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🔬 STEM + Mātauranga Māori Integration Lab
Where Traditional Knowledge Meets Modern Science
🌟 Two-Knowledge Systems Approach
Mātauranga Māori: Holistic, relational, place-based knowledge
Western Science: Reductionist, experimental, universal patterns
Integration: Deeper understanding through multiple perspectives
🌊 Marine Science Integration
Traditional Navigation + Modern Oceanography
Traditional Polynesian Navigation
"We Are Voyagers": Traditional wayfinding across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa
Modern Ocean Science
NASA Goddard: "Ocean Currents Visualization" - Satellite oceanography
🧭 Integration Investigation
Traditional Indicators:
- Bird flight patterns (seabird behavior)
- Wave reflection and refraction patterns
- Star compass and celestial navigation
- Ocean phosphorescence and water color
- Wind patterns and cloud formations
Scientific Explanations:
- Seabird ecology and feeding behaviors
- Physics of wave propagation and interference
- Celestial mechanics and Earth's rotation
- Bioluminescence and water chemistry
- Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics
⭐ Astronomical Knowledge
Māori Star Knowledge + Modern Astronomy
Māori Astronomical Knowledge
🌟 Key Star Groups:
- Matariki: Pleiades cluster - New Year marker
- Te Waka o Rangi: Orion - Celestial waka
- Mahutonga: Southern Cross - Southern navigation
- Autahi: Canopus - Bright southern guide star
Search YouTube: "Māori astronomy" + "Matariki stars" + "Te Waka o Rangi"
Modern Astrophysics
Hubble Space Telescope: "Pleiades Star Cluster" - What we now know about Matariki
🔬 Hands-On Investigation: Stellar Observations
Traditional Method:
- Use Māori star maps to locate Matariki
- Observe heliacal rising (dawn appearance)
- Note seasonal changes in visibility
- Connect observations to traditional calendar
Scientific Analysis:
- Use telescope/binoculars to see individual stars
- Measure apparent magnitude and color
- Research stellar classification and distances
- Understand precession and long-term changes
🌱 Environmental Kaitiakitanga
Traditional Ecology + Environmental Science
Rongoā & Plant Science
🌿 Traditional Medicine Research:
- Kawakawa: Anti-inflammatory compounds (search: "kawakawa medicinal properties")
- Mānuka: Antibacterial honey research
- Harakeke: Wound healing and fiber science
- Kōwhai: Traditional uses vs. modern pharmacology
Note: Always involve cultural experts and follow ethical protocols
Modern Phytochemistry
University Research: "Plant Chemistry and Medicine" - How scientists study traditional remedies
Climate Knowledge Integration
Traditional Climate Indicators
- Matariki Season: Winter approach markers
- Bird Migration: Seasonal timing changes
- Plant Phenology: Flowering and fruiting cycles
- Ocean Temperatures: Fish migration patterns
- Weather Patterns: Long-term climatic cycles
Scientific Climate Data
NASA Climate Kids: "Climate Change Evidence" - Temperature, ice, and sea level data
🔢 Mathematical Patterns
Māori Patterns + Mathematical Analysis
Traditional Patterns
🎨 Geometric Analysis:
- Koru Spirals: Fibonacci sequences in fern fronds
- Tukutuku Patterns: Symmetry and tessellations
- Whakapapa Structures: Network theory and genealogy
- Haka Formations: Group dynamics and spatial mathematics
Mathematical Analysis
Numberphile: "Fibonacci in Nature" - Mathematical patterns in natural forms
🧪 Integrated Laboratory Investigations
🌊 Ocean Chemistry Lab
Investigation: Traditional knowledge of ocean conditions vs. modern chemistry
- Collect seawater from different locations/conditions
- Test pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, temperature
- Research traditional Māori indicators of ocean health
- Interview kaumātua about ocean observations
- Correlate traditional indicators with scientific measurements
- Design early warning system combining both approaches
🌱 Plant Biochemistry Lab
Investigation: Rongoā plants and their active compounds
- Select 3 traditional rongoā plants (with cultural permission)
- Extract plant compounds using safe methods
- Test for antioxidant activity, pH, basic chemistry
- Research published scientific studies on these plants
- Compare traditional uses with modern research findings
- Create information sheets respecting cultural protocols
🏆 Capstone Project: Community Science Collaboration
Partner with local iwi, hapū, or community groups to conduct research that honors both knowledge systems and benefits the community.
Project Options:
- Water quality monitoring for local marae
- Traditional medicinal plant conservation
- Climate change impacts on cultural practices
- Sustainable aquaculture using traditional methods
- Star knowledge preservation and education
Collaboration Principles:
- Community-led research questions
- Reciprocal knowledge sharing
- Results presented back to community
- Cultural protocols respected throughout
- Long-term relationships built