Who Am I? Celebrating Our Identity
Exploring Mathematics Through Cultural Identity Geometry & Measurement Focus Year 1-6 Composite Class
Week 1: Shapes in Our Culture (Yr 1-3)
WALT: Identify 2D shapes in Samoan patterns O foliga lua-itu (2D shapes) Success Criteria: I can name 3 shapes in Samoan and English Extension: Create your own cultural pattern using shapes
Shape Hunt Activity
Find shapes around our classroom Draw and label in Samoan and English Share with a partner using 'Ou te va'ai le...' (I can see the...)
Week 2-3: Measuring Our Stories (Yr 4-6)
WALT: Use standard units to measure length and area Connect measurement to migration stories Success Criteria: I can measure using cm and m accurately Extension: Calculate distances between Pacific islands
Measurement Tools Then and Now
{"left":"Traditional: Body parts (fathom, cubit)\nTraditional: Natural landmarks\nTraditional: Star navigation","right":"Modern: Rulers and measuring tapes\nModern: GPS and satellites\nModern: Digital calculators"}
Week 4-5: 3D Shapes in Our World (Yr 1-3)
WALT: Recognize 3D shapes in everyday objects Foliga tolu-itu (3D shapes) Success Criteria: I can sort objects by their 3D shape Extension: Build a fale using 3D shapes
Build Your Cultural Home
Use 3D blocks to create a traditional house Label each shape used Explain your design to the class Count how many of each shape you used
Week 6-7: Area and Perimeter Stories (Yr 4-6)
WALT: Calculate area and perimeter of rectangles Apply to real-world cultural contexts Success Criteria: I can find area and perimeter of family gardens Extension: Design an efficient plantation layout
Problem Solving Challenge
Your family wants to plant taro in a rectangular plot The plot is 12m long and 8m wide How much fencing do you need around the edge? What is the total area for planting?
Week 8-9: Patterns and Symmetry (All Years)
WALT: Create and extend patterns using cultural motifs Identify symmetry in traditional designs Success Criteria: I can make a symmetric pattern Extension: Research patterns from different Pacific cultures
Design Your Identity Pattern
Choose symbols that represent you Create a symmetric design Use at least 3 different shapes Explain your pattern rule to others
Celebrating Our Mathematical Journey
'E lē se'i se tagata e aunoa ma lona fa'asinomaga' - No person exists without their identity Mathematics helps us understand and celebrate our world Our cultures are rich with mathematical concepts
More Cultural Identity slide decks
Other ready-to-teach decks on cultural identity.
