Social sciences – classroom activities, Tikanga ā-iwi – ngā ngohe akomanga

Updated 29 Oct 2025

Examples of classroom activities to help students think about their future and how social sciences might relate to the world of work.

In social sciences you find out how global societies work for the people within them in the past, present and future. Learn how to be a critical, informed and responsible citizen.

NCEA subjects that link to this learning area on Tahatū:

Social sciences

Career activities for Year 7 and upward
Ngā ngohe aramahi mō te Tau 7, i tua atu anō hoki,

Activity	Description
Role model career path	Length of activity: Short Type of activity: Individual Research a role model’s career journey in a social science role. This person can be known to you or someone you admire.
Interview people in your community	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Individual Interview community members about their career journeys, challenges and future directions.
An entrepreneur you admire	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Individual Research a New Zealand entrepreneur. Who are they? What did they do? Present a timeline of their career or business decisions.
Cultural identity and career choices	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Individual/group Identify how the cultural identities of 3 New Zealanders influenced their career paths.
Waste reduction	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Group Brainstorm and pitch ideas to reduce waste in New Zealand. Explore industries, job roles and feasibility of ideas. What do other countries do and how? What job roles does New Zealand have or need?
Legislation Larry	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Group/whole class Create job cards and then roleplay to pass or block a bill in Parliament. Include discussion on roles, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and career pathways. Whose job cards ended up being the most valuable?
United Nations sustainability goals	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Whole class Brainstorm solutions to one of the UN goals and identify jobs needed to make those solutions happen. Look on Tahatū to explore the pathway to do these roles.
Political protests	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Individual/group/whole class Pick a New Zealand protest group and explore what it is they are/were trying to change. Who is leading this group? What roles are associated with this group?

Career activities for Year 11 and upward
Ngā ngohe aramahi mō te Tau 11, i tua atu anō hoki,

Activity	Description
Careers map or family tree	Length of activity: Short Type of activity: Individual Create a map or tree showing career paths of older family members. Reflect on life roles, career changes and how past jobs compare to today’s equivalents.
Student loan impact investigation	Length of activity: Short Type of activity: Individual Explore how student loans affect individuals, communities and national economics. Reflect on financial literacy and career planning.
Life responsibilities timeline	Length of activity: Short Type of activity: Individual Create a timeline of responsibilities you may have at different life stages and how this might affect your job roles.
Aspirations and career path planning	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Pairs Interview your friend about what they want to do after school and develop a possible career path for them, identifying skills and key decisions along the way.
Regional industry change research	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Individual Investigate how work opportunities and industries have changed in a New Zealand town or region.
Mod Max	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Group/whole class Act as moderators for an online platform, creating and enforcing rules. Explore rule types, hierarchy, dispute processes and transferable skills for real world jobs.
Let’s make a deal game	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Group/whole class Simulate a trade deal between 2 parties. Identify jobs involved in negotiation, logistics and legal processes. Optional dice element adds chance and fun.
Māori education evolution	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Whole class Explore the rise of kura kaupapa and wānanga, and the social, economic and political negotiations behind these changes.
Be Prime Minister for a day	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Individual/group/whole class You have to invest in the future of New Zealand. What are 3 key areas you’d invest in, why and how? What roles do you need to ensure these investments take place?

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Ako atu,

Students can check out the study categories in the Explore study and training section of Tahatū to find out more about tertiary study in social sciences.

Explore study and training

Students can browse study areas on Tahatū. For example:

Career activities for Year 11 and upwardNgā ngohe aramahi mō te Tau 11, i tua atu anō hoki,

Find out moreAko atu,

Career activities for Year 11 and upward
Ngā ngohe aramahi mō te Tau 11, i tua atu anō hoki,

Find out more
Ako atu,