Clarification details
Updated December 2019. This document has been updated in its entirety to address new issues that have arisen from moderation.
It is necessary for students to specify an inquiry focus and develop questions that will enable the inquiry aim to be met. The focus of the inquiry should be based on an organism that has the potential to meet future needs. Examples of inquiries might include:
- whether the use of dung beetles for effluent decomposition will meet the need for sustainable agricultural production
- whether crickets and other insects represent a viable protein source for New Zealanders
- whether modification of methanogens could reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The inquiry should address at least two external influences (such as ethical, biological, environmental and economic) that have an impact on future needs.
The inquiry should represent more than one point of view, value and/or perspective. Primary and secondary sources are both needed in order to gather and review information and ideas. Primary research involves students gathering raw data. Secondary research entails sourcing primary data that has already gathered by industry groups, Statistics NZ, research institutions, etc. Both types of data may be compiled by individual students or groups.
Students then present their findings from the inquiry process and reach a conclusion as to whether use of the organism has the potential to meet future needs.
Merit and Excellence
At Merit, students should compare the points of view, values and perspectives relevant to the inquiry focus. The student needs to evaluate their findings and how the external influences could impact future needs and reach a conclusion as to whether the use of the organism could meet future needs.
At Excellence, the student is required to evaluate their findings, consider the implications of them, and prioritise the findings in relation to the external influences. The short and long-term impacts of the use of the organism are predicted. The student then needs to conclude by justifying whether the use of the organism might meet future needs.