MOTAT.Fun has been launched to support teachers and families in successfully delivering remote learning experiences for young Kiwis.

 The roll-out of remote learning across the nation is a historic first and, as part of Auckland’s education landscape for more than 55 years, the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) has set up MOTAT.Fun, to help teachers and students through this testing time.

It offers content with differing levels of support, ranging from student-centric STEM activities that fit easily into existing lesson structures, to full lesson plans, with information sheets, guided activities, downloadable worksheets, as well as access to MOTAT’s online collection database with its 85,000 heritage objects.

• Inventions and Innovations – Take a virtual tour through MOTAT’s Get Smart exhibition and try out the online research tool to uncover more information about a favourite invention.
• A Toy’s Life – Understand the different types of toys, research historical playthings and discover why toys are so important. Then take your ideas, and design and create your own toy!
• Aotearoa’s Awesome Aviators – Learn about aviation innovators Richard Pearse, Jean Batten, and Sir Keith Park, then test your aerodynamic skills by making your own paper plane.

MOTAT is also preparing to offer MOTAT Educator-led online workshops. These will be free to access via Zoom. They will follow MOTAT’s popular face-to-face onsite programmes and come with post-workshop activities. Among the first workshop offerings are:

• Communications: Explore communication artefacts and developments, including Morse Code, Braille, Semaphore flags, typewriters, cameras, and audio equipment.
• Hangarau Technology in Aotearoa: Learn how crops were grown, and food was stored and cooked. See how to use a traditional Maori drill, how birds and rats were trapped and explore other traditional activities and pastimes.
• Inventions and Innovations: Explore a range of inventions and experience how they have helped to improve our way of life.

Despite the museum’s doors being closed for the first time in its history, MOTAT is determined to support educators during this challenging time.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MOTAT’S EDUCATION OFFERING, INCLUDING ONLINE WORKSHOPS, PLEASE CONTACT JULIE.BAKER@MOTAT.ORG.NZ