Human Settlement of the Pacific
A page for teachers and senior students summarising the key concepts associated with Polynesian origins and human settlement of the Pacific.
The learning resources presented in these web pages explore human settlement of the Pacific and Polynesian origins.
The question “where do we come from?” is universal - all cultures have their myths and stories of where they came from. It’s also one that interests scientists like Allan Wilson Centre researcher Lisa Matisoo-Smith, who has worked to find the answers to questions about the origins of Polynesians and human settlement of the Pacific. These resources look at Lisa’s work and how the story of human settlement of the Pacific has changed as a result of advances in biotechnological techniques. It will also look at examples of population bottlenecks and founder effects in the evolution of modern Polynesians.
A page for teachers and senior students summarising the key concepts associated with Polynesian origins and human settlement of the Pacific.
Read this case study to learn about the work Professor Lisa Matisoo-Smith has done into the origins of Polynesian peoples and their journeys across the Pacific.
Resource questions designed to further discussion on the topic of Polynesian origins and human settlement of the Pacific.
Further questions on the subject of human settlement of the Pacific designed to stimulate more in-depth conversation and learning.
An in-stream version of the seminar series the resources on these web pages originate from.
Information for teachers on how these resources link to current curriculum objectives.
Additional resources for teachers to further understand the resources presented in these web pages.