Learn

What’s On Our Plates? is a set of multimedia learning modules designed to enable anyone to explore Aotearoa New Zealand’s active plate boundary online, including the Alpine Fault and Hikurangi subduction zone.

The eight modules have been aligned to Level 4-6 Achievement Objectives from the Science Learning Area of the New Zealand Curriculum and are accompanied by a Teacher Guide to support their use in the classroom. Each module ends with a quiz to test students learning. Each module comes with a downloadable and printable activity sheet and finishes with a quiz to test students learning. Answers to the activity sheets are included in the Teachers Guide.

Please note: The What’s On Our Plates? learning modules are best viewed on a desktop, laptop or tablet, they are not suitable for viewing on mobile phones or small screens. We recommend using Google Chrome, the maps will not work in Internet Explorer.

Module 1: Uncovering knowledge in all its forms

This module uncovers the ways that both mātauranga Māori and western science use observation and experimentation to better understand the world. Learn how these two forms of knowledge strengthen our understanding of our taiao when intertwined.

Module 2: Exploring Our Plate Boundary

Take a tour of Aotearoa New Zealand’s plate boundary, starting with the earth’s structure, tectonic plates, the Pacific Ring of Fire. Then explore where the Australian and Pacific plates meet.

Module 3: Unlocking the Hikurangi Subduction Zone

Dive to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean to learn about the features of the Hikurangi Trench in 3D. Then come back to the surface and find out about the geo-science underway to unlock the secrets of the Hikurangi subduction zone.

Module 4: Discovering the Alpine Fault

Take a tour along the Alpine Fault, Aotearoa New Zealand’s on-land plate boundary and one of the longest natural straight lines in the world! Find out how it was discovered and learn what science can tell us about Alpine Fault earthquakes.

Module 5: Understanding our Shaky Landscape

On average 20,000 earthquakes are recorded every year in Aotearoa New Zealand, find out why they happen and how we measure them.

Module 6: Investigating Cascading Hazards

This module investigates the cascading hazards that can continue to have an impact in the immediate, short, and long term, such as landslides, fires, liquefaction, and tsunami.

Module 7: Learning about Tsunami Waves

This module takes you to coastal areas and lakes around New Zealand to learn about tsunami. Find out how tsunami are generated, why they’re different from normal waves, and what to do when one is on its way.

Module 8: Getting Ready for the Big One

Being prepared for the 'big one' means we're ready for other natural hazards. What we do now will make things easier in any emergency. Find out some of things we can do to get ready for future events.

Teacher Guide

The What’s On Our Plates? Teacher Guide summarises the learning modules, shows you how to navigate through StoryMaps, details how the modules align to the New Zealand Curriculum and provides some technical tips to get you started.

Activity sheets

Module 2 Activity Sheet

Module 3 Activity Sheet

Module 4 Activity Sheet

Module 5 Activity Sheet

Module 8 Activity Sheet

What's On Our Plates? was created in partnership with AF8 [Alpine Fault M8]
and kindly funded by Toka Tū Ake EQC

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While every endeavour has been taken by the East Coast Lab Hikurangi Subduction Zone M9 to ensure that the information on this website is accurate and up to date, East Coast Lab Hikurangi Subduction Zone M9 shall not be liable for any loss suffered through the use, directly or indirectly, of information on this website. Information contained has been assembled in good faith. Some of the information available in this site is from the New Zealand Public domain and supplied by relevant government agencies. East Coast Lab Hikurangi Subduction Zone M9 cannot accept any liability for its accuracy or content. Portions of the information and material on this site, including data, pages, documents, online graphics and images are protected by copyright, unless specifically notified to the contrary. Externally sourced information or material is copyright to the respective provider.

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