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This session introduces the ScratchJr interface with a fun, simple activity that uses animation and sound to build a map of the nine stars of Matariki cluster, ngā whetū e iwa o te kāhui o Matariki!
Learners will create name labels and audio recordings that are assigned to sprites that represent each of the nine stars of Matariki. Learners will then program a simple algorithm by assembling code blocks, to create a star map that lets users interact with the sprites in order to both see and hear the name of each star.
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[Image] | More About the Matariki Cluster
Link to Science Learning Hub article
https://drive.google.com/file/d/14DUuhf8JPkTAcbd3qt6AVBvUaHG-uFAT/view?usp=drive_link
{External} https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/2322-the-matariki-star-cluster
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Building instructions by assembling sequences of code blocks into a simple algorithm
Identifying and correcting errors; simple debugging
Understanding input, process, and output through direct experience
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Making simple design decisions
Recognising that a digital product can be interacted with by others
Using a digital tool to create a purposeful multimedia outcome
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arts
Designing a visual environment, recording audio, and considering how each element contributes to the overall multimedia experience
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Speaking and listening; composing and recording simple spoken content
social-sciences
Exploring the cultural significance of Matariki, learning the names of the nine stars, and engaging with the Māori New Year
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Prepare, add, or remove elements to adapt the complexity of this activity to suit learner level.
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Challenge learners to do more with their sound recordings, like including a more detailed description of the stories and connections of each whetū, like a museum audio tour.
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Teachers should consider:
Device Preparation as a pre-lesson task, including charging batteries and loading applications.
Group Assignments and logistics, including supporting student collaboration and content focus.
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Take steps to make sure device use is safe, supervised, and purposeful throughout. This activity involves using the ScratchJr app. ScratchJr is a closed, tablet-based application with no internet browsing, public sharing, or account requirements, making it a lower-risk digital tool.
Important things to do and keep in mind:
About the App
Make sure the ScratchJr app is up to date.
Consider turning off internet access during the activity, as ScratchJr does not require internet access once it’s installed.
Audio recordings made within ScratchJr are stored locally on the device and are not shared online unless the project file is exported. Notwithstanding this, kaiako should be aware of how project files are managed on school devices, particularly if tablets are shared between classes
General Guidance
Set clear expectations around safe and purposeful device use at the start of each lesson.
Support ākonga to know that if they encounter content that feels inappropriate, confusing, or upsetting during their research that they can flag this with kaiako without concern.
Before the activity
Remind ākonga to handle tablets with care and to consider what is appropriate language or other sounds to include in their project during the recording and text input processes.
Remind ākonga of your school's digital use agreement before beginning any lesson that involves digital devices, digital platforms, or the internet.
During the activity
Supervise and actively support device use throughout.
Discuss openly what is and isn't appropriate to include in a ScratchJr project.
Encourage ākonga to treat all sources about Matariki, particularly those representing mātauranga Māori, with respect and care as it’s part of a living, culturally significant body of knowledge.
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>>> y0-3 | Y0-3 | 2+ Lessons (Directed Class Project, to Guided Group Project)
Consider whether to do the activity altogether as a class or in smaller groups. Model digital skills and how to use digital tools. Encourage learners to observe, discuss, and make decisions together as a group or whole class.
Lesson 1 — Introduction & Setup
Introduce te kāhui o Matariki, share the names of the nine stars, and display them visually for reference
Kaiako opens ScratchJr and introduces the interface, the stage, sprites, and block palette, etc.
Kaiako models adding a star sprite and attaching a tap-trigger block sequence
As a class, add and position sprites for each star on the night sky backdrop
Where time allows, ākonga begin recording a sound for each star sprite
Lesson 2 — Programming, Testing, Debugging & Sharing
Time to complete the program, including sound recording and tap-trigger sequences, with support
Run finished programs together as a class, tapping each star and listening to the recordings
Kaiako scaffolds testing; does tapping each star play the right sound?
Kaiako supports ākonga to debug any issues by thinking critically through problematic outcomes, potential causes, then exploring, applying, and double checking solutions
Celebrate the finished interactive map; discuss what each star means and what ākonga learned
>>> y4-6 | Y4-6 | 1+ Lessons (Guided to Independent, Group or Individual Project)
Support the use of digital tools to build digital skills, collaborating in a group to accomplish a goal and share experiences. Match pace and extend into additional lessons as suits your learners.
Lesson 1 — Full Project
Brief introduction to te kāhui o Matariki, including the names and significance of the nine stars
Kaiako introduces and models the Scratch Jr interface briefly, then ākonga set up their own backdrop and sprites
Ākonga attach tap-trigger sequences, record sounds for each star, and complete the code block sequence
Ākonga test each part of their program; does tapping each star play the right sound?
Ākonga debug any issues by thinking through the problem and exploring solutions, with support
As time allows, encourage groups to share their finished interactive maps, celebrate success, discuss debugging experiences and what ākonga learned, and review the significance of each star