Matariki 2013 We are learning all about Matariki this term. We will learn about the Sun, Moon, and a cluster of stars called Pleiades (pronounced ple-a-deez). We will learn about Matariki; what Matariki actually means, and what happens during Matariki. In about six weeks, we will have a ‘concluding performance’.

Concluding Performances At the end of this study, we will have a concluding performance. This is where you show other teachers, students, and parents what you have learned about Matariki. You will have some choice in what you will present at Concluding Performance time.

This could be… Poetry presentation PowerPoint presentation Song performance New harvesting tool (or then/now/future) on paper or model Star cluster and cultural uses Compare and contrast diagrams Writing –Narrative/Exposition/Description Dance performance A piece of Art Photo essay or collection…or something else? You could work with a partner 

You don’t have to decide yet! Wait until you understand a bit more about Matariki  (But it is a good idea to keep this in mind)

Key Competencies The Key Competencies we are focusing on are – Using Language, Symbols and Text, and Managing Self. Discuss with your learning partner what these might mean/look like.

Lesson One: What we already know about Matariki; and The Universe Learning Intentions for today: Participate in creating our ‘What We Already Know’ chart, then watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJzn26Pw880&feature=share Describe to your learning partner how the youtube clip made you feel

In space there are planets, comets, meteors, stars and black holes A galaxy is held together by gravity Our galaxy is called the ………………… The Sun is at the centre of our galaxy/solar system. The Earth is one of 8 (or 9 if you count ………) planets that orbit around the Sun.

Our day and night are caused by the Earth’s spin (1 spin = 1 day) Seasons are caused by the Earth’s tilt and orbit around the Sun (1 orbit = 1 year)

Lesson Two – the Sun and Moon Learning Intention: To understand the role the Sun and the Moon play in Matariki The sun is a huge, glowing sphere of hot gas. As the year moves from autumn towards its shortest winter day, the sunrise moves north along the eastern horizon. When the sunrise reaches Matariki, it turns around and starts moving south again. This effect can be seen everywhere on the planet and makes the Matariki stars famous world wide. In Greece, several important temples face straight towards Matariki.

More about the Moon and Matariki For many Māori, the first new moon after the rise of Matariki is when the New Year celebrations begin. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOy5T6hRhpk&NR=1&feature=endscreen *Teacher Demo

Lesson Three What did we learn about yesterday? THINK/PAIR/SHARE (with one or two neighbours on the mat) Learning Intention for today: To identify what Matariki means, the myths/legends surrounding Matariki, and what happens during Matariki

So, what is Matariki? Legends Matariki literally means the ‘eyes of god’ (mata ariki) or ‘little eyes’ (mata riki). Some say that when Ranginui, the sky father, and Papatūānuku, the earth mother were separated by their children, the god of the winds, Tāwhirimātea, became angry, tearing out his eyes and hurling them into the heavens.

Others say… Matariki is the mother surrounded by her six daughters, Tupu-ā-nuku, Tupu-ā-rangi, Waitī, Waitā, Waipuna-ā-rangi and Ururangi. One account explains that Matariki and her daughters appear to assist the sun, Te Rā, whose winter journey from the north has left him weakened.

Matariki is the Māori name for the Pleiades. Pleiades is the Greek name for the cluster. This comes from the greek legend about the seven sisters; the the daughters of Atlas and Pleone. Their names are – Electra, Maia, Taygete, Alcyone, Celaeno, Asterope and Merope.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqcBdL8kF9E

Matariki is an important time for Maori Historically, it is a time for people to come together, share kai, rituals, entertainment, hospitality and knowledge. In recent years, Matariki has undergone a rejuvenation. This means that New Zealand has started celebrating Matariki again. (Dwindled out by the 1940’s – revived in the last 10 years)

History of Matariki Matariki has always been an important time in the Māori calendar. As we know, it begins with the rising of the star constellation known as……………. It is called the Māori New Year, and is a time for connecting with, and giving thanks to the land, sea and sky.

It was also a time for the community to come together to farewell those departed and think about the year gone by; and a time to turn to the future, welcoming the new generation to the world and planning for the year ahead.

Think/Pair/Share What do you think Matariki means? Is it a happy time, or a sad time? Why do you think that?

So… Lets discuss today’s learning. What does Matariki mean? What are the myths/legends surrounding Matariki? What happens during Matariki?

Matariki is a CELEBRATION! A celebration of people, culture, language, spirituality, and history. Matariki occurs at the END of harvest season. Storage houses were full of kai, and kumara pits were full too. During Matariki, planning took place for the new year, and also songs were written, and stories shared. Maori tradition was always shared orally.

Pleiades Learning Intention for today: To understand more about Pleiades It is recognised as a galactic cluster all around the world. It can be seen from anywhere in the world, and this is why it is used as navigation beacon for ocean voyagers. It is not only New Zealand that uses Pleiades as a signal for seasonal celebration…

In Greece, several major temples face straight towards Matariki, as does Stonehenge in England. In Japan, the Subaru brand is named after the Matariki stars. Historically, the star cluster was a navigational aid for Māori and an indicator of the upcoming seasons. If the stars were clear, it was a sign that the year ahead would be warm and therefore productive. If they were hazy and closely bunched together, then a cold year would be in store.

How to spot Matariki (Pleiades) Keep an eye out in late May early June as Matariki rises on the northeast horizon, around the same spot as the rising sun. The best time to spot Matariki is around half an hour before dawn.