Tao and Waka Mechanics

Name:

Date:

🎯 WALT & Success Criteria

We Are Learning To: Explore the mechanics behind traditional Māori tools, specifically the tao (bird snare) and waka manu (bird trap), understanding how these tools function using scientific principles.

Success Criteria - I can:

Describe the mechanical principles that allow tao and waka manu to function

Explain how forces, motion, and simple machines are involved in these tools

Use scientific vocabulary correctly when describing these mechanisms

🔧 Part 1: Understanding the Mechanics

1. What type of simple machine is primarily used in a tao (bird snare)?

Lever

Pulley

Inclined plane

Wheel and axle

2. Which forces are involved when a waka manu trap is triggered? (Select all that apply)

Tension

Compression

Friction

Gravity

3. Complete the sentence: When a bird touches the trigger mechanism, the stored _______ energy is converted to _______ energy.

When a bird touches the trigger mechanism, the stored _____________ energy is converted to _____________ energy.

4. Describe in your own words how the tao mechanism works when triggered:

🎨 Part 2: Design Challenge & Reflection

5. Draw and label a simple diagram showing the key parts of either a tao or waka manu. Include force arrows to show the direction of forces.

6. Extension Challenge: Design your own bird-friendly monitoring device (not a trap) that uses similar mechanical principles. Describe how it would work:

7. How does understanding the science behind traditional Māori tools like tao and waka manu help us appreciate mātauranga Māori?

8. Reflection: What was the most interesting thing you learned about the mechanics of these traditional tools?