In The Classroom

Polynesian Expansion - Year 8 Humanities 

Our Year 8 Humanities students recently explored traditional Polynesian navigation through a hands-on “ocean swells” demonstration. Using an i’e lavalava (traditional garment) to represent the ocean and a small double-hulled canoe model, students investigated how Polynesian wayfinders used wave patterns, alongside the stars, clouds, birds, the sun, and stick charts, to travel across the Pacific Ocean. The activity gave students a visual understanding of the incredible skill and environmental knowledge required for Polynesian migration.

-M. Lilo 

What I loved about this activity was the way students learned through visual storytelling. As part of our study this term, we've been exploring different traditional ways of learning in Pasifika cultures - so this was a really meaningful experience for the students. It got them genuinely thinking about the trade winds, ocean swells and how the skilled Polynesian navigators used the elements to travel huge distances across the Pacific.

-K. Bowman

Students

Aayan B 8I 

The activity really helped us understand how Polynesian navigators used natural features like the ocean to travel across the Pacific. I enjoyed the hands-on visual demonstration, and it was really cool seeing the double-hulled canoe Miss Lilo made for us.

Tanveer G 8G 

I enjoyed learning about how Polynesian navigation worked and how navigators were able to find land without using modern maps or compasses. It was a really fun activity. 

Justin A 8G

The activity was fun and helped us understand how Polynesian navigators used the environment like the stars, clouds, and ocean to travel across the Pacific. It also showed how communities worked together during these voyages.