Math: Highest Common Factor (HCF)

 LI: To create a google draw and explain the HCF with a meaning and example.

 

The above google draw is a collaborative work of Afatia and me which showcases our learning on Highest Common Factor (HCF) under the topic of math. We first started by solving basic question and follow up worksheets to understand the topic step by step. Then we started to make this google draw. To explain the task in detail we have added the meaning, strategy, example and an image of the workout. I found this topic very interesting because we never knew about such a strategy and to solve these questions. I really liked working with Afatia and would love to do more tasks like this. 

Math: Lowest Common Multiple (LCM)

 LI: To create a google draw and explain the LCM with a meaning and example.

The above google draw is a collaborative work of Afatia and me which showcases our learning on Lowest Common Multiple (LCM) under the topic of math. We first started by solving basic question and follow up worksheets to understand the topic step by step. Then we started to make this google draw. To explain the task in detail we have added the meaning, strategy, example and an image of the workout. I found this topic very interesting because it makes these type of questions a lot more easier. I really liked working with Afatia and would love to do more tasks like this. 

Science: Laws of Inertia

 LI: To strengthen our understanding on inertia by creating a presentation.

The above presentation is made by Ong, RJ, Sulia and me under the topic of Science. We first wrote our opinions and important points on a piece of paper and then started to complete our task. We also watched many videos and read articles to understand the topic on more detail. We didn't know much about Inertia so we found interesting that it has three laws which are rest, motion and direction. We also came to know that it was defined by Isaac Newton in the year of 1687. We learnt many interesting facts after completing this task and enjoyed to work as a group.

Writing: Why is it important to make wise choices?

 LI: To structure and write an explanation.

Why is it important to make wise choices?

Making wise choices is about choosing between the two paths, one leads to success and the other leads to failure. At every moment in life you have to make choices, it depends on you if you want to follow the crowd or stand out to follow your thoughts. Always keep in mind that you are the most important person in your world, nobody else. 

With this topic in mind an example that can explain it well is drugs. It is a substance that is highly addictive and can also ruin your life. Drugs are often taken due to peer pressure and depression. If you are in one of these situations, on one hand you have the option to talk to your caregivers or seek help in a positive way but, on the other hand you can take drugs and find happiness in it. This is an example that can happen to anybody in everyday life and it is important to look back and make sure you do what is right for you.

In this situation if you choose the right path you can overcome your problem. The people around you will also understand your problem and will make sure that you feel fine after some time, but if you choose the wrong path by taking drugs you do not overcome your problem, it just fades for a time. Once you are conscious you will find the problem coming back with a bigger mess which is the addiction to drugs. It is always in your hand and thus it is said to make a decision after thinking more than once. 

As drugs can be very addictive and dangerous it is better to stay away from them and do what you think is right. In conclusion, I think it is important to know that you have the situation in your hands and you can either open it to loose control or tighten it to rule over. To wrap it up, I would say that situations like drugs are just an example, and you might deal with something that is even worse just make sure that you make wise choices and think about yourself before making the decision.

The above paragraph was made on the importance of making wise choices under the topic Writing. First we set a timer for five minutes and wrote our ideas on a piece of paper so it could help us when we are writing our paragraph. Then we wrote our essay and used the DRAFT method to make further changes. This acronym stand for Delete, Rearrange, Add, Fix and Talk. It was very helpful as we followed the steps by deleting the words, rearranging the sentences, adding new words, fixing our essay and talking to our friend for learning new ideas. I really enjoyed improving my writing skills and working with Fau.

Inquiry: Election II

 LI: To think deeply about a change I would make 

The question we got was "If you were a Prime Minister, what one thing you would do to change New Zealand and why?" The answer I gave was "If I was the Prime Minister the one thing I would do to change New Zealand would be that I introduce a plan for the safety of the environment because I have heard that the country is suffering from problems like water shortage and air pollution." I gave this answer because I think that our country is lacking in this field and this really needs to stop now as it affects the environment, animals as well as the people to live a safe and healthy life.

Inquiry: Elections I

 LI: To decide which political party will get my vote by making an informed choice.

The above google draw was created to decide which political party I would vote for under the topic of Inquiry. I read the summary of polices each party wants to introduce and this allowed me to make an informed decision. It also helped me to answer the questions like should they be win the elections and get a right to form a government to run New Zealand. If I was 18 I would vote for Labour party because they are very responsible and handled the lockdown situation very well. This means if Labour party won the candidate I will vote for would be Jenny Salesa and the prime minister would remain as Jacinda Ardern. I learnt the new vocabulary like electorate, democracy etc which was something very interesting for me. I really enjoyed completing this task. 

DARE: Making Wise Choices

 LI: To create a google draw showcasing our learning on drug awareness.

