Platform / Related

• Scratch Jr

• The Matariki Star Cluster (Science Learning Hub)

Digital Technologies Progress Outcomes

[CTDT] = PO1

• Giving instructions by assembling sequences of code blocks into a simple algorithm

• Identifying and correcting errors; simple debugging

• Understanding input, process, output through direct experience

[DDDO] = PO1

• Using a digital tool to create a purposeful multimedia outcome

• Making simple design decisions

• Recognising that a digital product can be interacted with by others

Cross-Curricular Links

• Social Sciences / Aotearoa NZ Histories

  Exploring the cultural significance of Matariki, learning the names of the nine stars, and engaging with the Māori New Year

• The Arts

  Designing a visual environment, recording audio, and considering how each element contributes to the overall multimedia experience

• English

  Speaking and listening; composing and recording simple spoken content

Year Levels

• Y0-2 (Directed, with explicit modelling and close guidance)

• Y3-4 (Guided, lighter support with more autonomy)

• Y5+ (Independent)

Duration

• 1+ lessons

  Achievable within a single session, but consider allowing for two, especially for first encounters with ScratchJr

Resources

• Activity Guide

• ScratchJr Guides

  • Interface

  • Paint Editor

  • Block Descriptions

• Legacy Version Activity Guide Document

• The Matariki Star Cluster (Science Learning Hub)

Differentiation

Prepare, add, or remove elements to adapt the complexity of this activity to suit learner level.

Extension

Challenge learners to expand the scope of their sound recordings to including a more detailed description of the cultural significance of each whetū, like a museum audio tour.

About Activity

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 the nine stars of Matariki. Learners will program a simple algorithm by assembling code blocks to create a star map that lets users interact with the stars in order to both see and hear the name of each star.

Activity Guide

Teachers should consider:

• Device Preparation as a pre-lesson task.

• Group Assignments and logistics, including student collaboration and content focus.

• Digital Safety & Wellbeing to make sure device use is safe, supervised, and purposeful throughout. ScratchJr is a closed, tablet-based application with no internet browsing, public sharing, or account requirements in its standard form, making it a lower-risk digital tool. However, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • 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 installed.

  • Audio recordings made within ScratchJr are stored locally on the device and are not shared online unless the project file is exported; however, kaiako should be aware of how project files are managed on school devices, particularly if tablets are shared between classes.

  • 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.

  • For younger learners, particularly Y0-2, make sure all tablet use is directly supervised and that the focus is be on guided interaction rather than independent device navigation.

Lesson Progression Guide

• Y0-2, or First Experience with ScratchJr | 1+ Lessons (Guided)

  • 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

• Y3+ | 1 Lesson (Guided to Independent)

  • 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