“Journey on the Sea”, School Journal, level 3, August 2018
08 August 2018
Aotearoa is an island nation with more than 15,000 kilometres of coastline (only nine other countries have more). It’s no wonder so many of us love the water. But activities like swimming, surfing, fishing, and sailing all involve risk. On average, more than 100 New Zealanders drown each year. The students at Titahi Bay intermediate school have been learning to sail an Optimist and learning about water safety.
You can find the story and teacher support material here: Journey on the Sea, School Journal, level 3, August 2018
Other useful resources
Students could examine other types of boats as well as the Optimist
On Lesbos, Dutch Volunteers Teach Migrants To Turn Boats Into Backpacks
Volunteers noticed a need for rucksacks while helping migrants disembark from inflatable boats in Lesbos in January. The bags are made from one folded piece of boat material, held together with rivets and clipped shut with buckles from life vests. The volunteers have held workshops for the migrants.
High-tech mini jet boat probes glacier secrets
This remote control boat is fitted with an echo sounder and a GPS system. It can be driven over the "ramp" of ice jutting out from the Tasman glacier's edge, collecting high-resolution data in real time with no danger to the researchers.
Wellingtonians give "extra slip" to Team NZ boat in preparation for America's Cup win
When foiling yachts were introduced, Resene was asked to look at improving the hardness of the coating.
Discussion questions
These could include:
- Describe the physical nature of different types of boats. For example the Optimist is a small boat with a sail, mast, and boom.
- Describe the functional nature of different boats – for example the Optimist is a sailing dinghy that is intended for use for children up to the age of 15. Often sailors at the Olympic games have learnt to sail in an Optimist.
- Which boats can you find that have a different physical nature but similar functional natures. You might like to compare the different boats that have entered the America's cup.
- Which boats have different functional natures but similar physical natures? You might like to compare different types of inflatable boats that are used to transport people, or different types of high tech boats that are used for scientific research.
Indicators of progression for discussion starters
| Component | Indicator | Level |
| Characteristics of technological outcomes |
| 3 |