Mathematics Level 3

Hamilton Zoo Adventure Te Kōpere Kararehe o Kirikiriroa

Coordinate Geometry Through Zoo Exploration

Unit Overview | Tirohanga Whānui

Students explore coordinate geometry by navigating Hamilton Zoo using real map coordinates, plotting animal locations, and calculating distances between exhibits. This hands-on approach connects mathematical concepts to a familiar New Zealand location.

📐 NZ Curriculum Phase 3 Alignment

  • Geometry: Locating coordinate points on a coordinate plane
  • Geometry: Using grid references to identify regions and plot positions
  • Geometry: Interpreting and creating grid maps with directional language
  • Measurement: Using scales, compass points, and distance

🎯 Learning Intentions | Whāinga Ako

Coordinates

Students will plot and identify locations using (x,y) coordinates on the Hamilton Zoo map

Grid References

Students will use alphanumeric grid systems to locate and describe animal exhibits

Distance & Direction

Students will calculate distances and describe directions between zoo locations

Scale & Mapping

Students will interpret map scales to calculate real-world distances

📚 Unit Structure | Hoahoa Wāhanga

1

Zoo Map Orientation

Te Reo: Whakatōngatanga Mahere

  • Introduction to Hamilton Zoo layout
  • Basic coordinate system setup
  • Identifying major landmarks and exhibits
  • Creating a simple grid overlay
2

Animal Location Plotting

Te Reo: Whakatakoto Tauwāhi Kararehe

  • Plotting animal locations using coordinates
  • Reading coordinates from the zoo map
  • Creating a zoo animal coordinate database
  • Using positive coordinates only (Quadrant I)
3

Pathways and Navigation

Te Reo: Ngā Ara me te Whakatere

  • Planning efficient routes through the zoo
  • Using compass directions (N, S, E, W)
  • Calculating shortest paths between exhibits
  • Understanding grid references for navigation
4

Distance and Scale

Te Reo: Roa me te Inenga

  • Interpreting map scale for Hamilton Zoo
  • Converting grid units to metres/kilometres
  • Calculating walking distances between animals
  • Planning time-efficient zoo visits
5

Zoo Conservation Project

Te Reo: Kaupapa Tiakitanga Kōpere

  • Designing new exhibit locations using coordinates
  • Considering animal habitat requirements and spacing
  • Creating scaled drawings of proposed exhibits
  • Presenting recommendations with mathematical justification

🦁 Key Activities | Ngā Hohenga Matua

Activity 1: Hamilton Zoo Coordinate Hunt

Duration: 40 minutes

Materials: Hamilton Zoo map, coordinate worksheets, coloured pencils

Steps:

  1. Students receive the Hamilton Zoo map with coordinate grid overlay
  2. Create coordinate system: Entrance at (0,0), positive axes extending into zoo
  3. Identify and plot coordinates for:
    • Giraffe exhibit: (12, 8)
    • Tiger enclosure: (6, 15)
    • Elephant area: (18, 12)
    • Wetlands: (8, 20)
    • Chimpanzee exhibit: (15, 18)
  4. Students check their plotting by describing animal neighbours
  5. Extension: Plot additional facilities (toilets, food kiosk, playground)

Activity 2: Zoo Navigator Challenge

Duration: 35 minutes

Materials: Zoo map, direction compass, calculator

Navigation Challenges:

  1. Efficient Zoo Visit: Plan route visiting Giraffes → Tigers → Elephants
    • Calculate total grid distance
    • Identify compass directions for each leg
    • Find alternative routes and compare distances
  2. Emergency Response: Staff need to get from entrance to each animal quickly
    • Find shortest path to each major exhibit
    • Create emergency access map with coordinates
  3. Family Fun Day: Design route suitable for families with young children
    • Include playground, toilets, and cafe coordinates
    • Minimize backtracking and walking distance

