Fijian Bilibili Exploration

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Unit: Raft Building Adventures

Lesson 2 of 6

Year Level: 6
Subject: Technology
Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 20 students

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Lesson Overview

In this lesson, students will investigate the Fijian Bilibili raft, exploring its construction methods, the materials used, and the cultural significance it holds in Fijian society. Through analysis and comparison, students will develop an understanding of traditional raft-building techniques and relate these to wider Polynesian and global raft-building traditions. This experience connects with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh, particularly within the Technology learning area, focusing on developing students as innovative developers and discerning consumers through understanding technological products and systems in society.

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Learning Outcomes and Curriculum Links

Technology learning area - Level 3 (Year 6 approximate):

• Technological Practice: Understand and explore how products and systems are developed and used in society (Refreshed NZC Technology Learning Area).
• Technological Knowledge: Investigate the characteristics and properties of materials and tools used in technology.
• Technological Characteristics: Understand how cultural values, beliefs, and traditions influence technological outcomes.
• Technological Modelling & Outcome Development: Use critical and creative thinking to explore existing products and design solutions.

Key Competencies highlighted:

• Managing self: Setting goals and monitoring progress during inquiry.
• Thinking: Analyzing and investigating materials and cultural significance.
• Relating to others: Sharing findings and respecting Māori and Pacific worldviews.

Achievement Objective: Technology Level 3 (Aligns with NZ Curriculum Refresh):

• Students investigate characteristics and properties of materials and components, explaining their suitability for intended purposes.
• Students understand how technological outcomes reflect cultural and societal values and needs.

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Materials Needed

• Pictures and videos of Fijian Bilibili rafts (printed or digital).
• Samples or images of traditional materials (e.g., bamboo, pandanus, rope types).
• Comparison images of other traditional rafts (e.g., Polynesian vaka, other Pacific or indigenous rafts).
• Worksheet for analysis and comparison (including guided questions).
• Chart paper and markers for group brainstorming.
• Digital device (tablet or computer) for research (optional).

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction and Setting the Scene (10 minutes)

• Engage: Begin with a captivating short video or story about the Fijian Bilibili raft, highlighting its uniqueness and cultural role in Fiji.
• Discuss: What is a raft and why did communities like those in Fiji build Bilibili rafts? What are their main uses?
• Set learning intentions: Explain that today’s focus is investigating how the Bilibili is built, what materials are used, and why it is important to Fijian culture.

2. Exploring Materials and Construction (15 minutes)

• Group Activity (5 groups of 4): Provide images and/or samples of the materials traditionally used—bamboo, ropes, etc.
• Each group discusses and notes:
  • What materials are used?
  • Why might they be suitable (specific properties like buoyancy, flexibility, availability)?
  • What techniques might be used to bind or construct the raft?
• Teacher facilitates with probing questions linked to materials technologies concepts from NZ Curriculum (properties and suitability of materials).

3. Cultural Significance and Comparison (15 minutes)

• Groups research or share teacher-provided brief descriptions of the cultural importance of Bilibili rafts in Fijian society (e.g., transport, trade, connection with environment and ancestors).
• Compare the Bilibili to other traditional rafts: Identify similarities and differences in materials and construction techniques. Discuss how geography and culture influence these designs (link to societal needs).
• Groups record findings on a chart for class sharing.

4. Class Discussion and Reflection (10 minutes)

• Each group presents a summary of their findings about materials, construction, and cultural aspects.
• Discuss as a class: How do cultural values and environments shape technology?
• Highlight connections to New Zealand’s own watercraft traditions and encourage respect for different worldviews.

5. Formative Assessment and Wrap-Up (10 minutes)

• Students individually complete a short worksheet prompting them to:
  • Describe two materials used in the Bilibili and explain why they are important.
  • Explain one way the Fijian Bilibili raft reflects Fijian cultural values.
  • Identify one difference between the Bilibili and another traditional raft studied.
• Collect worksheets for teacher to assess understanding of materials, cultural context, and comparative analysis.

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Teaching and Learning Tips

• Frame the lesson within manaakitanga (respect), recognising and valuing Pacific cultures alongside tangata whenua perspectives.
• Use visual and hands-on materials appropriate for year 6 students to support diverse learning styles.
• Scaffold questioning from simple recall towards deeper reasoning about cultural-technological relationships (aligns with NZC Thinking competency).
• Encourage students to work collaboratively while developing self-management skills.
• Use explicit vocabulary related to materials technology and cultural heritage to build subject-specific language.

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Curriculum References

• Technology Level 3 Achievement Objectives: Investigate characteristics and properties of materials (New Zealand Curriculum Refresh).
• Ngā Matauranga Māori Connections: Emphasise understanding and respecting Pacific and Māori cultural contexts in technology use and development (New Zealand Curriculum key competencies).
• Connection with the Social Sciences learning area acknowledgment of cultural significance and community traditions.
• Incorporate literacy skills in reading and summarising information, and communication competencies.

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This lesson balances technical material understanding with cultural inquiry, fostering a holistic technological education aligned with the refreshed NZ Curriculum for Year 6 students.

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If you need further refinements or resources, please ask!