Using dual knowledge systems – the Big Bang and Te Kore
Investigate the origins of the universe via dual knowledge systems – the rapid expansion of space via the Big Bang theory and te ao Māori cosmological origins via Te Kore.
Both systems explain how the universe came into being and involve the transformation from one state to another. While the Big Bang theory focuses on physical processes, Te Kore includes relationships and whakapapa.
Big Bang theory and Māori origin stories
Ākonga and kaiako share learning experiences connecting Māori creation narratives with the the Big Bang theory.
Select here to view video transcript, questions for discussion and copyright information.
This activity suite arose from a student-led inquiry into the origins of the universe, where learners connected a Māori creation narrative (ngā atua Ranginui and Papatūānuku) with the Western scientific Big Bang theory. It uses discussion, hands-on experiments, movement activities, modelling and timelines to explore dual knowledge systems.
The activities include:
using dots on a balloon to represent the expansion of the universe
using a ribbon to represent key events on a timeline
using physical drama to recreate Te Pō and Te Ao Mārama
using a Venn diagram to compare similarities and differences between the Big Bang theory and Te Kore.
The activity instructions are in the slideshow below.
It all started with the Big Bang and Te Kore – slideshow
Use these simple activities to explore the origins of our universe – using a bicultural approach.
Use the slideshow menu for further options, including viewing in full screen.
The use of analogies
The activities use analogies to explain complex scientific and cultural concepts. They are useful in helping ākonga visualise abstract ideas but may require discussion and scaffolding to avoid creating misconceptions. The following resources provide additional information:
What is the Big Bang? – NASA Science
Curious Kids: what started the Big Bang? – The Conversation
Te ao Māori – space whakapapa – Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao
The Māori Creation Story – Te Reo Māori Classroom
Karakia waiata – Te Tīmatatanga
Ākonga from Arataki School share a waiata karakia about the creation of the world.
Select here to view video transcript and copyright information.
The use of additional creation narratives
The pūrākau featured in this activity is one of many origin stories within the Pacific. Check with your local community to find narratives significant to them for use alongside the dual knowledge systems presented in this activity.
Related content
The articles Teaching from multiple knowledge systems and Learning from bicultural design explain the pedagogical advantages of using bicultural and multi-knowledge systems approaches.
These case studies feature teaching and learning using dual knowledge systems:
Case study: Kī-o-rahi tells how ākonga from Te Ākau ki Pāpāmoa School – driven by a strong personal and cultural interest in the game kī-o-rahi – led an inquiry that integrated mātauranga Māori, historical inquiry, scientific thinking and future-focused design.
Case study: Nature to the rescue! Wetland fibres versus oil! details how ākonga from Pāpāmoa Primary School were inspired to investigate repo plants – using mātauranga Māori as a source of scientific insight.
Case study: Te hauora o Te Ara o Wairākei explores a student-led science inquiry into the health of Te Ara o Wairākei, a local kōawa. Ākonga from Pāpāmoa Primary School investigated the environmental, cultural and ecological wellbeing of the waterway through mātauranga Māori and scientific practices.
Case study: Ngā tohu o te maramataka – exploring lunar signs explains how ākonga from Te Ākau ki Pāpāmoa School in Tauranga inquired into the maramataka tohu (signs), focusing on how they are observed and used in the present day.
Educator Chloe Stantiall used bicultural design to explore kōwhai mātauranga with her year 5–6 students.
Ngā rākau ❘ Trees is a bicultural unit that presents information in beautifully illustrated, easy-to-access formats within bilingual articles and reo Māori Word documents.