Unit 4, Lesson 3: Mathematics in Cultural Context
Finding Geometry and Probability in Toi Māori
Lesson Overview
This lesson reveals the hidden mathematics within traditional Māori art and games. Students will discover that geometric principles and probability are not just abstract concepts in a textbook, but are integral parts of cultural expression and entertainment.
Enrichment Suggestion (LF_LiteracyNumeracy): Add a challenge question: "If a tukutuku panel has 100 squares, and 25 are red, 35 are black, and 40 are white, what is the ratio of red to black to white? What percentage of the panel is red?"
Learning Activities
1. Do Now: The Maths in Patterns (10 mins)
Show students images of different patterns (e.g., a tiled floor, a patterned shirt, a spiderweb). In pairs, they identify any mathematical ideas they can see (e.g., shapes, repetition, angles).
2. The Mathematics of Toi Māori (20 mins)
Hand out the Geometric Patterns in Māori Art handout. Students read through it and try the design challenge in the critical thinking section.
3. Probability in Traditional Games (15 mins)
Introduce a simple Māori game like "ruru", which involves tossing sticks and counting how they land. Discuss the probability of different outcomes. How could you represent this mathematically?
4. Exit Ticket (5 mins)
Students name one geometric principle they saw in Māori art and one place they might see probability in a traditional game.