Ngā Mahi - Lesson Activities (75 minutes)
1. Mātauranga Stations - Knowledge System Exploration (25 mins)
Setup: Students rotate through 4 knowledge stations, spending 6 minutes at each, discovering different aspects of traditional Māori science.
Station 1: Traditional Astronomy & Navigation
- How did Māori navigate 2000km+ ocean voyages?
- What star knowledge was essential for survival?
- How were seasonal cycles tracked without calendars?
- Examine traditional star maps and navigation tools
- Calculate optimal sailing times using lunar cycles
- Compare GPS technology with traditional methods
Station 2: Environmental Knowledge & Kaitiakitanga
- How were ecosystems managed sustainably for 700+ years?
- What environmental indicators predicted weather/seasons?
- How were food sources protected and enhanced?
- Examine traditional planting calendars
- Investigate local environmental monitoring techniques
- Research modern applications of traditional methods
Station 3: Rongoā - Traditional Medicine & Holistic Health
- How were plants tested and used for healing?
- What holistic approaches addressed mind/body/spirit?
- How was medical knowledge preserved and transferred?
- Examine traditional plant medicines (kawakawa, mānuka)
- Compare holistic vs. Western medical approaches
- Research contemporary indigenous health innovations
Station 4: Traditional Technology & Innovation
- How were sophisticated tools created without metal?
- What engineering principles enabled large structures?
- How were materials tested and perfected?
- Analyze traditional tool design and materials
- Investigate sustainable building techniques
- Research modern biomimicry inspired by traditional knowledge
2. Ngā Tahua Rangahau - Comparing Scientific Methods (20 mins)
Investigation: Students analyze how traditional Māori knowledge development compares with Western scientific method.
Traditional Māori Method
Holistic, community-centered, intergenerational
Western Scientific Method
Systematic, controlled, peer-reviewed
Both Methods Are Valid Science!
Different approaches, same goal: Understanding the world to improve life for people and communities
3. Ā Muri, Ā Mua - Looking Back to Move Forward (25 mins)
Contemporary Connections: Students research how traditional Māori knowledge is being applied to solve modern challenges.
Climate Science
Traditional seasonal indicators now help climate scientists understand long-term environmental changes and predict future patterns.
Modern Medicine
Pharmaceutical companies study traditional plant medicines to develop new treatments while respecting indigenous intellectual property.
Sustainable Technology
Engineers use traditional building techniques and biomimicry to create environmentally sustainable technologies.
Space Exploration
NASA and other space agencies study traditional navigation techniques for long-distance space travel without GPS.
Student Research Task:
Choose one contemporary application and investigate: How is traditional knowledge being combined with modern technology? What benefits does this integration provide? What challenges exist?
4. Whakaaro - Knowledge Integration Reflection (5 mins)
Personal Connection: Students reflect on how mātauranga Māori might influence their own learning and future goals.
Reflection Questions:
- How might traditional observation skills enhance your learning in other subjects?
- What traditional knowledge from your own cultural background could contribute to modern solutions?
- How could you apply holistic thinking (mind/body/spirit/community) to your studies?
- What contemporary challenges might benefit from indigenous knowledge approaches?
Cross-Curricular Applications
Science
Compare traditional and modern methods in biology, chemistry, physics investigations
Mathematics
Traditional counting systems, celestial calculations, sustainable resource management
Technology
Biomimicry design challenges, sustainable innovation projects
Geography
Traditional navigation, environmental management, climate indicators
Aromatawai - Assessment
Station Learning Portfolio
- Knowledge Documentation: Key insights from each station
- Comparison Analysis: Traditional vs. modern methods understanding
- Contemporary Connections: Research on modern applications
- Personal Reflection: How knowledge connects to their learning
Extension Projects
- Community Interview: Talk with kaumātua about traditional knowledge
- Innovation Challenge: Design solution combining traditional and modern approaches
- Research Project: Investigate contemporary indigenous scientists
- Teaching Presentation: Share knowledge with younger students
Whakamutunga - Lesson Reflection
Today we discovered that mātauranga Māori represents sophisticated science developed over centuries. Traditional knowledge systems aren't "old-fashioned" - they're innovative approaches that continue to contribute to solving contemporary challenges. The best solutions often emerge when different knowledge systems work together with mutual respect.
"Ko te manu e kai ana i te mātauranga, nōna te ao" - The bird that partakes of knowledge owns the world.