Explore the issue of coastal erosion - through natural processes and human interference.
Students investigate the Christchurch coastal environment and discover how it has evolved through coastal processes and human responses.
They will build their own beach profile using coastal management techniques and engage in roleplay to showcase their learning.
Year level | 9 to 13 |
Curriculum level | 4 to 8 |
Availability | Available all year around |
Time / Length | To be arranged with Ranger (duration 2.5 to 3 hours) |
Site | North New Brighton Beach New Brighton Beach South Brighton Spencer Park Beach Waimairi Beach |
Cost | Free |
Number of students | 35 students |
Coastal management techniques (sand fencing, vegetation, gabions, groynes, sea and rock walls), erosion, values positions over the height of the sand dunes, human impacts along the Pegasus Bay Coast.
This programme takes on a practical approach where your students will be able to build a mini-dune system and beach profile. They will work with coastal park rangers to manage their beach area by constructing their own sand fences, put vegetation in place and build groynes, gabions and sea walls. Then students will have a chance to enter a debate considering the future of the sand dunes taking on the perspective of a wide range of community members.
Students will consider the impact we have on a coastal area (past and present) and look at ways that they can minimise their impact on that environment. They will also have a chance to make their own mark in protecting and enhancing the environment, by participating in a beach clean-up or dune planting exercise depending on the time of the year.
Students may be able to:
NCEA Geography 1.6 (90207) | Describe a Contemporary geographic issue |
NCEA Geography 3.1 (90701) | Analyse a geographic environment, focusing on the interacting natural processes |
NCEA Geography 3.6 (90706) | Analyse a contemporary geographic issue and evaluate courses of action |
"I was really impressed with the interactive nature of the unit and the way students discussed with their peers each structure they had built. Judging by the feedback we had from them they appreciated the lesson too." Teacher, Year 13
"The coast is constantly changing due to natural processes but these processes can be altered and managed to a degree." Student, Year 13