This week we explored the definition of flight! We looked into which objects can fly and how.
We first explored this by creating different paper planes that are made to do different things. Our planes either glided, went really fast, or spun! We introduced fair testing by identifying who made the best plane for its purpose. We thought about what defined 'best' and how can we measure that? We also created objects that required wings and tested the best shape for creating lift.
How tall? How much? How heavy? What time did you wake up this morning? What size is your shirt? What is your temperature? Why is measurement important? Measurement provides a standard for everyday things and processes. It is everywhere playing a vital, and often unexpected role, in our daily lives. This week we explored hands-on 'real world' activities, we explored using standard versus non-standard units of measure, and were introduced to the difference between accuracy and precision. We learnt how to take accurate measurements and the importance of calibrating measuring devices.
Check out our measuring experiences below!
From 'fireworks' in a test tube to changing the colour of a candle flame, room 12 loved the the exciting activities we did this week! We had the opportunity to predict, observe and explain natural phenomena, in the context of fire. What is the fire triangle? What are the different zones in a candle flame and what is happening in each zone? What creates the colours in fireworks? We explored these questions but in a safe an engaging way.
Check out the pictures of our experiments below!
In term 2 we are starting a new unit about the history of Aotearoa. A part of this unit will focus on the shaping of Kirikiriroa throughout history. As a part of our unit we went for a walk to Seeley's Gully and looked at the beautiful nature we have right in the middle of our city. The gully was completely bare when Mr Seeley began planting in the 1960s. Now mature groves of kahikatea, Rimu, Kanuka, Mahoe, Nikau palms and tree ferns line the walkways.
This week our school visited the Hukanui marae. We as Manuhiri (visitors) were welcomed onto the marae by the tangata whenua (people of the land). The Hukanui marae is the marae that Hamilton East School has a connection to.
The marae was moved because of the arrival of British troops in 1864. The new wharepuni (camp hut) was built from ponga logs and raupo reeds. Named after the nearby swamp land. It is very foggy on cold frosty mornings, and the fog hangs down low on the ground. The second Maaori king was Tawhaio, Tukuroto Matutaera Potatau Te Wherowhero. He called the Wharenui 'Tu Tururu-a-papa kamutu'. Enduring the land. To the people, this means that they will not be made to move again. Their marae is their home and it will always be there.
We are now a part of the Hukanui Marae.
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| Marae experience - By Layton Mace |
Tuurangawaewae in maaori culture is a sense of identity and independence associated with having a home base. Through this we explore our own identity and place in the world. The main question we ask ourselves is Ko Wai au? Who am I?
As a part of our Tuurangawaewae learning we explored the art style of maaori artist Robyn Kahukiwa. Robyn Kahukiwa is a leading maaori artist who has done a lot to raise awareness of contemporary maaori art. Her art style is often political and addresses the oppression of Maaori woman by the social structures of the dominant Pakeha culture and the change in Maaori tradition. In her artwork she acknowledges the disappearance of meaning and identity - specifically maaori identity.
Here are a few examples of the amazing artwork ruuma tekau maa rua has completed. The task was to complete a self portrait inspired by Robyn's style. We added in Tui to incorporate our hub name (Tui hub) and other designs inspired by papatuanuku.
We have been working hard this term practising our swimming! We know how important it is to feel confident in the water as we have so many opportunities to swim in New Zealand. As the weather gets colder swimming is coming to an end however, we have enjoyed learning valuable skills we can use in the water and had a lot of fun doing so!
Check out some of our swimming sessions below and leave a comment!
Ruuma tekau maa rua 2021
Kia ora! Welcome to our class for the new year! These are the diverse learners of room 12. We come from all over the world and New Zealand. We are excited to learn as year 5 & 6 akonga in Kauri team. Follow our blog for updates on our learning experiences and journey. Ka kite!
LEGO Creations!
Lego is a great way to relieve stress and engage in meaningful and joyful conversations. As children comment on their Lego creations, they develop important communication skills including the ability to explain ideas, describe their work, talk about the process and verbalise challenges they had along the way.
Room nine has shown passion for lego since day one. We have many engineers who show their creativity through their Lego models. We have had Lego vacuum cleaners, superheroes, cars, trucks, spaceships, lightsabers, R2D2 and so much more. Everyday they are problem solving to make their creations better and they are thoughtful, mechanical and always blow my mind!
Check out some of the creations below...
Genius Hour
Where passions come alive!
Genius hour is a movement that allows students to explore their own passions and encourages creativity in the classroom. Room 9 was given a set time each week where they have a choice in what they learn.
The first thing we had to establish was a driving question, which we couldn't find the answer to on google. We had to research, plan and create our projects with only 1 hour per week to do so. We then reflected after each session on how our projects were going and whether we were sticking to our driving question. We thought about what was working, what isn't, what challenges we are facing and how can we overcome them.
At the end of our 8 weeks of genius hour we presented our passions. Everyone in room 9 presented amazing projects and were able to reflect on the process. Our genius hour has inspired us to be life long learners and we will continue to ask questions, wonder and reflect on our everyday learning.
Room nine were recently given the opportunity to work with new technology in our classroom! They were given a series of problem solving tasks that range in complexity. This tested their ability to follow instructions and problem solve with the opportunity to learn from their mistakes.
In the pictures below are some of the examples of what we did!
Robotic LEGO:
The robotic lego was a popular choice. We were given instructions to follow to build a small robot which we made alterations to. We also made a robot that was able to break dance! We found this particularly challenging however, when we finished it we were so proud of our determination! Hopefully we get another opportunity to use this one day and learn how to programme it to break dance.
Duplo:
Some of us used the Duplo blocks to create structures that completed different tasks. This was fun as we got to fire canons at blocks and create an interactive theme park!
Unplugged robots:
We also had the opportunity to play with unplugged robots. This meant we didn't need a device and they are programmed to follow certain tasks or courses we set for them. We were able to programme these robots by either using images or by drawing the track using different colours. We learnt that the robots are programmed to react to a certain path or colour. We programmed our robots to move in different ways and complete certain tasks.
