šŸ“š Unit Plans ā†’ šŸŒ Unit 60: Mathematics in Aotearoa ā€” Housing
Years 11ā€“13 Pāngarau / Mathematics

Unit 60: Mathematics in Aotearoa - Housing & min-height: 220px; Sustainability

Applying mathematical methods to explore real-world issues: Housing affordability, tiny homes, and cultural statistics (AS 91945).

1 Housing Data Analysis
2 Sustainable Geometry
3 Cultural Statistics
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Unit 60: Mathematics in Aotearoa

Housing, Sustainability, and Data

This unit is designed for the new NCEA Level 1 Mathematics and Statistics supervision. It focuses on AS 91945 (1.2): "Use mathematical methods to explore problems that relate to life in Aotearoa New Zealand".

Whakatūwhera - Unit Opening

We face a housing crisis and a climate crisis. How can mathematics help us understand these problems and design solutions? By analyzing data on housing affordability and using geometry to design efficient, sustainable "tiny homes", students see math as a tool for social and environmental justice.

šŸ“‹ Kaiako Planning Snapshot

Ngā Whāinga Akoranga ā€” Learning Intentions

  • Ākonga will apply mathematical thinking ā€” statistics, geometry, and data analysis ā€” to real-world housing and sustainability challenges.
  • Ākonga will understand how housing unaffordability and environmental degradation reflect systemic inequities, including impacts on Māori whānau.
  • Ākonga will draw on tikanga Māori and the concept of kaitiakitanga to evaluate sustainable design solutions.
  • Ākonga will design a mathematically-informed solution to a housing or sustainability problem in their community.

Paearu Angitu ā€” Success Criteria

  • I can collect and analyse housing data using statistical methods and explain what it shows about equity.
  • I can apply geometric principles to design an efficient and sustainable living space.
  • I can explain how whanaungatanga and manaakitanga inform community-centred housing design.
  • I can present a mathematically justified solution to a real housing or sustainability challenge.

Entry / On-Level / Extension

  • Entry: Guided data tasks with visual scaffolds; pre-built graph templates; step-by-step geometry investigations with annotations.
  • On-level: Independent data collection and analysis; design a tiny home using specified mathematical constraints; community survey task.
  • Extension: Cost-benefit analysis of sustainable housing materials; design a community development proposal integrating mātauranga Māori principles.

Inclusion Guidance

  • ESOL / ELL learners: Pre-teach vocabulary for data and geometry. Use visual diagrams and worked examples. Partner tasks encourage language development through collaboration.
  • Neurodiverse learners / ADHD: Chunked investigations with clear milestones. UDL principle: graph paper, digital tools, and physical models as alternative representations. Choice of final format.
  • Dyslexia: Emphasis on visual and spatial tasks where possible; oral explanation of reasoning accepted alongside written work.

Part 1: The Numbers Behind the Housing Crisis

Learning Focus

Using statistical inquiry to understand trends in house prices, rent, and inflation over the last 20 years. Students will analyze multivariate data to tell a story about equity in Aotearoa.

Key Methods

  • Time Series Data: Plotting trends over time.
  • Percentages & Ratios: Comparing income vs housing costs.
  • Interpretation: What does "median" mean in this context?

Core Activities

Part 2: Tiny Home Geometry

Learning Focus

Applying measurement and geometric reasoning to design a sustainable "Tiny Home" or "Whare Iti". Maximizing space and minimizing waste.

Key Methods

  • Area & Perimeter: Optimizing floor plans.
  • Volume: Calculating air flow and materials.
  • Scale Drawings: Creating accurate plans (1:50).

Core Activities

Part 3: Community & Culture

Learning Focus

Exploring data related to Te Reo Māori speakers, iwi demographics, and community wellbeing.

Core Activities

Related Handouts & Worksheets

Curriculum alignment

  • Number ā€” Practices: - Applying a proportional increase or decrease to a number - Calculating the percentage increase or decrease between two numbers (e.g. What is the percentage increase between ā€¦
  • Measurement ā€” Practices: - Applying a proportional increase or decrease to a number - Calculating the percentage increase or decrease between two numbers (e.g. What is the percentage increase between ā€¦
  • Statistics ā€” Practices: - Applying a proportional increase or decrease to a number - Calculating the percentage increase or decrease between two numbers (e.g. What is the percentage increase between ā€¦
  • Algebra ā€” Practices: - Applying a proportional increase or decrease to a number - Calculating the percentage increase or decrease between two numbers (e.g. What is the percentage increase between ā€¦
  • Geometry ā€” Practices: - Applying a proportional increase or decrease to a number - Calculating the percentage increase or decrease between two numbers (e.g. What is the percentage increase between ā€¦