Question 1

What is NCEA AS 91768 about?

Accepted Answer

This standard asks you to explain how Earth processes and features shape the landscape, and how Māori use of land connects to these scientific ideas. You'll pick a real landscape feature or area important to Māori (like a mountain, river, rock type, or earthquake), describe what's happening there geologically, and show how Māori knowledge and practices relate to that science.

Question 2

What do students need to do for AS 91768?

Accepted Answer

1. Describe a specific landscape feature or area that matters to Māori (e.g. a mountain, coastline, stone type, or landform change caused by human activity) 2. Identify the Earth science concepts that explain how that feature formed or behaves (such as rock types, earthquakes, erosion, water processes, climate effects, or natural cycles) 3. Compare Māori knowledge and land practices with the scientific explanations—show what's similar, what's different, and why both matter 4. Discuss the real impacts of how Māori work with the land, including effects on communities, te ao koiora (the living world), science knowledge, technology, and the economy 5. Reference relevant ethical principles that connect to how Māori relationships with the land reflect values

Question 3

What's the difference between Achieved, Merit, and Excellence for AS 91768?

Accepted Answer

Achieved: You describe a landscape feature and name the Earth science concepts involved, then list how Māori knowledge or practices relate to it. Merit: You explain how Māori approaches compare to the science—noting similarities, differences, and consequences—and describe impacts on whānau/hapū/iwi, the environment, knowledge, or the economy. Excellence: You analyse the relationships between Māori land use and Earth science in depth, discuss multiple impacts across social, environmental, knowledge, and economic areas, and explain the ethical principles that underpin these connections.

Question 4

What mistakes do students typically make in AS 91768?

Accepted Answer

1. Picking a feature that isn't actually linked to Māori culture or land use—choose something that has real significance to an iwi or whānau, not just any landscape 2. Naming Earth science concepts but not explaining how they actually created or shaped the feature you chose 3. Listing impacts separately instead of clearly showing how Māori practices directly cause or influence those impacts

Earth science and Papatūānuku

Your assessment resources

Videos & study resources

More in this subject

Other Pūtaiao standards · Level 2 · Year 12

Next year — Pūtaiao Level 3 · Year 13

Foundations — Pūtaiao Level 1 · Year 11

Related standards