Searching the Stars: Matariki & Puanga
Interactive Star Map Online
Platform
Digital device, with internet access and web browser
Digital Technologies Progress Outcomes
[CTDT] = PO1
Understanding that Stellarium Web is a digital system that takes inputs and generates a precise output
Recognising that manipulating input variables changes the output result
[DDDO] = PO1
Using a digital tool purposefully to explore and investigate a specific topic
Navigating and interacting with a complex online platform
Evaluating connections between digital representations and the real-world
Cross-Curricular Links
Investigating the night sky and Earth's relationship with the wider cosmos
Social Sciences / Aotearoa NZ Histories
Supporting understanding and cultural significance of Matariki & Puanga
Using online tools to gather information, evaluate sources, and communicate findings
Year Levels
Y4-5 (Directed, modelling with digital tools, observing and discussing together as a class)
Y6-7 (Guided, supported use of digital tools)
Y8+ (Independent)
Duration
1 lesson
Resources
Differentiation
Assign different stars or other celestial objects for learners to search for and report on their visibility at different times and in different places.
Following the example in the video links for how to find Matariki, use Stellarium Web to find Tautoru (Orion’s Belt) as well.
Extension
Find a time that Matariki and Puanga are visible in your local area, then arrange to safely go outside and spot the stars!
Compare between seasons and locations the visibility of Matariki, Puanga or other celestial objects. Then report on what features are most prominent in your local night sky at different times of year.
About Activity
This activity is designed to connect learners with powerful online tools and the skills to use them, in order to enhance their understanding of their local environment and the significance of the Matariki and Puanga stars in Aotearoa New Zealand.
With permission and guidance, learners will practise using the internet and their digital devices safely and effectively to explore a precise, interactive simulation of the sky in their local area.
Identify the Matariki cluster (Pleiades) and star Puanga (Rigel), and manipulate the simulation to experiment with the conditions of the sky across time, location, three-dimensional point of view and more. Then, find a time and get permission to safely head outside and spot the stars for yourself!
Activity Guide
Essential Guidance for Digital Safety & Wellbeing
Stellarium Web is a reputable, open-source astronomy tool, but as with any third-party website used in the classroom, kaiako should take a few simple steps to ensure a safe and focused experience for ākonga.
Teachers should:
Visit and explore Stellarium Web themselves before the lesson to become familiar with the interface and ensure it is accessible on school devices and networks.
Be aware that the site may prompt the browser to request the device's location. Be sure to guide ākonga not to accept location requests on school devices, and instead enter a location manually using the search function.
Supervise device use throughout the activity, particularly for younger learners navigating the tool for the first time.
Discuss what makes an online source reliable, understanding the Stellarium Web simulation as a trusted digital tool created for educational and scientific purposes.
It is best practice to:
Open Stellarium Web on a shared screen or projector to demonstrate before ākonga use it independently.
Set a clear, focused task (like locating Matariki and Puanga at a specific time and place) so device use remains purposeful.
Use this activity as a natural starting point for broader conversations about evaluating online tools and using the internet safely and effectively.
Me pēhea e kitea ai a te kāhui o Matariki me te whetū ko Puanga:
How to find the Matariki cluster and the star Puanga:
