Year 9 Geography Lesson Plan: Market Day for Matariki

Objective:

Students will understand the geographical and cultural significance of Matariki (Māori New Year) and participate in a mock "Market Day" to explore Matariki-related products and practices.

Duration:

60 minutes

Class Size:

20 students

Curriculum Area and Level:

• Subject: Geography
• Level: Year 9
• Curriculum Link: The New Zealand Curriculum Online - Social Sciences

Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Describe what Matariki is and its significance in New Zealand.
2. Identify and explain the environmental, social, and economic aspects associated with Matariki.
3. Participate effectively in a simulated market environment, demonstrating understanding of geographical concepts through practical application.

Resources:

• Information handouts about Matariki.
• Projector and screen for presentation.
• Tables and signs for market stalls.
• Materials for creating products (craft supplies, seeds, local produce, etc.).
• Māori symbols and decorations for stalls.
• Matariki-related videos and multimedia resources.

Lesson Plan:

Introduction (10 minutes)

• Activity:
  • Begin with a brief presentation on Matariki, explaining its origin, cultural significance, and why it is observed in New Zealand. Use the projector to show images and short clips related to Matariki celebrations.
  • Resource: Introduction to Matariki

Discussion (10 minutes)

• Activity:
  • Engage students in a discussion about how different cultures around the world have festive seasons that include markets (e.g., Christmas markets in Europe, Lunar New Year markets in Asia).
  • Link the discussion to geographical concepts such as cultural geography and economic geography.

Planning for Market Day (15 minutes)

• Activity:
  • Divide the class into groups (4-5 members each), assigning each group a role:
    • Craft Makers
    • Food Preparers
    • Game Organisers
    • Information Providers
  • Each group plans their stall, deciding on products or activities to offer. Encourage creativity, such as traditional Matariki crafts, food items based on native plants, games related to Matariki star navigation, or information booths about environmental conservation.
  • Resource: Matariki Crafts and Food Items

Set Up & Market Simulation (20 minutes)

• Activity:
  • Allow 10 minutes for setup. Each group decorates their stall with Māori symbols and sets up their products or activities.
  • Continue with a 10-minute simulation of the market day. Students visit other groups’ stalls to ‘buy’ or participate using pretend currency.
  • Evaluate each group’s ability to explain the significance and geographical ties of their offerings.

Reflection and Cleanup (5 minutes)

• Activity:
  • Briefly discuss what students learned from the market day experience, focusing on their understanding of Matariki’s importance, and how geographical elements influence cultural practices and economies.
  • Cleanup session with student participation.

Evaluation:

• Student participation and engagement during activities.
• Ability of each group to articulate the connection of their stall’s theme to Matariki and geographical concepts.
• Feedback from students on their understanding of Matariki and cultural geographical aspects.

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By integrating a practical activity like the Market Day with the study of Matariki's geographic and cultural significance, this lesson seeks to provide Year 9 students with a deeper understanding and appreciation of New Zealand's unique heritage.