Puzzling out Pacific migrations
Puzzling out Pacific migrations explores possible reasons for the long pause between two phases of migration across the Pacific. It shows how scientists interpret data patterns to gain insight into the movement of Pacific peoples across that region.
Te Aurere
Diagram of the Te Aurere built by Hekenukumai Busby in 1991–1992. This was New Zealand’s first waka hourua.
Puzzling out Pacific migrations is a ready-to-use cross curricular teaching resource. It uses the Ministry of Education’s 2019 Connected article The long pause by Dr Amber Aranui.
The Connected article is accompanied by an audio narration, which may be useful for some readers.
Curriculum information
‘The long pause’ is a non-fiction article suitable for students working at NZC level 3 and above. The article and accompanying activities support learning in multiple curriculum areas.
Literacy:
Locating and summarising ideas.
Interpreting visual language.
Social sciences – social studies:
Movement of people affects cultural diversity and interaction – within New Zealand.
Science – Nature of Science:
Appreciate that science is a way of explaining the world and that science knowledge changes over time.
Connected article: The long pause
An article in the 2019 level 3 Connected journal Shifting Views, published by the Ministry of Education, New Zealand.
Illustrations by Mat Tait and background paper texture by George Frost.
Customising the resources
The worksheet Puzzling our Pacific migrations – learning activities is available in a Word file here and also in the link at the bottom of the page.
Feel free to edit the Word document to meet the needs of your programme and your learners.
A reminder – the journal article is accompanied by teacher support material (TSM). It provides instructional strategies, highlights key science ideas and has activity ideas.
Related content
Explore further how we harness wind power.
Navigating without instruments – introduction curates the Hub’s resources on Pacific navigation. It contains articles and activities about this ancient science.
Useful links
Download the Measuring the wind poster from MetService Learning Centre.
Assessment Resource Banks (ARBs) has a discussion activity on the benefits/downfalls of windfarms. (You must be logged in to access the resource.)
The Connected journals can be ordered from the Down the Back of the Chair website. Access to these resources is restricted to Ministry-approved education providers. To find out if you are eligible for a login or if you have forgotten your login details, contact their customer services team on 0800 660 662 or email orders@thechair.education.govt.nz.
Acknowledgement
The Connected series is published annually by the Ministry of Education, New Zealand.
