We are the kaitiaki (Guardians) of our environment and our tuarangi/solar system. This was the main focus for our senior tamariki in Term Two.

They were given the challenge: ‘You are a museum kaihanga/creator! Create a museum display that teaches visitors about the solar system’.

This has proven to be an exciting, thought provoking topic that has captured the interest and amazement of the tamariki.

The students learnt about the scientific concepts that led to the creation of time- how we make a year, seasons and how earth has a day. We also discovered how Māori and other cultures keep time through the use of star patterns and the moon's cycles.

Children have demonstrated mahi tahi (teamwork) by working in groups to create a model that helped them to teach others about these key ideas.

The children are already excited about the next challenge of creating a museum display that teaches visitors about what allows life on earth. They will also have the opportunity to explore their other areas of interest that have sparked during this investigation and might include New Zealand native animals, plants, pests or food chains.