pkrp-about
This session introduces the ScratchJr interface with a fun, simple activity that uses basic coding to create an interactive animated program of the Matariki stars.
Learners will program a simple algorithm by assembling code blocks to assign name labels and manipulate the size of sprites, creating an animated effect of twinkling that users can interact with.
pkrp-pdf-multi
Twinkling Stars: Celebrating Matariki
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S6y-JB1sB91dyeBPCyBuyxgQ9cRLdAts/preview
Bilingual Command Glossary Really Long Title That Needs to Wrap
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q5CXG0O8-NDZHOCHR0U0OuzgK8Wkfsdu/preview
pkrp-dt-detail
ctdt-po1
Assembling sequences of code blocks to animate and loop
Understanding that the order of coded instructions changes outcomes
Identifying and correcting errors
dddo-po1
Using a digital tool to create a purposeful outcome that combines animation and text
Making design decisions to create a meaningful representation
Recognising that a digital product can be shared and experienced by others
pkrp-cc-detail
social-sciences
Exploring the cultural significance of Matariki, learning the names of the nine stars, and engaging with the Māori New Year
arts
Design and layout to create an engaging and accurate representation
science
Understanding that the twinkling effect is a creative representation of how stars appear to flicker when viewed from Earth
maths-stats
Spatial reasoning, positioning star sprites to reflect the actual layout of the Matariki cluster
pkrp-diff
badge: arts
Prepare, add, or remove elements to adapt the complexity of this activity to suit learners of varying levels.
badge: ctdt-po4
Something cool.
pkrp-ext
Challenge learners to expand their program to include all nine stars of Matariki and to arrange them appropriately on the stage.
Combine this activity with the Interactive Star Map activity to include recorded sound for each star.
pkrp-notes
Device Preparation as a pre-lesson task.
Group Assignments and logistics, including student collaboration and content focus.
pkrp-dsw
To help 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.
Remind ākonga to handle tablets with care and to consider what is appropriate language or other contents to include in their project during programming.
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.
pkrp-lp
>>> y0-3 | Y0-3, or First Experience with ScratchJr | 1+ Lessons (Directed)
Lesson 1 — Introduction & Modelling
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, attach grow and shrink blocks, repeat to create a twinkling loop, and add the star’s name
Run the program together, tapping the green flag and watch the stars twinkle
Where time allows, ākonga attempt to replicate the animation on their own tablet with kaiako support
Lesson 2 — Programming & Sharing
Review briefly the ScratchJr interface and stars of Matariki
Ākonga complete their own programs, with support, based on the modelling from the previous lesson
Run finished programs, sharing and together as a class
Kaiako scaffolds testing; does tapping the star result in the right action?
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 programs and twinkling stars; discuss what ākonga learned
>>> y4-6 | Y4-6+ | 1+ Lessons (Guided to Independent)
Lesson 1 — Introduction & Programming
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 programs
Ākonga test each part of their program; does each trigger result in the right action?
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
Lesson 2 — Extension & Sharing
Review briefly the ScratchJr interface and stars of Matariki
Ākonga have time to program
Unfinished groups complete their programs
Capable groups challenge themselves to extend the activity, like expanding their animation to include all nine stars of Matariki, or including sound recording elements from the related Interactive Star Map activity
Share finished programs, celebrate success, reflect on what was challenging about the programming, and what was learned about the stars of Matariki>
pkrp-assessment
[foc-01 | ctdt-po1 | Sequencing code blocks to make stars twinkle]
y0-3 :: Selects and places code blocks in a sequence with support :: [Name] is beginning to sequence code blocks in ScratchJr to create simple animations, and benefits from support to connect and trigger instructions in the right order.
y4-6 :: Independently sequences code blocks to create a looping animation :: [Name] independently sequences code blocks in ScratchJr to create a purposeful, repeating animation, and can describe the role each instruction plays in the sequence.
ext :: May modify the sequence to create a different twinkle effect and explain why the order of blocks matters.
[foc-02 | ctdt-po1 | Understanding how instruction order affects the animation]
y0-3 :: Notices when the animation doesn't behave as expected, with prompting :: [Name] is developing an awareness that the order of coded instructions affects what happens on screen, and is beginning to explore this with support.
y4-6 :: Explains why changing block order produces a different result :: [Name] demonstrates an understanding that the sequence of code blocks determines the outcome of their animation, and applies this knowledge when making changes in ScratchJr.
