Seaweed Solutions by Kate Evans is an engaging, thought-provoking article that explores how an unexpected ocean resource could help address a major environmental challenge. Beginning with the importance of farming in Aotearoa New Zealand, the text explains how cows and sheep produce methane before following scientists’ investigations into the potential of red seaweed to reduce these emissions. From a farmer’s observations in Canada to seaweed-growing tanks in Bluff, readers discover how curiosity, experimentation, and innovation can turn a surprising discovery into a possible solution. Through clear explanations, accessible comparisons, photographs, and a labelled diagram, the article makes complex scientific ideas meaningful and approachable.

Balancing possibility with practical challenges, the text supports students to think deeply about climate change, sustainable farming, and the role of science and technology in solving problems. It invites discussion about testing ideas, considering evidence, and ensuring new products are safe, affordable, and suitable for different farming systems. By showing that environmental challenges may require several solutions, the article encourages critical thinking and informed optimism, making it a strong and relevant text for upper primary learners.

 

This pack contains wide range of response activities including:

• A guided reading plan exploring key literacy elements including inference and deduction, language use, making connection and text organisation, along with key questioning to promote emotional intelligence, metacognition and compassionate inquiry. 
• An independent learning contract complete with explainer videos for activity clarity
  
• A wide range of response activities to support developing and embedding key literacy skills including sentence and word work, spelling, and cloze activities. 

Curriculum Phase: Phase 2

Year Level: Year 6

English: reading for meaning, identifying main ideas and supporting details, exploring cause and effect, interpreting scientific vocabulary, using headings, diagrams and glossaries, distinguishing findings from future possibilities, summarising information, and supporting ideas with evidence from the text

Technology: developing and testing products, exploring seaweed cultivation and processing, considering safety and practical constraints, and adapting innovations to meet farmers’ needs

Social Sciences: farming in Aotearoa New Zealand, connections between economic activity and the environment, sustainability, and decision-making about resource use

Science: ruminant digestion, microbes and methane production, greenhouse gases and climate change, scientific investigation, and evaluating possible environmental solutions

Non-Fiction: informational article, scientific explanation

Key words include: agriculture, Aotearoa New Zealand, Asparagopsis, bromoform, cattle, climate change, cows, dairy farming, digestion, emissions, environment, experimentation, global warming, greenhouse gases, innovation, methane, microbes, red seaweed, ruminants, scientific investigation, seaweed, sheep, sustainability, technology