Numeracy Unit Overview for Taumata 6 (Year 7 & 8)

This four-lesson numeracy unit integrates statistics, fractions, and percentages with Taonga Māori themes. It aligns closely with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh (Te Mātaiaho) for Year 7 & 8 students, fostering mathematical understanding through culturally relevant contexts. The unit emphasises using data to explore Taonga Māori topics around distribution, comparison, and representation of fractions and percentages.

---

Curriculum Alignment Summary

Maths & Statistics Learning Areas (Years 7 & 8)

Number and Algebra:

• Identify, read, write, compare and order fractions, decimals, and percentages.
• Use equivalent fractions to compare and order fractions.
• Multiply fractions and decimals by whole numbers.
• Find percentages of whole numbers and solve related problems.

Statistics:

• Collect, display, and interpret data.
• Use graphs, tables, and visual presentations to communicate findings.
• Understand distribution, comparison, and proportion in data.

Mathematical Processes and Competencies:

• Problem solving with contextual data.
• Reasoning about relationships and proportion.
• Using mathematical language connecting to context (Taonga Māori).
• Using technology for data representation.

Key Competencies:

• Thinking
• Using language, symbols and texts
• Relating to others (incorporating Māori perspectives)
• Participating and contributing

All content is based on the refreshed curriculum documents (notably Te Mātaiaho Maths 0-8 and NZC Maths Phase 3) .

---

Four-Lesson Unit Plan Summary

Lesson	Focus	Time	Main Learning Objective	Key Activities	Assessment Ideas
1	Collecting & Displaying Data	60min	Students will collect numerical data related to Taonga Māori and display it with tables and bar graphs.	- Intro Taonga Māori taonga and data concepts. - Whole-class brainstorm: types of Taonga (e.g., pounamu, tukutuku, korowai) and collect sample data. - Create frequency tables and bar graphs collaboratively.	Formative: Check tables and graphs for accuracy and appropriate scaling. Observation of use of mathematical vocabulary.
2	Fractions of Taonga Data	60min	Students will identify and represent fractions describing Taonga data sets, and find equivalent fractions.	- Recap fractions and equivalence. - Use the data from Lesson 1 (e.g., proportion of different Taonga types) to calculate fractions of total. - Paper folding or fraction wall activity using Taonga images. - Explain equivalency and simplification grounded in Taonga contexts.	Peer assessment on fraction representations. Student explanation of fraction concepts with Taonga examples.
3	Percentages & Comparisons	60min	Students will convert fractions and decimals to percentages in context of Taonga data and compare proportions.	- Model converting fractions to decimals and percentages using bar models. - Students calculate percentage representation for Taonga categories. - Class discussion on comparison of percentages (e.g., Which Taonga is most/least common?). - Visualise results through pie chart construction.	Students create and present pie charts with percentage labels. Checklist for correct conversion/equivalence.
4	Statistical Reasoning & Reflection	60min	Students use data on Taonga Māori to reason about distribution, differences, and trends, evaluating findings.	- Review previous lessons’ data and visualisations. - Problem-solving scenarios, e.g., "If korowai increase by 20%, how does this affect proportional distribution?" - Use bar models & calculations to find percentage increase/decrease and interpret results. - Group reflection on what these statistics reveal about Taonga richness and cultural value.	Summative: Written response answering investigative question linking maths and Māori context. Use rubric assessing mathematical reasoning and cultural understanding.

---

Detailed Lesson Plan: Lesson 1 Sample

Lesson 1: Exploring Data and Representing it Visually

Duration: 60 minutes
Class size: 25 students
Learning Objective:
Students will collect and organise data about Taonga Māori, developing frequency tables and bar graphs to represent the distribution of Taonga types.
(ref: Te Mātaiaho - Statistics Year 7-8 and Number - fractions/decimals)

Success Criteria

• Identify categories of Taonga Māori and count their occurrences.
• Create and label frequency tables correctly.
• Construct bar graphs with scaled axes and labels.
• Use correct vocabulary: frequency, category, bar graph, axis, scale.

Materials

• Printed pictures or cards of various Taonga Māori (pounamu, tukutuku panels, korowai, carvings).
• Chart paper or digital equivalent.
• Graph paper or software for bar graphs.
• Markers, rulers.

Lesson Steps

1. Introduction and Cultural Context (10 mins)

• Begin with a brief discussion about Taonga Māori and their significance. Ask students to name or describe examples.
• Explain the importance of understanding distribution and data about these treasures to appreciate cultural significance.

2. Data Collection Activity (15 mins)

• Present a mixed set of Taonga Māori images/cards.
• Students in pairs tally the frequency of each type of Taonga they see or have in the classroom sets.
• Collate data as a class, creating a collective frequency table on a whiteboard or chart paper.

3. Creating Bar Graphs (25 mins)

• Demonstrate how to take the table and turn it into a bar graph using graph paper or a digital tool.
• Emphasise correct labelling of axes: categories on the horizontal and frequency on the vertical.
• Students create their own bar graphs from the frequency table.
• Walk around supporting estimation and correct scale selection.

4. Discussion and Summary (10 mins)

• Discuss what can be learnt from the bar graph about the distribution of Taonga types.
• Highlight vocabulary used: frequency, categories, distribution, scale.
• Students share one interesting insight they found from the graph.

Assessment & Feedback

• Observe and note students’ accuracy in constructing tables and graphs.
• Quick exit slip: Students write down what data their graph shows about Taonga distribution.
• Use of vocabulary in explanation.

---

Creative Extensions & Tips for Teachers

• Link to reo Māori by encouraging Māori terms for fractions and percentages.
• Use local iwi data if available, such as taonga counts or types from local museums or iwi collections.
• Incorporate digital tools like spreadsheets or graphing apps for data visualisation to support 21st-century skills (digital fluency).
• Use storytelling to embed maths in Māori narratives of the taonga.

---

This unit encourages a balance of cultural relevance, mathematical rigour, and practical data handling skills whilst following the refreshed NZ Curriculum guidance for Year 7 & 8 numeracy, espousing the vision of Te Mātaiaho for responsive and meaningful mathematics education .

If you want, I can provide the complete lesson plan details for all four lessons with timings and slides/worksheets suggestions.