Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Explain key principles of traditional Māori navigation (whakatere waka)
- Compare and contrast celestial navigation with modern GPS technology
- Describe how Māori navigators used environmental indicators (stars, ocean currents, bird behavior)
- Analyze the scientific principles underlying both traditional and modern navigation
- Create a hybrid navigation system combining traditional knowledge with modern technology
Cultural Context: Tikanga Māori
This lesson explores mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) related to wayfinding. Key concepts include:
- Whakapapa - The genealogical connection between navigators, their vessels, and the natural world
- Kaitiakitanga - The responsibility to protect and maintain navigation knowledge
- Mana - The prestige and authority carried by expert navigators
Cultural Considerations:
- Traditional navigation knowledge is considered tapu (sacred) - treat with respect
- When discussing Māori star lore, use the Māori names for constellations (e.g., Te Punga - the anchor, rather than "Southern Cross")
- Acknowledge that this knowledge was nearly lost during colonization and is now being revitalized
Traditional Māori Navigation
Māori ancestors navigated vast ocean distances using sophisticated environmental observations:
Interactive: Match the Navigation Method
Drag the Māori term to its correct description (simulated interaction for HTML-only):
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Te kapehu whetū | Reading star paths and constellations |
| Te ara moana | Ocean highways marked by currents and swells |
| Te manu | Observing bird flight patterns |
| Te kōrero o ngā ngaru | Interpreting wave patterns |
Key Navigation Elements
- Celestial Navigation: Using stars (whetū), sun (rā), and moon (marama)
- Oceanography: Reading currents (au), swells, and water color
- Biology: Observing migratory birds and marine life
- Meteorology: Understanding wind patterns and weather signs
Modern GPS Technology
Global Positioning Systems use satellite networks to determine precise locations:
- 24+ satellites orbiting Earth
- Triangulation from multiple satellites
- Atomic clocks for precise timing
- Radio signals transmitted at light speed
Activity: Compare Navigation Systems
Create a Venn diagram comparing traditional Māori navigation with modern GPS:
| Traditional Māori Navigation | Both Systems | Modern GPS |
|---|---|---|
| Relies on environmental observation | Require mathematical calculations | Uses satellite technology |
| Passed down through oral tradition | Used for precise location finding | Digital data transmission |
| Connected to cultural knowledge | Affected by weather conditions | Requires electrical power |
Integration Activity
Design a Hybrid Navigation System
Working in groups, design a navigation system that combines traditional Māori knowledge with modern GPS technology:
- Identify 3 traditional methods that could enhance GPS
- Explain how modern technology could support traditional navigation
- Create a prototype sketch of your hybrid system
- Present your design to the class
Assessment Rubric
| Criteria | Advanced (4) | Proficient (3) | Developing (2) | Beginning (1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding of traditional navigation | Detailed explanation with accurate Māori terms | Clear explanation with some Māori terms | Basic understanding with few Māori terms | Limited understanding |
| Analysis of GPS technology | Thorough technical explanation | Clear explanation of key concepts | Basic description | Minimal description |
| Integration of systems | Innovative combination with clear benefits | Logical combination with some benefits | Simple combination | Little integration |
| Cultural respect | Demonstrates deep respect and understanding | Shows appropriate respect | Basic cultural awareness | Cultural aspects overlooked |
Extension Activities
Option 1: Star Compass Construction
Create a physical star compass (kapehu whetū) model showing key Māori navigation stars.
Option 2: Wayfinding Simulation
Using Google Earth, plot a hypothetical voyage from Hawaiki to Aotearoa using traditional methods.
Option 3: Modern Voyage Analysis
Research the 1985 voyage of waka hourua (double-hulled canoe) Hawaikinui that revived traditional navigation.
Teacher Implementation Notes
Prior Knowledge
Students should have basic understanding of:
- Earth's rotation and celestial movement
- Basic geography of Pacific Ocean
- Fundamentals of radio waves/satellites
Differentiation Strategies
- Support: Provide pre-made comparison charts with some entries filled
- Extend: Challenge students to calculate navigation errors in traditional vs GPS systems
- Māori Learners: Invite whānau with navigation knowledge to share
Timing
Suggested lesson sequence (3-4 periods):
- Introduction to traditional navigation (1 period)
- GPS technology and comparison (1 period)
- Integration activity (1-2 periods)
Resources & References
Digital Resources
- Te Ara Encyclopedia: Māori Canoe Navigation
- NZ Science Learning Hub: Polynesian Navigation
- Voyaging Society: Hōkūleʻa Voyages
Print Resources
- Evans, J. (2011). Polynesian Navigation and the Discovery of New Zealand
- Matamua, R. (2017). Matariki: The Star of the Year
- Taonui, R. (2009). Māori Navigation in Te Ara
Cultural Advisors
Consider contacting local iwi or waka (canoe) groups for authentic perspectives.