Activity 3: Scale and Real Distance

Duration: 45 minutes

Materials: Rulers, calculators, real zoo statistics

Working with Scale 1:2000 (1cm = 20m)

  1. Distance Calculations:
    • Entrance to Giraffes: Grid distance 14.4 units = 288m real distance
    • Tigers to Elephants: Grid distance 15.6 units = 312m real distance
    • Walking speed 4km/h = time calculations for zoo visits
  2. Area Calculations:
    • Elephant enclosure dimensions on map vs. real area
    • Wetlands area calculation for conservation planning
    • Car park capacity using area measurements
  3. Practical Applications:
    • How long to walk around entire zoo perimeter?
    • Fuel costs for zoo maintenance vehicles
    • Planning new pathways between exhibits

✅ Assessment Opportunities | Ngā Ahuatanga Aromatawai

📊 Formative Assessment

  • Daily coordinate plotting accuracy checks
  • Peer verification of animal locations
  • Quick compass direction quizzes
  • Distance calculation warm-ups

📋 Summative Assessment

  • Zoo Guide Creation: Design coordinate-based visitor guide
  • Conservation Proposal: Plan new exhibit with mathematical justification
  • Navigation Challenge: Timed route planning with accuracy scoring

🎯 Success Criteria

  • Accurately plots points using coordinate pairs
  • Uses grid references to locate and describe positions
  • Calculates distances using scale conversions
  • Applies compass directions in navigation tasks
  • Solves real-world problems using coordinate geometry

📚 Resources Required | Ngā Rauemi

🗺️ Maps and Visuals

  • Hamilton Zoo map with coordinate grid overlay
  • Large format classroom display map
  • Individual student map copies
  • Transparent coordinate grid sheets
  • Compass rose reference charts

🧮 Equipment

  • Rulers and measuring tools
  • Calculators for scale work
  • Coloured pencils for plotting
  • Magnetic compass for direction work
  • Graph paper for extension activities

💻 Digital Resources

  • Hamilton Zoo virtual tour videos
  • Online mapping tools for comparison
  • Coordinate geometry apps/games
  • Digital protractors and rulers
  • Zoo webcam links for real-time connection

🌿 Cultural Connections

  • Māori place names around Hamilton
  • Traditional Māori navigation methods
  • Conservation values in Māori culture
  • Te reo vocabulary for directions and locations
  • Local iwi connections to land and animals

🚀 Extensions and Connections | Ngā Whakawhiti

🔗 Cross-Curricular Links

  • Science: Animal habitat requirements and spacing
  • Social Studies: Hamilton city development and planning
  • English: Writing visitor guides and direction instructions
  • Technology: Designing digital zoo maps and apps
  • Arts: Creating artistic maps with cultural elements

⭐ Challenge Activities

  • Design a new section of Hamilton Zoo using coordinate planning
  • Calculate the optimal number of pathways for visitor flow
  • Compare Hamilton Zoo layout to other famous zoos worldwide
  • Use GPS coordinates to connect map work to real technology
  • Create a treasure hunt using coordinate clues

🏠 Community Connections

  • Virtual or physical field trip to Hamilton Zoo
  • Guest speaker: Zoo planner or architect
  • Connect with Hamilton Zoo education team
  • Community mapping project around school neighbourhood
  • Share findings with Hamilton Zoo for feedback

🤔 Reflection Questions | Ngā Pātai Whakaaro

For Students | Mā Ngā Ākonga

  • How do coordinates help us describe exact locations?
  • What challenges did you face when calculating distances?
  • How might coordinate systems be used in real jobs?
  • What was surprising about the layout of Hamilton Zoo?
  • How could we improve navigation around the zoo?

For Teachers | Mā Ngā Kaiako

  • Which coordinate concepts required the most scaffolding?
  • How effectively did students connect math to real-world applications?
  • What cultural connections resonated most with students?
  • How could technology enhance this unit further?
  • What evidence shows students can apply coordinate geometry independently?