Introduction
Hello students
Learning Outcome: By the end of the lesson, we can be able to
- List 5 local materials or services that can replace imported goods
- Explain the environmental benefits of using local materials instead of imported one
- Create a poster that Explain the Uses of Local metarials to replace the imported good and services
In our lesson today, we will learn about the importance of using local materials and services instead of imported ones. We will explore examples of local products that can replace goods from other countries and understand how this helps protect our environment. Finally, you will create a poster to show how local materials can be used to meet our needs while supporting our community and saving the planet.
Task
Individual Activity
A. True or False
Write True if the statement is correct and False if it is not.
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Shipping imported goods causes air and ocean pollution.
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Using local materials makes our islands cleaner and greener.
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Local fish can replace imported canned fish.
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Buying imported goods helps protect the environment.
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Using what we already have in Kiribati supports local workers and culture.
B. Answer the Questions
Answer the following questions in complete sentences.
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Give three examples of local materials and their uses in Kiribati.
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Give two examples of imported goods in Kiribati.
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Why is it better to use local materials instead of imported goods?
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How does using local materials help protect the environment?
Group Activity: Create a Poster
Topic: Using Local Materials to Replace Imported Goods in Kiribati
Instructions:
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Work together in small groups (3–5 students).
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Discuss and list examples of local materials in Kiribati and the imported goods they can replace.
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Design and create a poster that shows:
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At least five local materials from Kiribati.
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The imported goods they can replace.
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The environmental benefits of using local materials.
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A short slogan or message encouraging people to use local products (e.g., “Use what we have, save our islands!”).
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Use drawings, pictures, or magazine cutouts to make your poster colorful and attractive.
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Each group will present their poster to the class and explain:
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Why local materials are important.
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How they help protect the environment.
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Process
Notes: Using Local Materials in Kiribati
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They are natural or handmade resources found around us, such as pandanus leaves, coconut shells, toddy, fish, and coral sand.
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It also helps protect the environment by reducing waste and pollution caused by shipping and packaging.
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When we use what we already have in Kiribati, we support local workers, save money, and keep our culture strong.
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Examples:
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Coconut shells – used to make cups, spoons, or decorations instead of plastic ones.
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Pandanus leaves – used for mats, baskets, and roofing instead of imported materials.
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Local fish – replaces imported canned fish.
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Toddy – can replace imported sugar or sweet drinks.
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Coral sand or stones – used for building instead of buying cement.
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Notes: Imported Goods and Environmental Benefits of Using Local Materials in Kiribati
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Imported goods are products that come from other countries and are brought into Kiribati by ships or planes.
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Examples of imported goods include rice, canned food, plastic cups and plates, clothes, furniture, and building materials like cement or iron.
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These goods often cost more because of transport and taxes.
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Shipping and importing also cause pollution to the ocean and air.
Environmental Benefits of Using Local Materials Instead of Imported Ones:
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Reduces pollution from ships and planes that bring goods from overseas.
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Decreases plastic waste, since many imported goods use plastic packaging.
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Helps protect marine life by reducing ocean litter and oil spills.
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Saves energy because local materials don’t need long-distance transport.
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Encourages recycling and reusing natural materials like coconut shells and pandanus leaves.
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Keeps the islands cleaner and greener, promoting a healthier environment for everyone.
Example:
Instead of buying plastic baskets from overseas, people in Kiribati can make and use pandanus leaf baskets — they are eco-friendly, traditional, and support local communities.
Evaluation
Individual activities
True and False
- True
- True
- True
- False
- True
Answering Questions
1) Coconut shells – used to make cups, spoons, and decorations.
Pandanus leaves – used for weaving mats, baskets, and house roofing.
Toddy – used as a natural sweet drink or to replace sugar.
2). Canned food, Plastic plates and cups
3) Because local materials are cheaper, easy to find, support local people, and help save money. They also reduce pollution from shipping and keep our culture strong.
4) Using local materials reduces waste and plastic pollution, saves energy from transport, and keeps the islands clean, green, and healthy.
Group work
| Criteria | Excellent (5 marks) | Good (4 marks) | Satisfactory (3 marks) | Needs Improvement (1–2 marks) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Creativity and Presentation | Poster is very neat, colorful, and attractive; shows great effort and originality. | Poster is neat and colorful with some creativity. | Poster is simple but clear; limited creativity. | Poster is untidy or incomplete; lacks creativity. |
| 2. Accuracy of Information | Information about local and imported materials is complete and correct. | Minor mistakes in information but overall correct. | Some correct information but missing details. | Information mostly incorrect or incomplete. |
| 3. Environmental Benefits Explained | Clearly explains how using local materials helps the environment. | Explains some environmental benefits. | Mentions benefits but not clearly explained. | Little or no explanation of environmental benefits. |
| 4. Teamwork and Participation | All group members actively participated and shared ideas equally. | Most group members contributed. | Some members participated, but not equally. | One or two students did most of the work. |
Total: /20 marks
Conclusion
exchange books with the one you sit beside
mark her/his work according to the marking rubric
In this webQuest, we have learned the importance of using local materials and services as alternatives to imported goods. By identifying and listing local resources, we can appreciate how they contribute to sustainable development and environmental protection. Using local materials reduces transportation costs, lowers carbon emissions, and supports our local economy. Through our poster creation activity, we creatively demonstrated how promoting local products can help build self-reliant and eco-friendly communities. Let us continue to value and utilize what our own environment and people can provide for a more sustainable future.
