# **Creative Problem Solving with Design Thinking** ### **Cross-Curricular Lesson for Years 9-12** *Incorporating Māori Innovation Approaches (Hangarau Māori)* --- ## **Complete HTML Content for Classroom Use** ```html Creative Problem Solving with Design Thinking

Creative Problem Solving with Design Thinking

Learning Objectives

Understand the stages of Design Thinking (Hangarau Whakaaro)
Apply Māori innovation principles (Auahatanga Māori) to problem-solving
Collaborate in diverse teams to develop creative solutions
Prototype and test ideas with user feedback
Reflect on cultural perspectives in design

Cultural Context & Safety Notes

This lesson integrates Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) by exploring traditional and contemporary Māori problem-solving approaches. Key concepts include:

Whanaungatanga (relationships & collaboration)
Kaitiakitanga (guardianship & sustainability)
Wānanga (discussion & deliberation)

Cultural Safety: Ensure all students respect Māori perspectives. Avoid cultural appropriation by focusing on learning rather than claiming Māori knowledge as one's own.

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (20 min)

Watch: "What is Design Thinking?"

Discuss: How do Māori innovators solve problems differently? (e.g., using pūrākau – traditional stories)

2. Design Thinking Challenge (60 min)

Problem: "How might we improve school sustainability using Māori values?"

Empathize: Interview classmates about sustainability concerns
Define: Identify key issues (e.g., waste, energy)
Ideate: Brainstorm solutions using whakataukī (proverbs) for inspiration
Prototype: Build a simple model (digital or physical)
Test: Present to peers for feedback

3. Assessment

Students will be assessed on:

Depth of cultural integration (Māori perspectives)
Creativity & feasibility of solution
Collaboration & communication
Prototype quality & testing process

Rubric: Download Assessment Rubric (PDF)

4. Extension Activities

Research contemporary Māori innovators (e.g., Māori Tech leaders)
Compare Western and Māori design approaches
Develop a full business plan for their solution

Teacher Implementation Guide

Preparation:

Print Māori Innovation Case Studies
Prepare prototyping materials (paper, digital tools, recyclables)

Differentiation:

Struggling learners: Provide sentence starters for interviews
Advanced learners: Challenge them to incorporate multiple Māori values
ESOL students: Use visual aids and bilingual glossaries

``` --- ## **Learning Objectives (NZC Aligned)** - **Technology (Hangarau):** Develop a digital or physical prototype (Level 4-5) - **Social Sciences (Tikanga-ā-Iwi):** Analyze how cultural perspectives influence innovation - **Key Competencies:** Thinking, Relating to Others, Participating & Contributing --- ## **Cultural Context & Safety Notes** - **Māori Innovation (Auahatanga Māori):** Highlight traditional practices like rāranga (weaving) as problem-solving models - **Cultural Safety:** - Consult local iwi if adapting specific knowledge - Use Māori concepts with proper attribution - Encourage students to reflect on their own cultural perspectives --- ## **Teacher Implementation Guide** 1. **Pre-Lesson:** - Familiarize students with basic Māori terms (provide glossary) - Set up collaborative workspaces (mixed-ability groups) 2. **During Lesson:** - Guide empathy interviews with prompts: *"How does sustainability connect to kaitiakitanga?"* - Use timers for ideation (5 min silent brainstorming) 3. **Post-Lesson:** - Host a wānanga (discussion) to reflect on learnings --- ## **Assessment Suggestions** | Criteria | Achieved (✓) | Developing (△) | Needs Support (✗) | |----------|-------------|----------------|------------------| | Cultural Integration | Uses Māori concepts authentically | Surface-level reference | Minimal inclusion | | Creativity | Unique, feasible solution | Conventional ideas | Lacks originality | | Collaboration | Equal participation | Some disengagement | Dominated by 1-2 members | --- ## **Extension Activities** - **Digital Option:** Use Tinkercad for 3D prototyping - **Community Project:** Partner with local kura (school) to implement solutions --- ## **Adaptations for Diverse Learners** - **Visual Learners:** Provide infographics of Design Thinking stages - **Kinesthetic Learners:** Use physical materials for prototyping - **Neurodiverse Students:** Offer quiet brainstorming alternatives --- **Ready for immediate classroom use!** *Ngā mihi nui (thank you) for honoring Te Ao Māori in your teaching.*