The above google draw is a collaborative work of Victoria and me which showcases our learning on today's drug awareness session under Inquiry. We first faced each others back and answered the four questions written above which helped us share our ideas and opinions. Once we were ready we added our answers on a google draw. We have also added some images which explains the topic in more detail. I came to know a lot about drugs and found interesting that drugs are used in our everyday life. I enjoyed working as a team with Victoria to complete this task. 

Maori Language Week: Learning App

 LI: To create an app through google slides that helps a person to learn maori.

The above app is a collaborative work of Lukah, Ong, Afatia and me which was made for Maori Language Week. This is our last task and we first planned our work on a piece of paper as it was very important. Planning the work was helpful because then we could divide the work and decide what we have to do in each slide. I really liked completing this task as we could showcase our learning through making an app and learning new words and meanings. I would really love to work as a team with my friends and finish such knowledgeable and fun tasks.

Maori Language Week: Map

 LI: To create a map and mark maori places that have an english meaning behind it.

The above google maps is a collaborative work of Lukah, Ong and me for Maori Language Week. This is our third task and we first searched about maori places and then found their meanings. We also tried to link the english meaning to the place. The place I found most interesting was Papakura as it means red earth. It is named because the soil is very rich in nutrients which gives it a red color. We have found many such places which has a link to their english meanings which made it very amazing for us. We would love to complete many such tasks that increases our knowledge on this topic.

Tech Reflection: Corn Frittles

 LI: To follow the instructions and make corn frittles.

This week for our year 8 food technology session we went to Tamaki College and worked with Ms. Heka. The above picture showcases the dish we created . First we listened the instruction that Ms. Heka told us about the proportion of ingredients and cleaning the area where you cooked. Once we were ready we mixed the flour, baking powder and milk. Then we mixed the batter well so we do not have lumps and added the corn in it. Finally we added the oil on the pan and added the mix on it. While cooking it I came to know that I am good at flipping. It tasted so delicious and we were very happy that our hard work had a good result. I really enjoyed this week's tech class and also enjoyed working with Ms. Heka

Math: Ratio and Proportions

 LI: To use our math skills to solve a question and create a google draw showcasing our strategy.

The above google draw is a collaborative work of Ong, Lukah, Afatia and me which showcases our learning on ratios and proportions. We first started by watching videos and solving basic question to understand the topic step by step. Once we were confident enough to solve harder question we solved the above question. To explain our math task in detail we have added the question, main information, strategy, answer and a picture of our working. I found this question very interesting because we used more than one strategy which were addition and multiplication. I really liked working with my friends and would love to do more tasks like this.

Maori Language Week: Proverbs

 LI: To create a google draw that explains your desired whakatauki (proverb).

The above google draw is a collaborative work of me and Afatia which showcases the meaning of our desired proverb. We have included the proverb in both maori and english as well as the meaning to explain it clearly. Our proverb was "He rau ringa e oti ai" and the reason we chose this proverb was because it was something new and very inspiring for us as well as we also found the meaning very attractive. We have also added a screencastify scripted by me and Afatia which explains our task in more detail. After completing the task we understood the meaning of proverbs and the meaning behind it.

Maori Language Week: History

 LI: To create a google draw that tells others about the history of Maori Language Week.

The above google draw is a collaborative work of me and Afatia which showcases the history of the origin on Maori Language Week. To explain the topic clearly we have added the meaning, time, reason, importance, conclusion and timing of the Maori Language Week. We didn't really know anything about it and we found interesting about its origin as well as how and when it started. I think the origin of the Maori Language Week is the main reason of people still learning and respecting this beautiful culture now. After completing the task I understood the topic in a detail and I also loved working with Afatia as a team.

Maori Language Week: Tuakana Teina

 LI: To help younger students design patterns with string art.

This week we are celebrating Maori language week and today we taught the younger students string art. The younger students came from Ruma Kotahi (Room 1) and Ruma Korua (Room 2). It is a part of Tuakana Teina which is a very famous method followed in the Maori culture. It can be called a buddy system, in which the younger people gain knowledge or a skill from an elder person. I think this is a very useful and important method because it makes your relationship with the others stronger. I worked with Jamie, Freedom, Millierose, Laz and Tupe. They were very interactive and were eager to complete their art. We helped them make the maori design on a black paper and glue a string on the top. The pieces of art were very beautiful and I really enjoyed working with my new friends.

DARE: It's Cool 2b Me!

 LI: To understand what you think is best about yourself.

The above google draw is a completed version which was done in our DARE session today. The reason we did this task was to realize that the most important person in the world is you and that you are the one who has the option of making wise choices. I think the intention is very important as it is very true and we might also be in situations when we have to make wise and important choices. I think after completing this google draw I am more confident and have learnt more about choosing the best option for me.

