Lesson 3: Coordinates — Plotting Animal Locations on a Grid
Introducing the Cartesian coordinate plane using Hamilton Zoo as the map — plotting (x,y) coordinates to pinpoint every animal enclosure with mathematical precision.
🎯 Ngā Whāinga Akoranga | Learning Intentions
The Cartesian coordinate system (x-axis = horizontal, y-axis = vertical); how to read and plot (x,y) coordinate pairs; that coordinates are always written as (x,y) — across first, then up.
Plot 8 animal enclosure locations as (x,y) coordinates on a coordinate grid overlay of the zoo map; read coordinates from a plotted grid.
🎥 Media Anchor & Mathematical Scaffold
Introduction to Coordinate Grids — Plotting Points
Video: kaiako to select — guidance below.
🎬 Kaiako: Select and embed a video here
Suggested search: "Introduction to Coordinate Grids — Plotting Points"
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
You know grid references (like B3). Now we're upgrading to COORDINATES — exact points using two numbers: (x,y). How is (3,2) different from (2,3)? Let's find out using the zoo map.
👁️ 2. During Viewing
- Early in the clip: Plot the point (4,2) on your coordinate grid. Now plot (2,4). How are they different? Are they the same location?
- Midway: The x-axis goes ACROSS (like the corridor). The y-axis goes UP (like the staircase). Remember: along the corridor, then up the stairs — x then y.
- Later in the clip: Why are exact coordinates more precise than grid squares (like B3)? When would you need this precision in real life?
🗣️ 3. After Viewing — Kaiako Move
Kaiako Move: Overlay a coordinate grid on the zoo map (printed or projected). Model plotting three animal enclosures as (x,y) coordinates. Students practise plotting and reading coordinates in pairs.
Task: Coordinate Zoo Map: On your coordinate grid overlay, plot 8 animal enclosures as (x,y) pairs. Write a list: 'The kiwi enclosure is at (3,5).' Check your answers with a partner.
⚡ Whakaoho | Do Now (5 mins)
Quick drill: write the coordinates for these points on your grid — (1,4), (3,2), (5,5), (2,1). Who can plot all four correctly in under 60 seconds?
📐 Activity 1: Guided Mathematical Exploration (25 mins)
Animal coordinate card game: one student reads a coordinate from their card, partner locates the animal on the zoo map. Swap roles. First pair to complete 10 correct identifications wins.
✍️ Activity 2: Application & Reflection (20 mins)
Mystery animal challenge: kaiako gives coordinates — students plot them on their grid and identify which zoo animal lives at that location. Wrong answers must show their working to find the error.
🏫 Kaiako Planning & Pedagogy Notes
Curriculum Alignment: Te Mataiaho Mathematics Phase 3 — Geometry: plot and read coordinate pairs on a Cartesian grid; understand the (x,y) convention.
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.