[foc-03 | ctdt-po1 | Testing and fixing errors in their code]
y0-3 :: Runs the animation and notices when it doesn't work as intended, with support :: [Name] is beginning to test their animations in ScratchJr and, with support, can identify and attempt to correct simple errors in their code.
y4-6 :: Independently identifies and fixes errors in their sequence :: [Name] independently tests and debugs their ScratchJr animations, identifying errors in their sequence and making deliberate changes to resolve them.
[foc-04 | dddo-po1 | Creating an animated digital outcome using ScratchJr]
y0-3 :: Creates a simple animated star with support :: [Name] is learning to use ScratchJr to create simple digital animations that combine movement and text, and benefits from guidance to develop their outcome.
y4-6 :: Creates a complete animated scene with deliberate design choices :: [Name] uses ScratchJr to create a purposeful digital outcome that combines animation and text, making deliberate design choices to communicate meaning.
[foc-05 | dddo-po1 | Making design choices about how each star looks]
y0-3 :: Makes some choices about colour or size of their star sprite :: [Name] is beginning to make simple design choices in ScratchJr about how their star is represented on screen.
y4-6 :: Makes deliberate and varied design decisions about each star's appearance :: [Name] makes deliberate design decisions in ScratchJr about how each star in the Matariki cluster is represented, showing growing awareness of how visual choices communicate meaning.
[foc-06 | social-sciences | Learning about the significance of Matariki and the nine stars]
y0-3 :: Can name some Matariki stars and knows it is a special time of year :: [Name] is developing an awareness of Matariki and its significance, and is beginning to connect this cultural knowledge to their digital technology learning.
y4-6 :: Names and explains the significance of several stars in the cluster :: [Name] demonstrates knowledge of the Matariki star cluster and the significance of individual stars, and connects this understanding to the digital outcome they have created. // FLAG: Confirm 'nine stars' framing against current MoE Matariki guidance — star count varies by iwi tradition.
[foc-07 | social-sciences | Understanding Matariki as a time of remembrance, celebration, and looking ahead]
y0-3 :: Knows that Matariki is a celebration and can share one thing it is about :: [Name] is developing an understanding of Matariki as a meaningful celebration for Aotearoa and is beginning to connect this to their own experiences and community.
y4-6 :: Describes the three dimensions of Matariki and reflects on their meaning :: [Name] demonstrates an understanding of Matariki as a time of remembrance, celebration, and aspiration, and can connect this cultural understanding to their learning and community. // FLAG: Confirm 'three dimensions' framing against current MoE Matariki guidance — wording has evolved across curriculum documents.
[foc-08 | arts | Design and layout to create an engaging and accurate representation]
[foc-09 | science | Understanding that the twinkling effect is a creative representation of how stars appear to flicker when viewed from Earth.]
all :: Something observed. :: Something to report.
[foc-10 | Spatial reasoning, positioning star sprites to reflect the actual layout of the Matariki cluster.]
all :: Something observed. :: Something to report.
pkrp-gallery
Something in this pic.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lWSsBf-jdsmxDpNw2TIg9Gk0aKH6IHtp/view?usp=drive_link
Something here too.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zVKPjtZtA5EJWUoY5BPFjLxmJyACSv3L/view?usp=drive_link
A third thing.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VCTIkYHf2hP5jW07EJSe17nWwUwN3dUL/view?usp=drive_link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cG8bCbQCqKUQC5PlO2Q6TMp0e6JUA8Yw/view?usp=drive_link
Not fourth, so we’re at fifth now.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-C4D5lHp_nclXvouJnp_rqP22xWknbaN/view?usp=drive_link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E-mHf7KIbrrYBu0zs8tHbBTUiwdZ8tOQ/view?usp=drive_link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pNWINNM8m0Ul7zJJRfiN7tmv11hIrFwB/view?usp=drive_link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aqYClcirsvVo7dDPPM8I01b_CXxQDwLk/view?usp=drive_link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A6EHmKSyd3tUQxZr0xwQEi5vvB9-J7GQ/view?usp=drive_link