies Levels 4-5 (years 6-10)
Topics and activities for the Social Studies curriculum
The Classroom provides material to support the teaching of New Zealand history through the social studies curriculum or junior history programmes. This material supplements features on NZHistory.net.nz by providing relevant learning activities.
Historic events related activites
- Race Relations Day, 21 March
- An opportunity to discuss and celebrate the fact that New Zealand is home to many different peoples.
- Anzac Day, 25 April
- The Anzac story, how this event shaped the lives of New Zealanders and its role in the development of a New Zealand identity. Includes background material and a variety of activities.
- United Tribes of New Zealand Flag chosen, 20 March 1834
- Background material and a variety of activities relating to New Zealand's flags.
- It's a matter of opinion - The death penalty: a Level 5 Social Studies activity
- New Zealand's last execution took place on 18 February 1957. Capital punishment for murder was abolished in 1961. This event provides teachers with an ideal opportunity in social studies to examine the issue of capital punishment and its place in New Zealand society.
- Jockey Y-fronts go on sale for the first time in New Zealand, 16 March 1940
- Riot at Featherston POW camp, 25 February 1943
Coming up in 2006:
Level 4
New Zealand's 20th-century disasters
This will examine three significant disasters that had a tremendous impact on New Zealand society in the second half of the 20th century: Tangiwai, Wahine and Erebus. It supports a Level 4 social studies unit that examines the strands of Time, Continuity and Change and Social Organisation and their associated achievement objectives. Here are some links to get you started:
Level 5
Life in New Zealand after the Second World War
This will examine life in New Zealand after 1945. It was a time of great change as migrants were encouraged to settle and help build a new society. Thousands of New Zealand servicemen and women had to readjust to civilian life and the country began to re-examine its relationship with 'Mother England'. It supports a Level 5 social studies unit that examines the strands of Time, Continuity and Change Place and Environment and their associated achievement objectives. Here are some links to get you started:
