Matariki Star Exploration

Year Level

Year 10 (Level 1 and 2 learners) – Te reo Māori

Duration

50 minutes

Class Size

22 students, working individually or in pairs

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Overview

Students will research the Matariki constellation or individual stars, including related myths, pūrākau (traditional stories), and scientific aspects such as connections to harvest and seasonal changes. Puanga is an alternative focus star for some iwi and can also be researched. The curriculum outcome focuses on engagement with Te reo Māori, mātauranga Māori, digital literacy, and critical thinking through multimodal presentation of findings.

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Curriculum Links

This lesson plan aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh (Te Mātaiaho), specifically within the English and Te reo Māori learning areas, weaving in cultural knowledge and digital fluency:

• Te reo Māori Learning Area: Develop students’ capability to research, comprehend, and communicate knowledge in te reo Māori and about Māori cultural contexts (Mātaiaho English Learning Area – connecting through storytelling and comprehension of texts) .
• Key Competencies:
  • Using language, symbols, and texts – to research and communicate information;
  • Managing self – planning and managing paired work and time;
  • Thinking – critically investigating pūrākau and scientific information;
  • Relating to others – collaborating in pairs;
  • Participating and contributing – sharing findings in oral, written, or digital form .
• Principles:
  • Reflect local tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te ao Māori;
  • Promote equitable outcomes for Māori students and include Māori cultural heritage in teaching and learning .
• Digital Technology: Use Chromebooks for digital research and creation, supporting literacy with digital tools .

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Research and collect information about Matariki stars or Puanga, incorporating myths, pūrākau, and scientific facts.
2. Assess and connect traditional Māori knowledge and stories with scientific understanding of Matariki and seasonal cycles.
3. Create and present a chosen outcome that expresses their understanding—oral storytelling, visual art, or factual presentation, utilising digital tools or written formats.
4. Collaborate effectively in pairs or work independently, managing use of time and resources.

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Resources

• Chromebooks (one per pair or individual)
• Access to digital research materials (approved Māori pūrākau sources, scientific articles)
• Art supplies (paper, coloured pencils, markers)
• Presentation tools (digital slide software or paper for notes/storyboards)
• Whiteboard and markers

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Lesson Plan Details

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Teacher Introduction: Briefly introduce Matariki and its significance in Aotearoa. Explain the dual focus options: the full Matariki constellation or focusing on an individual star (including Puanga if desired).
• Learning Intentions: Share the goal of researching myths, pūrākau, foreign comparisons (e.g., Pleiades), and scientific facts, including links to harvest and seasonal change.
• Success Criteria: Students will gather meaningful information and create an expressive outcome (story, art, or presentation).
• Grouping: Arrange students in pairs or allow individual work based on preference.
• Demonstrate Research Tools: Show efficient strategies for using Chromebooks to find reliable information and remind students about evaluating sources. Tie to digital literacy competencies .

2. Research Phase (20 minutes)

• Students use Chromebooks to research their chosen topic. Encourage them to:
  • Find Māori myths and pūrākau related to Matariki or stars within it, and/or Puanga.
  • Discover scientific facts about the constellation, its visibility, and its role in marking seasonal change and harvest times.
  • Explore stories from other cultures (e.g., Greek Pleiades) for cultural comparison.
• Students record key points, quotes, or visuals to use in their final product. Teacher circulates to support research, checking comprehension and encouraging deeper questions.

3. Creation Phase (15 minutes)

• Students choose one of the following to demonstrate their learning:
  • Tell a Story: Prepare a short oral story drawing from their research, possibly incorporating te reo phrases or storytelling techniques.
  • Create Art: Draw or design a visual representation of Matariki or chosen star’s story or role in nature and culture.
  • Present Factual Information: Draft or digital presentation summarising their findings, including myth and science connections.
• Students can prepare notes or rehearsal for presentations if oral, or focus on creativity and accuracy if art or written/digital presentation.

4. Sharing and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Invite a few pairs to share their stories or present their art or findings briefly with the class.
• Facilitate a reflective discussion about how Matariki connects to Māori identity, seasonal changes, and scientific phenomena.
• Reinforce the importance of mātauranga Māori alongside Western scientific knowledge.
• Highlight skills used: researching, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication in te reo Māori.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Formative assessment through observation during research: engagement, source evaluation, and note-taking.
• Summative assessment opportunities through the final product, evaluating:
  • Use of language and vocabulary in te reo Māori;
  • Depth and accuracy of research (traditional and scientific knowledge);
  • Creativity and clarity in expression (oral, written, artistic, or digital);
  • Collaboration and self-management skills exhibited.

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Differentiation and Inclusion

• Pairing stronger readers/writers with peers needing extra support to scaffold language and digital skills.
• Providing vocabulary banks and sentence starters in te reo Māori for oral or written outputs.
• Allow options for text-based or visual presentations to support diverse learning strengths.
• Flexibility in pacing for students who need extended time within the 50 minutes or require follow-up sessions.

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Reflection and Extension

• Encourage students to continue exploring regional iwi perspectives on Matariki and Puanga.
• Integrate a practical activity such as planting gardens triggered by Matariki knowledge to connect learning to real-world seasonal changes.
• For extended learning, students could investigate navigation and astronomy in Māori knowledge systems.

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This lesson embodies the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh’s vision for learning that connects with cultural identity, digital fluency, critical thinking, collaboration, and authentic contexts relevant to New Zealand students’ lives .