Te Reo Challenge: Family Tree

 LI: To create a google draw that showcases your family members.

The above google draw is made for the Te Reo Challenge this week, and the topic was about a family tree. We first wrote all the names of our family members on a piece of paper and then wrote the maori meanings. We then made a family chart roughly to see the size and plan our work. Once I was ready with my work I added it on a google draw. To make it look creative and eye-catchy I made a background which includes a tree, birds and grass. After completing this task I came to know all the meaning of the family members in maori and this task was very knowledgeable for me. I am eagerly waiting for the next challenge!

Biology: MRS C GREN

 LI: To understand the meaning behind the acronym MRS C GREN.

The above google draw is a collaborative work of Lukah, Ong, Tanisha and me. It showcases what the acronym MRS C GREN stands for and an example which is the life cycle of a sunflower. The acronym stands for the life processes in a living organism which are movement, respiration, sensitivity, cells, growth, reproduction, excretion and nutrition. I knew the meaning of the words earlier but didn't know about the acronym and how it is used in different plants and animals. To complete this task we used collaboration, smart searching skills by skimming and scanning for key words which was useful to select and reject the information. I really enjoyed to work with my group and increase my knowledge in the field of biology.

Biology: Footprints Observation

 LI: To look for evidence in the data and the images to infer what might be happening. 

The above presentation is the collaborative work of Lily, Afatia, Liletina and me. It showcases what we did in today's Reading class as well as the new words and topics we came to know about. Our challenge was to observe the images and find a conclusion. The rule we followed was that you cannot speak and you negotiate to tell that your point is important. We also learned that science is empirical which means that science is based on observations. We can also say that there is no conclusion with an observation. After completing this challenge we came to know the meaning of several words that are used in biology. We are also very happy that we got a chance to work as a team and discuss our work.

Art: Sunflower Painting

 LI: To paint a still life of sunflowers in the style of Vincent Van Gogh.

The above google draw showcases is a photo montage of my work. We first learned to draw what we see and use all the space available as well as think about the tone and the shading needed. To understand it properly we then took a look at the different paintings made by Vincent Van Gogh to mark it as an example. We then practiced adding many layers of paints as it makes the painting look more effective. We also learnt about adding two or more colors in different proportions and making new colors which I think is very important. We then came to know about other rules required to make this painting which were, not overloading the brush with extra paint, dabbing, thing about the light direction and creating sharp edges and lines. I really enjoyed learning these new tricks and completing this beautiful painting.

Inquiry: Science Equipments

 LI: To use smart searching skills and create a presentation with the meaning of various equipments used in science.

Today Lily, Afatia, Liletina and I worked together to create this presentation on the major science tools used in an experiment. The tools we have covered are bunsen burner, gas pipe, test tube rack, funnel, measuring beaker, conical flask and a c;amp stand. We didn't know so many tools and this topic was something very new and knowledgeable for us. We found interesting that we have different names for various containers on the basis of the shape and size. I am very happy that we got a chance to work together as a team and learn something new.

Tech Reflection: Fried Rice

LI: To follow the instructions and make fried rice.

This week for our year 8 food technology session we went to Tamaki College and worked with Ms. Heka. The above picture showcases Sakina and me working together as a team and making our dish. First we listened the instruction that Ms. Heka told us about the proportion of ingredients and cleaning the area where you cooked. Once we were ready we sliced the capsicums and onions and grated the carrot. We then got our rice and tofu and made small pieces so that it would easy to eat. Finally we added the oil, sauces and the ingredients, mixed it well and it was ready to eat. It tasted so delicious and we were very happy that our hard work had a good result. I really enjoyed this week's tech class and also enjoyed working with Ms. Heka.

Duffy Books in School

Today we got our Duffy books and I am very excited to read them. The books I chose were Tom Gates: Spectacular School Trip and Thea Stilton: Mouseford Academy. I really want to say a thank you to the Duffy books in schools to give us such amazing books and an opportunity to improve our reading. Duffy books are provided to the students so that we can be inspire a long life love of reading. I chose these two books because I have read some of the books in these series and would love to continue it.

Timeline: Vincent Van Gogh

 LI: To create a timeline to show the life of Vincent Van Gogh.

Today Liletina, Afatia, Lily and me worked together to complete this task for Reading and Writing. We used smart searching skills and opinions to create a timeline on Vincent Van Gogh. We used the website "padlette" which helped us to create the summary of his life. We first worked as a team and searched interesting facts and information and wrote it on a piece of paper. We then used sites to learn more about him. Once we had collected the information we added it onto the timeline and used images to help the readers understand more. We learned a lot about his personal and professional life after completing this task.