Pangahono huānga - Elements puzzle

Explore and understand the elements. By matching the puzzle pieces with the correct elements, learners will get to know and understand the names, content and concepts within the framework. Developing a shared language of social and emotional learning will help support learner progress. Learners will also interpret the meaning of the elements using their culture and identity. 

Ata: Resource collection 

This activity is part of the Ata collection of resources. See the resource carousel below for more.

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Te Taiao or the natural world is used as the foundation of the Elements puzzle. The 10 elements — from Connections to place through to Self-determination — are illustrated using metaphors such as atua or karearea in flight (respectively). These links emphasise the meaning behind the key competencies and elements and their connection to the world around us. These concepts are woven through the resources, from the box design to the format of the activities. 

Image illustrated by Johnson Witehira. Tamahaki | Ngāti Hinekura | Ngāpuhi | Ngāi Tu Te Auru 

Learners will 

• Show knowledge of the names, content and concepts of the elements. 
• Explore and discuss different perspectives. 
• Create interpretations of the elements using their culture and identity. 

Ways to use the resource 

• For younger learners, use the backs of the Element and puzzle piece cards as a visual puzzle. Turn over the horizontal strips to reveal the related content for each element. 
• Select fewer elements to reduce difficulty. 
• Encourage learners to relate the elements in their own way. 

The Elements puzzle activity sheet with five Identities, languages, cultures and values cards placed on it. Each of the ten elements has five cards that feature the element, image, description, whakataukī and explanation. The reverse side of the five cards makes up a slice of the visual puzzle that represents the element. 

Instructions 

What you will need

• 2–10 Element cards + Puzzle pieces 
• 2–10 Element puzzle activity sheets 

1. Select Elements 

Choose which elements you want to explore in this session. The more elements you select, the more challenging the activity will be for learners. 

Take the selected elements and their Puzzle pieces out of the box. 

2. Prepare activity sheets 

You’ll need to print or photocopy one Element puzzle activity sheet for each element you’re exploring. 

Lay all the activity sheets out and place one Element card on each sheet. 

3. Puzzle

Shuffle all the Puzzle pieces together and then lay them out. Next, the group needs to decide which Puzzle pieces go with which elements. 

4. Discuss & customise 

Using the blank cards or group discussion, encourage the group to interpret the elements using their own words, images, proverbs, references or symbolism from their culture. 

Downloads 

See Materials that come with this resource to download

• Ata blank cards (.pdf)
  Blank Ata cards in an A3-size printable format. Use for capturing ideas and customising the resource. 
• Ata Elements cards (jpgs) (.zip)
  The Ata Elements cards in jpg format.
• Ata Elements cards (printable) (.zip)
  The Ata Elements cards on print-friendly A3-size pages. Files are in pdf format. 
• Ata Elements Puzzle activity sheets (.pdf)
  The A3-size Ata Elements Puzzle activity sheets in pdf format. 
• Ata Elements Puzzle cards (jpgs) (.zip)
  A complete set of all the Ata Elements puzzle cards in jpg format.
• Ata Elements Puzzle cards (printable) (.zip)
  A complete set of all the Elements Puzzle cards on print-friendly A3-size pages. Files are in pdf format. 
• Ata Elements Puzzle teacher support material (.pdf)
  Teacher support material for the Ata Elements Puzzle activity. 

Next steps 

Use the Developing strategies, Approaching challenges and Learning stories resources to develop relevant learning experiences. 

Once introduced, elements could be discussed and applied in the context of different  

Learning areas, e.g. How do we collaborate in maths?