Platform

• Tinkercad

• ‘Learn the Moves’ 10-part Tinkercad 3D design editor tutorial series

Digital Technologies Progress Outcomes

• DDDO = PO2

Cross-Curricular Links

• Aotearoa NZ’s Histories

• Maths & Stats

Year Levels

• Y5-6 (Guided)

• Y7+

Duration

• 1+ lessons

Resources

• Activity Guide

• Land of Voyagers (Investigation Topic Guide)

• Waka Hourua: High Tech Travel (Video, Land of Voyagers)

• Example 3D Model of Waka Hourua (Tinkercad)

• Kura Spotlight (Hornby Primary School)

• Virtual Eye Tuia 250 Tracker (Land of Voyagers)

Differentiation

In groups or as a class, ask learners to share their progress after each iteration and discuss together what works and what changes might help.

Guide learners to research different types of waka designed by different groups of Polynesian people from around the Pacific region. Then challenge them to choose one to recreate in Tinkercad and to present about that waka and their design to the class.

Extension

Guide learners to export their designs, print their models with a 3D printer and present their work to test and review their iterations.

• Seek access to a 3D printer at school of the local Library

• If no 3D printer is available, experiment with Tinkercad Sim Lab to test designs in a simulation.

About Activity

Polynesian migration and settlement across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa was the fastest of any people in history! So how did they do it? Well, one critical tool they designed was the waka hourua, a double-hulled vessel with a sturdy platform, twin sails, shelter, plenty of storage and more!

This activity uses the Tinkercad online design platform to introduce fundamental mechanics of 3D design, including an iterative process approach to prototyping, while linking digital design with the history of Polynesian voyages.

Learners will consider the history of travel across the Pacific Ocean, explore the technological innovations of the waka hourua, then head into Tinkercad to manipulate basic shapes in three dimensions to create their own double-hulled waka design by testing and refining their model over multiple iterations.

Tip: Dive deeper into history and stories by pairing this activity with the Digital Pīkau Land of Voyagers investigation topic guide.

Kura Spotlight: Hornby Primary School (Ōtautahi Christchurch)

Take an inside look into how one primary school used this activity to weave learning in digital technologies with history and culture while pushing the envelope on what they thought possible, and having a heap of fun in the process!

Activity Guide

Waka Hourua: High Tech Travel (Land of Voyagers)

Example Waka Hourua Design, in Tinkercad (3D Design)