Kura Spotlight: Engaging Ōtautahi Outreach Tamariki in Digital Design and 3D Printing
At Code Club Aotearoa, we’re constantly inspired by the ways digital technology can bring learning to life. Our mahi with Hornby Primary School, through the Ōtautahi Outreach Programme, is a fantastic example of how combining culture and technology can ignite the imaginations of young learners.
It all began when Digital Future Aotearoa first connected with Hornby Primary during the Woven Cultures in Digitech day —a community event aimed at inspiring ākonga to experience hands-on digital fun, intertwining culture and tech. In one of the workshops, we explored Tinkercad, where tamariki designed simple waka and got to witness a 3D printer in action for the first time. It was here that Jane, a kaiako from Hornby Primary, mentioned they had a 3D printer sitting unused in their kura.
Two challenges quickly surfaced:
No one at the kura knew how to set up and operate the 3D printer.
There was a gap in understanding how to utilise the software and integrate 3D design into the curriculum in a meaningful way.
Bridging the Gap: Growing Capability and Confidence in Digital Design
Inspired by their tutu at Woven Cultures, DFA onboarded Jane and her tamariki for an eight-week outreach engagement, with the goal of building both capability and confidence in digital design and 3D printing with the end goal of sustained learning through a kura based Code Club.
We aligned the outreach delivery with Hornby’s current learning inquiry on ancient navigation, using content from Land of Voyagers (LOV) as the foundation. Over six weeks, tamariki and kaiako worked through Tinkercad, learning the interface and gaining confidence in basic 3D design. Tamariki researched and designed their own waka hourua (double-hulled canoes), adding new components each session—such as kai crates, navigators, or manu.
Exploring Navigation: From Ancient Techniques to Modern Technology
To deepen the learning, we incorporated GPS tracking technology using the LOV tracker Virtual Eye, exploring the differences between ancient and modern navigation techniques. This sparked curiosity and discussion about how our ancestors navigated the moana and how today’s technology assists us in tracking journeys across the ocean.
From Waka to Code: Integrating Computational Thinking
The real magic happened when we blended computational thinking with digital design. Tamariki saved the 3D models of their waka and uploaded them as sprites in Scratch, programming their transformed waka sprite to sail across a digital moana. By integrating coding into the design process, we gave tamariki a deeper understanding of how technology and creativity can work together to bring ideas to life.
Empowering Tamariki for the Future
As the outreach programme draws to a close, Hornby Primary is now ready to take the next exciting step. After completing the eight-week outreach programme, tamariki and kaiako have gained the confidence and capability to transition from external support to establishing their own school-based Code Club.
This new Code Club will allow tamariki to continue exploring the digital world, applying the skills they’ve developed in new and creative ways. By integrating what they've learned about Tinkercad, Scratch, and GPS tracking technology into their regular school activities, Hornby Primary is well-equipped to maintain and expand their digital curriculum.
Kaiako Jane and her students will lead the way, with tamariki stepping into tuakana roles as digital leaders, mentoring their peers and furthering their learning with the 3D printer they now know how to operate. The kura is excited to weave this digital journey into future inquiries, ensuring that these skills become a lasting part of their education.
This transition empowers tamariki to take ownership of their learning, not just as consumers of technology but as creators and innovators. Hornby Primary’s new Code Club is a testament to how outreach can spark a long-term commitment to tech-driven education in schools.