Hamilton Zoo: Coordinate Navigator
Unit 2: Phase 3 | Mathematics & Digital Technology
Module Overview
In this advanced module, students use coordinate geometry to navigate the Hamilton Zoo grid system. By applying ordered pairs and direction, they optimise routes for zoo visitors.
Ngā Whāinga Akoranga — Learning Intentions
- Plot and read ordered pairs accurately in all four quadrants of a coordinate plane
- Apply coordinate geometry to solve a real-world navigation problem (Hamilton Zoo route optimisation)
- Use algebraic reasoning to identify patterns in coordinate sequences
- Communicate mathematical thinking clearly using correct terminology
Paearu Angitu — Success Criteria
- ✓ Accurately plots at least 8 ordered pairs from a table of values
- ✓ Correctly identifies the coordinates of zoo enclosures on the grid
- ✓ Calculates an optimal visitor route with clear mathematical justification
- ✓ Uses correct vocabulary: ordered pair, origin, x-axis, y-axis, quadrant, coordinate
Kaiako Planning Snapshot
Mātauranga Māori lens
Navigation is embedded in Māori knowledge systems — whakapapa as a coordinate system connecting people to place, tūrangawaewae as the origin point from which all spatial understanding flows. Traditional wayfinding across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa used star, wind, and current patterns as axes. Invite ākonga to consider: what are the "coordinates" of their own tūrangawaewae? The Hamilton Zoo context connects to kaitiakitanga — understanding the spatial relationships between taonga species and their habitats.
Readiness — Proximal guidance
- Entry: Begin in quadrant 1 only (positive coordinates); use a physical grid on the floor for kinesthetic learners
- On-level: Full four-quadrant navigation; route optimisation with 6+ stops
- Extension: Introduce algebraic substitution — given a rule, generate coordinates and plot the resulting line; connect to rearranging equations
Inclusion and accessibility
- ESOL/ELL: Provide bilingual vocabulary card: "ordered pair / ngā tohu ōrite", "origin / tūāhua", "coordinate / āhuatanga"; allow students to label in te reo
- Accessibility: Provide enlarged grid printout (A3) for students with fine motor or visual challenges
- ADHD support: Chunked task card — one enclosure at a time rather than full route; celebrate each plotted point as a mini-win
Curriculum alignment note
Aligns to Te Mātaiaho Mathematics — Algebra strand (ordered pairs, coordinate plane, substitution) and Statistics strand (plotting from tables). The zoo context makes abstract coordinate work concrete and memorable. Phase 3 assumes ākonga have completed Phase 1 (grid basics) and Phase 2 (directed number introduction).
Lessons
Curriculum alignment
- Statistics — Practices: - ordered pairs - origin - rearrange - substitution - variable - value.
- Algebra — Practices: - Identifying and plotting points in the four quadrants of the coordinate plane, using ordered pairs and values from a table - Using tables, graphs in the coordinate plane, an…