STLP Marae visit

On the morning of 27th February, STLP2018a teacher participants and facilitators gathered outside Tapu Te Ranga Marae in Island Bay, waiting to be welcomed with a powhiri.  After our welcome, everyone presented their mihi and pepeha to the group.  I found it nerve wracking reciting my history in Te Reo from memory, but it set the tone for the workshop based at the marae: one of respect, openness and commitment to learn.  We spent two days at the marae immersing ourselves in Maori culture and looking at science from a Maori perspective, under the guidance and watchful eye of Craig.  

We did a wide variety of hands on scientific challenges in small groups, and then reflected on them.  We discussed how they could be taught from a Nature of Science perspective, and what probing questions we could use.  Special mention must go to our evening of story telling of maori myths - I will always think fondly of our shared visions of whales and fish.

One of the special things at the marae was to sit or lie on a mattress in the sleeping quarters while we were engaged in PD - relaxed and comfortable. but still alert to new ideas.  Another was exploring the building itself,  and the artefacts within it - built with purpose and aroha, committed to nurturing all their guests.  The bountiful kia, presented with such care and thoughtfulness was another special feature.

Tapu te Ranga marae has been made entirely from recycled materials,
and is home to several families, who live on the marae.

Craig took us on a bush walk, and showed us many plants that had medicinal 
properties. We all infused kawakawa leaves in oil to make an anticeptic lotion 
(after it has stood for some months)

One of the group experiment was to design, test and develop a catapult using limited resources.

Another group challenge involved stacking liquids in a straw.