Lesson 1: Coordinate Geometry at Hamilton Zoo — Introduction
Establishing the Cartesian coordinate plane using the real Hamilton Zoo layout — plotting enclosures as (x,y) points and reading coordinates with confidence.
🎯 Ngā Whāinga Akoranga | Learning Intentions
The Cartesian plane (x and y axes, four quadrants, origin); how to read and plot (x,y) coordinate pairs accurately; how coordinate systems underpin all map technology including GPS.
Plot 10 Hamilton Zoo enclosures as (x,y) coordinates; read coordinates from a given grid and identify the correct animal.
🎥 Media Anchor & Mathematical Scaffold
Mathematics in Context: Hamilton Zoo
Watch the full clip — 6:47. Source: Khan Academy. The clip teaches the method; the zoo context is ours, and the lesson applies it to real enclosure coordinates.
🧠 1. Before Viewing
GPS uses coordinates to pinpoint your exact location anywhere on Earth. What do you think the 'coordinates' of Hamilton Zoo's entrance might be? How is a zoo map like a mini GPS system?
👁️ 2. During Viewing
- Early in the clip: Plot the point (4,3) on your coordinate grid — not (3,4). Why does the ORDER matter?
- Midway: Which quadrant would a coordinate like (-2,4) land in? When would negative coordinates be useful in a zoo context?
- Later in the clip: How could a zoo app use coordinates to give real-time navigation directions to visitors?
🗣️ 3. After Viewing — Kaiako Move
Kaiako Move: Model the Hamilton Zoo coordinate overlay on the projected grid. Plot three enclosures as (x,y) pairs. Demonstrate: changing just one coordinate moves you in one direction only.
Task: Coordinate Plot: Using the coordinate grid overlay, plot 10 zoo enclosures accurately. Write a list: 'Animal: (x,y)'. Check all answers with a partner.
⚡ Whakaoho | Do Now (5 mins)
Quick recall: what are the four quadrants of a Cartesian plane? Which quadrant has both positive x and positive y? In 60 seconds, name the quadrant for: (3,2), (-1,4), (-3,-2), (2,-5).
📐 Activity 1: Guided Mathematical Exploration (25 mins)
Coordinate scavenger hunt: kaiako reads (x,y) coordinates from a hidden list. Students plot them on their grid and identify the animal — first to correctly identify all 10 wins.
✍️ Activity 2: Application & Reflection (20 mins)
Coordinate journal: sketch the four-quadrant Cartesian plane. Label all four quadrants. Explain in your own words what x and y coordinates mean using one zoo example.
🏫 Kaiako Planning & Pedagogy Notes
Curriculum Alignment: Te Mātaiaho Mathematics Phase 3 — Geometry: plot and read Cartesian coordinates; understand the four-quadrant system.
Hamilton Zoo Context: All tasks use authentic zoo spatial data. Print the map at a size ākonga can write on. Projecting alone is not enough for this lesson.
Cultural Connection: Whetū were used as reference points for position long before the Cartesian plane existed. Both are systems for fixing a location against agreed references — the difference is what each treats as fixed.