Set sail on an unforgettable journey across the Pacific with The Age of Polynesian Wayfinders unit study. This rich, interdisciplinary resource invites middle and high school students to explore the ingenuity, resilience, and vibrant cultures of the Polynesian peoples.
Through engaging readings, creative activities, and critical discussions, students will discover how Polynesian navigators crossed vast oceans without modern instruments, how sustainable agricultural practices shaped island life, and how traditions like the haka, hula, and storytelling continue to carry cultural meaning today. Students will examine the world of Rapa Nui, learn about environmental stewardship, unpack the spiritual connections to land and sea, and celebrate the extraordinary legacy of the Polynesian wayfinders.
 
4 Main people groups will be studied:
 
🌺 Somoans
🌺 Rapa Nui
🌺 Maori
🌺 Indigenous Hawaiians
 
Some activities include:
 
🌊 Life cycle of a Polynesian Island
🌊 Critical thinking Island settlement planning
🌊 Concrete Poetry
🌊 Creative and anecdotal writing
🌊 Critical analysis
🌊 Inquiry project
🌊 Air dry pottery and drawing activities
🌊 Sustainable agriculture game
🌊 Moana movie tie ins (Hero’s Journey)
 
The unit also comes with a banner and printable art to add a Polynesian aesthetic to your learning space!
 
Timeline: 14 lessons (4-5 weeks)
Age: 10-16 (add a few elements to use for grades 11 & 12 but it makes a great spine). 
Pages: 100+