Question 1

What is NCEA AS 91818 about?

Accepted Answer

This standard asks you to explain the main ideas about evolution from a Māori perspective, and then judge whether those ideas are correct and fair. You need to show how Māori understanding of human origins (like descent with modification, adaptation, natural selection, isolation, and genetic mixing) compares with Western science, and recognize that evolution concepts have sometimes been misused to harm indigenous peoples.

Question 2

What do students need to do for AS 91818?

Accepted Answer

1. Explain the core scientific concepts of evolution (selection, adaptation, isolation, mutation, genetic mixing) clearly and accurately 2. Discuss how Māori perspectives understand human origins and evolution—including the principle of common ancestry (kōpū puta tahi) 3. Compare Māori and Western scientific views on these evolution concepts, showing what they share and how they differ 4. Evaluate both perspectives using evidence, considering their strengths, limitations, and underlying values 5. Discuss real historical examples of how evolution ideas were misused (like eugenics or social Darwinism) to justify harm to indigenous peoples, and explain why this matters

Question 3

What's the difference between Achieved, Merit, and Excellence for AS 91818?

Accepted Answer

Achieved: You correctly explain the main evolution concepts and describe both Māori and Western scientific views on human origins, then give a basic evaluation that shows you understand each perspective has merits. Merit: You explain evolution concepts clearly, compare Māori and Western views in detail with specific examples, and evaluate both thoughtfully by discussing what each perspective explains well and where tensions or differences lie. Excellence: You provide thorough, nuanced explanations of evolution concepts, show sophisticated understanding of how Māori and Western knowledge systems view human origins differently, evaluate both views critically using evidence, and demonstrate real insight into why distinguishing between legitimate science and misuse of science matters for indigenous peoples.

Question 4

What mistakes do students typically make in AS 91818?

Accepted Answer

1. Treating Māori perspectives as unscientific or simply 'alternative beliefs' rather than engaging seriously with how Māori understand human origins through their own knowledge system and evidence 2. Failing to discuss the historical harms caused by misuse of evolution concepts (eugenics, social Darwinism) to justify discrimination and extermination of indigenous peoples 3. Writing only about Western science without genuinely comparing or evaluating both Māori and Western viewpoints—just listing them separately instead of engaging with both sides

Linguistics foundation

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