Moa Bones, Extinction… and De-Extinction?

Looking for a timely way to spark curiosity in your classroom? With recent headlines around the idea of ‘de-extincting’ the moa, resources from Hands on Tauranga offer a compelling starting point for critical discussion.

They’re inviting schools to borrow a set of real moa bones, a 3D printed moa egg, and a replica Haast’s eagle claw — perfect for anchoring science learning in local context. Whether you're exploring evolution, ecosystems, or ethics, this resource opens the door to rich, student-led inquiry.

Hands on Tauranga has sets of moa bones available for schools to borrow. Image source: © Hands on Tauranga.

This project pairs beautifully with class discussions on biodiversity, conservation, and the role of humans in shaping ecosystems — past and future. Below are some of the thought-provoking questions provided by Hands on Tauranga to get your ākonga thinking:

• What challenges might happen if we try to bring back an animal that’s been gone for hundreds of years?

• Do you think a moa would be able to survive in today’s world? Why or why not?

• How could bringing back the moa help or hurt New Zealand’s forests and animals?

• What do you think might happen if moa had to live with predators like cats, stoats or dogs?

• Do you think humans should bring back animals that went extinct because of people?

• Do you think it’s a good idea to spend money bringing back the moa, or should we focus on helping animals that are alive now?

• If the moa was to be brought back, should it live in the wild or just in special parks or zoos?

• How do you feel about the idea of bringing back the moa – why?

A replica Haast Eagle claw, as well as a set of real moa leg bones, are also available from Hands on Tauranga. Image source: © Hands on Tauranga.

Kaiako tip: This topic works well across the curriculum — from Science and Social Studies to English (argument writing) and Tikanga. It’s also a great entry point for discussing kaitiakitanga, ecosystem balance, and ethical decision-making.

For kaiako who would like more links to further contextualise and broaden teaching and learning science, we have collated the following links and suggestions for learning experiences:

Curriculum and NCEA Links

Some but not limited to:

• NZC Living World - Ecology, Evolution

• NZC NOS - Understanding about Science, Investigating in Science, Participating and Contributing, Communicating in Science

• Science AS 91920 (1.1) Demonstrate understanding of a science-informed response to a local issue

• Science AS 91921(1.2) Demonstrate understanding of the use of a range of scientific investigative approaches in a context

• Biology AS 91154 (2.2) - Analyse the biological validity of information presented to the public

• Biology AS 91602 (3.2) - Integrate biological knowledge to develop an informed response to a socio-scientific issue

• Biology AS91607 (3.7) - Demonstrate understanding of human manipulations of genetic transfer and its biological implications

• Biology AS91605 (3.5) - Demonstrate understanding of evolutionary processes leading to speciation

Suggested Learning Experiences

• Exploring moa resources on Science Learning Hub.

• See related news stories from RNZ and Stuff.

• Check out expert commentary from the Science Media Centre.

• Read Return of the Moa by Quinn Berentson (School Journal Level 4). Kaiako, you might be able to order physical copies through your librarian at Down the Back of the Chair.

• Check out RNZ's Fight for the Wild series.

• Make your own fossil.

• Explore rock collections which contain fossils.

Ngā mihi nui Hands on Tauranga for your resources, object lending library services and clever provocation for our ākonga! This article is based on a July 10 Facebook post - thank you Megan for allowing us to share the post.