Year 8 Technology Lesson Plan - Exploring World War One through Technology, Science, and Arts

Objective:

Students will explore the technological, scientific, and artistic developments during World War One, with an emphasis on contributions from and impacts on New Zealand.

Curriculum Links:

- This lesson aligns with the Technology learning area of the New Zealand Curriculum at Level 4, encompassing technological practice and understanding the implications of technology by exploring and evaluating technological outcomes.
- Relevant aspects of the Science and Arts curricula are also integrated, particularly focusing on the technological advancements and their societal impacts, as well as the expression of experiences through art forms during the era.

Resources Needed:

- Internet access and projector
- Access to NZHistory.govt.nz for historical context
- Access to Te Kete Ipurangi for curriculum details and additional resources
- Copies of wartime art pieces from New Zealand artists
- Various materials for creating replica artifacts (clay, cardboard, paint, etc.)

Lesson Breakdown:

Introduction (1 minute)

- Greet the students and introduce the topic: "Today, we'll be diving into the fascinating world of World War One, focusing on how technology, science, and arts were intertwined and how they impacted New Zealand."

Main Activity (2 minutes)

Activity Part A: Technological and Scientific Exploration

- Divide students into small groups. Each group will be assigned a different technological or scientific advancement from World War One, such as trench warfare innovations, growth in communication technologies like radio telegraphs, or medical advancements.
- Students will use their tablets or computers to research how these technologies were developed and used during the war, with a special focus on any New Zealand-specific contributions or impacts. For instance, they might explore how radio communication affected military strategies or how advancements in medical treatments improved soldier survival rates.

Activity Part B: Artistic Expression

- After the research, each group will choose an artistic method to express what they have learned about their assigned technology. They may create a short skit, draw a piece of art, or even write a brief poem.
- They will consider how New Zealand artists would have portrayed these technological advancements or the impacts of these technologies on society during the war.

Conclusion and Sharing (1 minute)

- Groups will quickly share their findings and artistic expressions with the class. Encourage students to reflect on how integrating technology, science, and arts can provide a deeper understanding of historical events.
- Wrap up by highlighting the importance of technological and artistic advancements in shaping historical and contemporary societies.

Assessment:

- Formative assessment will be conducted through observation during the activities and group discussions, focusing on student engagement and their ability to connect technological developments with their impacts on society and artistic expression.

Post-Lesson Activities:

- Encourage students to visit the local museum or access online exhibitions related to New Zealand’s involvement in World War One to see real artifacts or artworks from the period.
- Assign an extended project where students can create a more detailed report or a larger-scale artistic project based on their group research.

This lesson plan provides a multidisciplinary approach to learning about World War One, engaging students in a hands-on, interactive exploration of history through the lenses of technology, science, and the arts. It aligns with New Zealand’s educational standards and is tailored to the interests and learning levels of Year 8 students.