NZQA Expiring unit standard
15979 version 4
Page 1 of 3
Title
Compare western astronomical theory with Māori cosmology
Level
2
Credits
3
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard are able to: explain
western astronomical theory and Māori cosmology and
compare them in relation to the beginning of the universe;
develop conclusions based on interpretation of western
astronomical theory and Māori cosmology; and present a
discussion to support either the western astronomical theory or
Māori cosmology for the beginning of the universe.
Classification
Environment Māori > Māori Environmental Practices
Available grade
Achieved
Explanatory notes
1
Local iwi or hapū curriculum aims and objectives form the national standard basis of
this unit standard.
2
Where local rohe are also occupied by a number of other iwi or hapū, the tangata
whenua or mana whenua view will take precedence. Other iwi or hapū views should
be encouraged in order to enrich and enhance understanding of key Māori science
concepts and practices.
3
The definitions of Māori words and concepts in the local dialect must be verified by
the local iwi and/or hapū.
4
Descriptions and explanations can be presented in a number of ways that may
include but are not limited to: oral presentations; visual presentations; written
presentations; whakaari; waiata and haka.
5
An annotated bibliography that supports this unit standard can be obtained from the
National Association of Māori Mathematicians, Scientists and Technologists
(NAMMSAT).
6
Definitions
western astronomical theory refers to western theories relating to modern astronomy;
Māori cosmology refers to the view held by Māori of the cosmos and their place
within it.
NZQA Māori Qualifications Services
SSB Code 194
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA Expiring unit standard
15979 version 4
Page 2 of 3
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Explain western astronomical theory and Māori cosmology and compare them in relation
to the beginning of the universe.
Evidence requirements
1.1
Explanation describes western astronomical theory relative to the beginning of
the universe.
1.2
Explanation describes Māori cosmology relative to the beginning of the
universe.
1.3
Explanation describes similarities and differences between western
astronomical theory and Māori cosmology relative to the beginning of the
universe.
Outcome 2
Develop conclusions based on interpretation of western astronomical theory and Māori
cosmology.
Evidence requirements
2.1
Interpretation of the similarities and differences between western astronomical
theory and Māori cosmology is provided.
2.2
Conclusions described are based on information gathered about western
astronomical theory and Māori cosmology.
Outcome 3
Present a discussion to support either the western astronomical theory or Māori
cosmology for the beginning of the universe.
Range
key aspects are listed with supporting evidence and sources.
Evidence requirements
3.1
Discussion on the beginning of the universe based on one of the theoretical
bases is prepared and completed.
Range
one western astronomical theory or Māori cosmology theory.
3.2
Rebuttal discussion on the unsupported theory is prepared and completed.
3.3
Conclusions to support favoured theoretical base are prepared and completed.
NZQA Māori Qualifications Services
SSB Code 194
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA Expiring unit standard
15979 version 4
Page 3 of 3
This unit standard is expiring. Assessment against the standard must take place by
the last date for assessment set out below.
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process
Version Date
Last Date for Assessment
Registration
1
28 June 1999
31 December 2015
Review
2
19 December 2003
31 December 2015
Rollover and
Revision
3
12 December 2013
31 December 2016
Review
4
19 November 2015
31 December 2016
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference
0226
This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA,
before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses
of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by
NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and
which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that
applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies
to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The
CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing
to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors
and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact the NZQA Māori Qualifications Services mqs@nzqa.govt.nz if you wish to
suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
NZQA Māori Qualifications Services
SSB Code 194
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016