- What do you feel about this video
- How to avoid plastic pollution here in kiribati?
So let work toghether to save our Island KIribati Te Boboto
Credits
Youtube (2023) Plastic pollution problem on Kiribati Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUj1rZZa_DQ
“Imports and exports” — Lesson Video from Oak National Academy Imports and exports (Oak National Academy)
Teacher Page
Teacher Page
Title:
Using Local Materials to Replace Imported Goods in Kiribati
Grade Level:
Year 8
Subject Areas:
KCS
Duration:
50 mins
Overview
This WebQuest encourages students to explore and appreciate the importance of using local materials and services in Kiribati as sustainable alternatives to imported goods. Students learn about environmental benefits, cultural preservation, and community support through individual and group activities. The culminating project is a creative poster that promotes the use of local materials.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
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List five local materials or services that can replace imported goods.
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Explain the environmental benefits of using local materials instead of imported ones.
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Create a poster that explains the uses of local materials to replace imported goods and services.
Time Required
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Total Duration: 1–2 class periods (50 minutes)
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Introduction and discussion: 5 minutes
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Individual activity: 20 minutes
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Group poster creation: 20 minutes
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Presentation and reflection: 5 minutes
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Resources Needed
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Chart paper or recycled cardboard
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Colored markers, crayons, or paints
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Scissors, glue, and old magazines for pictures
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Access to videos and internet connection
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Sample local materials (e.g., coconut shells, pandanus leaves)
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Rubric for evaluation
Videos and References
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Plastic Pollution Problem on Kiribati
YouTube (2023) – Watch here
Used to discuss the environmental impact of imports and waste. -
Imports and Exports
Oak National Academy – Watch here
Helps students understand what imported and local goods are.
Teacher Instructions
1. Introduction (15 minutes)
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Begin by greeting the class: “Hello students! Today, we will learn about the importance of using local materials and services instead of imported ones.”
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Show one of the suggested videos to spark discussion.
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Ask guiding questions:
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What are imported goods?
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What local materials can we find in Kiribati?
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How might using local products help the environment?
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2. Individual Activity (20 minutes)
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Students complete the True or False and Question and Answer sections.
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Review responses together and clarify any misconceptions.
3. Group Activity: Poster Creation (30–40 minutes)
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Divide the class into groups of 3–5.
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Provide the materials and explain the poster requirements:
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Include at least five local materials and the imported goods they can replace.
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Add environmental benefits and a catchy slogan.
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Encourage creativity and teamwork.
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Remind students to present their posters at the end.
4. Presentation and Reflection (15 minutes)
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Each group presents their poster to the class.
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After all presentations, ask reflection questions:
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Why is it better to use local materials?
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How does this protect the environment?
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Play the Plastic Pollution Problem on Kiribati video again and discuss:
“How can we avoid plastic pollution here in Kiribati?” -
Conclude with a class chant or message:
“Let’s work together to save our islands — Kiribati Te Boboto!”
Assessment / Evaluation
Use the provided rubric to mark group work (20 marks total):
| Criteria | Excellent (5 marks) | Good (4 marks) | Satisfactory (3 marks) | Needs Improvement (1–2 marks) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creativity and Presentation | Very neat, colorful, original | Neat and colorful | Simple but clear | Untidy or incomplete |
| Accuracy of Information | Complete and correct | Mostly correct | Some correct info | Mostly incorrect |
| Environmental Benefits Explained | Clear and detailed | Some benefits explained | Limited clarity | Missing explanation |
| Teamwork and Participation | All participated equally | Most contributed | Some helped | Few participated |
Extension Ideas
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Organize a school display of student posters.
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Invite local artisans to demonstrate how they use local materials.
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Conduct a community cleanup or “Local Products Day.”
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Encourage students to share their posters digitally as part of an online “WebQuest Gallery.”
Teacher Reflection
After the lesson, reflect on:
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Did students understand the environmental impact of imports?
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Were they able to connect cultural knowledge with sustainability?
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How effectively did the poster activity engage collaboration and creativity?
Credits
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YouTube (2023). Plastic Pollution Problem on Kiribati. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUj1rZZa_DQ
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Oak National Academy. Imports and Exports video lesson.
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Local knowledge and examples adapted from Kiribati environmental and cultural studies.