Te Kete Ako

Learning Objectives | Ngā Whāinga Ako

By using this resource, students will:

Cultural Context | Te Horopaki Ahurea

Mathematics has always been present in Māori culture, from the complex geometric patterns in tukutuku panels to the sophisticated navigation systems used by Polynesian voyagers. This glossary acknowledges that mathematical thinking existed in Aotearoa long before European arrival.

Tikanga Considerations

Mathematics Glossary | Pātaka Kupu Pāngarau

Number | Tau
A mathematical object used to count, measure, and label.
Number Concepts
Fraction | Hautanga
Represents a part of a whole (e.g., ½ is "hautoru" for one half).
Number Concepts
Decimal | Tau ā-ira
A number that uses a decimal point to show tenths, hundredths, etc.
Number Concepts
Algebra | Tātaitanga
The branch of mathematics using symbols to represent numbers.
Algebra
Variable | Taurangi
A symbol (usually a letter) that represents an unknown value.
Algebra
Equation | Whārite
A mathematical statement showing two expressions are equal.
Algebra
Geometry | Mātauranga āhuahanga
The study of shapes, sizes, and properties of space.
Geometry
Triangle | Tapatoru
A three-sided polygon (note: "tapa" means side, "toru" means three).
Geometry
Circle | Porowhita
A perfectly round shape with all points equidistant from the centre.
Geometry
Measurement | Inenga
The process of determining the size, length, or amount of something.
Measurement
Area | Horahanga
The size of a surface (traditionally important in land measurement).
Measurement
Volume | Nui ake
The amount of space occupied by a three-dimensional object.
Measurement
Statistics | Tatauranga
The collection, analysis, interpretation of numerical data.
Statistics
Average | Toharite
A single value representing the middle of a data set.
Statistics
Graph | Kauwhata
A visual representation of data or relationships.
Statistics
Pattern | Tauira
A repeated decorative design or sequence in mathematics.
General
Symmetry | Hangarite
When one shape becomes exactly like another when moved.
Geometry
Probability | Tūponotanga
The likelihood of an event occurring.
Statistics

Assessment Rubric | Aromatawai

Criteria Emerging (1-2) Developing (3-4) Proficient (5-6) Advanced (7-8)
Terminology Knowledge Can identify a few terms in both languages Knows most terms in one language, some in both Accurately uses most terms in both languages Fluently uses all terms appropriately in context
Cultural Connections Limited awareness of Māori mathematical concepts Basic understanding of some Māori mathematical ideas Clear understanding of Māori mathematical perspectives Sophisticated integration of Māori mathematical knowledge
Application Needs support to use terms correctly Uses terms correctly with some prompting Independently uses terms correctly in appropriate contexts Creatively applies terms in novel mathematical situations

Extension Activities | Ngā Ngohe Whakawhānui

1. Mathematical Whakataukī (Proverbs)

Research traditional Māori proverbs that contain mathematical concepts. For example:

"Ka pū te ruha, ka hao te rangatahi"

(As the old net withers, the new net goes fishing) - can be related to concepts of replacement and renewal cycles.

2. Create Bilingual Word Problems

Write mathematical word problems that incorporate both English and Te Reo Māori terms. For example:

"Kei te hokona e Hemi ētaha porowhita (circles) e rua. Ko te waenganui pātahi (radius) o te tuatahi he 5cm, ko te tuarua he 3cm. He aha te horahanga (area) katoa?"

3. Māori Measurement Systems

Research traditional Māori measurement systems for:

Compare these with modern measurement systems.

Teacher Implementation Notes

Suggested Approaches

Differentiation Strategies

Assessment Ideas

Additional Resources | Ngā Rauemi Anō