Mangere College

3 Sustainability

Course Description

Teacher in Charge:

Recommended Prior Learning

We recommend at least 6 credits in 2HIS, 2GEO or 2SUS or a Science course or if you are unsure see the HOD.

Sustainability is the study of making sure our resources and cultural practices are secure and protected as the world continues to change. In this course you will learn about current issues in sustainability and help develop actions to solve them, focusing on developing strategies and reflective evaluation. Students will engage in issues and develop skills such as project planning, community interaction and ability to problem solve. We will aim to use our local environment as the basis of our projects.

This is a University Approved Subject and you will be offered at least 14 internal credits so you can use this as one of your UE subjects.

How will forests be impacted when urban growth continues to push the city outwards?

How can cities that experience sprawl such as Auckland and other global cities cater for their growing populations? How can they continue to grow 'farms' of fruit and vegetables? Will these new practices have an environmental impact?

One of our local units looked at the impact of buying cheap items on deforestation around the world and what impact do we have when we buy products made with Palm Oil or other ingredients that are resulting in the rainforest being burnt down?

One of our units looks at the contentious issue of whaling in the South Seas.

Course Overview

Term 1
In Term 1 we look at fash fashion or fast production. We know we can get a tee for $6 at KMART or get a pair of knock of Apple Pods for $15, but where are these made and what impact might this be having on communities who are making these products for us?

Term 2
In Term 2 we will begin our 'Action Projects'. This is a hands on project term where we identify challenges in our school or community and we make plans to resolve these. We will work in groups and our projects can range from music videos through to constructing compost stations for our school. Whatever your solution is, it is possible to incorporate this into your project.

Term 3
In Term 3 we look at the Tokyo Megalopolis Region which is home to 38 million people. How can an area to urban dense meet sustainable goals? Can the Japanese grow plants inside sky scrapers? Do the people recycle all their rubbish? How can indigenous or Edo culture survive in a city where they are building apartments for 38 million people? These are all questions we will ask and hopefully, with our trip at the end of Term 3 to Japan, we will find some answers.

Term 4
In Term 4 we investigate the interrelationship between humans and the environment in relation to a sustainable future. This involves looking at the Japanese Whaling program and what the Government of Japan is doing in the South Seas.

Learning Areas:

Social Sciences

Assessment Information

Please Note
*17164 is an introduction unit (3 weeks) and will be completed between weeks 1-4 of Term 1. If you are late to enrol in 3SUS you may miss this.
*Students may opt to take 90831: Analyse the impact that policies have on a sustainable future which is worth 5 credits (External). This is a decision based on an IEP (student choice and conversation). If you do this, you can get an Endorsement in Sustainability.