Lesson 1: Reading the Zoo Map — Finding Our Way!
Learning to read a real zoo map — identifying grid references, compass directions, and using the map key to locate Hamilton Zoo's animal enclosures.
🎯 Ngā Whāinga Akoranga | Learning Intentions
How to read an alphanumeric grid map (letter-number references); compass directions (N, S, E, W, NE, NW, SE, SW); how to use a map key/legend.
Locate five Hamilton Zoo enclosures using alphanumeric grid references; describe a route from the entrance to three exhibits using compass directions.
🎥 Media Anchor & Mathematical Scaffold
Reading Maps and Grid References — Spatial Mathematics
Video: kaiako to select — guidance below.
🎬 Kaiako: Select and embed a video here
Suggested search: "Reading Maps and Grid References — Spatial Mathematics"
Search YouTube for a short clip (5–10 min) on this topic. Verify it is age-appropriate and plays correctly before embedding. Add data-oembed-verified="true" only after verifying via YouTube oEmbed.
🧠 1. Before Viewing
Look at the Hamilton Zoo map. Before you do anything — what do you notice? What do the grid letters and numbers tell you? How would you find the kiwi enclosure without wandering around?
👁️ 2. During Viewing
- Early in the clip: The grid letters go across (A, B, C…) and numbers go down (1, 2, 3…). Point to grid square C3 on your map.
- Midway: What direction would you travel to go from the zoo entrance (bottom of the map) to the lions (top right)?
- Later in the clip: Why do maps use a grid system? How does this connect to coordinate grids in mathematics?
🗣️ 3. After Viewing — Kaiako Move
Kaiako Move: Hand out printed Hamilton Zoo maps. Model locating three enclosures using grid references. Ask: 'I'm at the kiwi house in B4 — which direction is the chimpanzee enclosure?'
Task: Zoo Scavenger Hunt: Using your map, complete the Grid Reference Card — locate 8 animals and describe how to travel between them using compass directions.
⚡ Whakaoho | Do Now (5 mins)
Look at your map for 60 seconds. Name three animals you can see. What grid square is each one in? Share with your partner.
📐 Activity 1: Guided Mathematical Exploration (25 mins)
Grid reference challenge — students locate 10 enclosures using grid references on their zoo map. Each answer includes the grid reference AND a compass direction from a given starting point.
✍️ Activity 2: Application & Reflection (20 mins)
Route planning: Plan the most efficient visitor route to see five specific animals. Write directions using compass points and estimate total walking distance using the map scale.
🏫 Kaiako Planning & Pedagogy Notes
Curriculum Alignment: Te Mataiaho Mathematics and Statistics Phase 3 — Geometry and Spatial Reasoning: use grid coordinates and compass directions to describe position and movement.
Hamilton Zoo Context: All mathematical tasks use the real Hamilton Zoo layout. Students work with actual zoo map coordinates, real enclosure distances, and genuine visitor pathway data where possible. This authentic context increases motivation and real-world transfer.
Cultural Connection: Connect coordinate navigation to traditional Polynesian wayfinding — stars as coordinate systems, waka routes as vectors, mauri/kaitiakitanga of animal species at the zoo.