The Triassic Period

WALT read and understand how an explanation is written. (Structure and language features used in writing explanations)

Knowledge Questions: Learn

1. How long ago was the Triassic period?

The Triassic Period was 248-213 million years ago

2. What was the name of the only huge continent on Earth at that time?

The continent on the earth at the time was, Pangea.

3. How many years ago did dinosaurs first appear ?

Dinosaurs first appeared about 230 million years ago.

Comprehension Questions: Learn

     4.   What sort of food did the dinosaurs eat?

There were carnivorous which are flesh-eating, then there were herbivorous which are  plant-eaters.

     5.   Describe the Staurikosaurus - its appearance and eating habits.

The Staurikosaurus was one of the earliest known dinosaurs, and they were flesh-eaters.

     6.   Do some plants from the Triassic period still exist today?  Explain your answer.

Yes, because in this article they wrote about plants that they had found, and because New Zealand have ferns.

Application Questions: Create, Share

     7.   Do you think the information in this article would be useful if you were researching why other animals have become extinct? Why?

Yes, because in the article it says that dinosaurs may be the reason of the extinction of many other reptiles.

     8.   What question would you ask a palaeontologist (dinosaur expert) about the Triassic

          period? Why was it called the ‘Triassic Period’? and who started the theory of Pangea.

Thinking beyond : Create,  Share

Analysis: What are some problems palaeontologists might have when researching dinosaurs? They might have been confused with which bones were from which dinosaur, and where they came from.

Synthesis: If you had unlimited money, how would you protect animals which are in danger of becoming extinct?  I would buy a massive reserve that has a lot of plants, trees, and rivers and divide the area into sections, where the animals that got along with each other would live with each other. I would have workers, and I also would place food around the jungle slash forest slash reserve, so that the animals would have to hunt. Meaning they wouldn’t be babied, but they still would be safe.

Evaluation: Do you think it would be better to spend money on trying to solve problems in today’s world rather than researching dinosaurs?  It really depends, I would love to know the history of what has walked on the earth, that now is ours. But then again we are in the present, and it would be better to solve problems in the present, like world hunger, and global warming.

Travel to School for all Students

On the left side of the graph is the percentage of students, or how many students there are. Then below there are different types of ways they travel to school. The most common the students traveled was by motor, and the least is by train.

Waitangi - Questions and Answers

What do you think about Keiran’s opinion?

I think Kerain has a great point of view, I also think he’s right. Why can’t we have more celebrating? instead of all the dramatic arguments we have, we have 364 other days that we can argue. Why can’t we just have a barbeque and say all the good things about our county? For example, we’re the only county to get our land back, and aren't fully ruled by the queen.

What does Waitangi Day mean to you or your family?

Waitangi is just another day away from school, or work for our family. We don’t celebrate or anything for some reason, never did when I think about it. It’s kind of just a break away from everything, a lazy day.

What groups do you think benefit from Waitangi Day?

People who need a break from work, or the native people of New Zealand.

How do you think New Zealanders could do more to celebrate Waitangi Day?

They could have a big function where everyone comes, children and adults could have a great time. Or they could have a break from all the arguing about how the agreement wasn't thought about, and actually have break.

Water Fun Day: Recount

On Friday, 7th February, Glenbrae school had a water fun day from 9:00 am until 11:00. All around the school, students were wearing house colors yellow, green, red, and blue. There were six activities that we had to participate in - the obstacle race,  the water slide, through the leg, zig-zag, walk the plank and three arm race. Students in the same house color cheered for the person who was running to the center of the court, where the four bins that we had to feel with either the sponge, cup of milk bottle.

Determination was evident as each student ran and slide around the school, everyone was joyful as they got wet and soaked by the hose that was filling the buckets. Teachers, and students rooting for their house colors, even the students who weren't running were having a blast. The helpers housing the participants, laughing as they squirmed and squealed. Each student ecstatic, as they overcame each obstacle with a smile. We slid, zig-zagged, sprinted, and splashed around cheerfully, some fell but they got back up and kept on going.

The last whistle blew, and everyone dropped what they were doing and ran to the court and sat in their house lines. Stressing moments passed, as everyone waited for the results, Mrs Parker-Tofa measured how much water was in each bin and then walked to the front us all. “In fourth place, we have Kowhai. And in third place is Nikau” she said, we all waited impatiently as she spoke. “And in first place, we have a tie. Rata and Kauri win, it’s a tie” Rata and Kauri cheered, and high fived each other happily. Kowhai and Nikau weren't that far behind. Good luck next time.

Explanation: Socially Responsible Person

Explain what it takes to be a socially responsible person in our community.

To be a socially responsible person in our community, you have to not only be responsible for yourself but everyone and thing around you. You should treat others, the way you would want to be treated. Also by being a socially responsible person to your community, you should help others if they are ever in need of help. But first you must be responsible of yourself, by doing that you should do the right things at the right time.

You should be a role model to your peers, by showing respect to others, and admitting when you have made a mistake and apologize, participate in community functions, and contribute to what they can. Everyone can be responsible if they want, but it means that you have to be more responsible and helpful than others, and hopefully they will follow your actions and behavior. If you encourage your friends and peers to behave, and be responsible, and if they don’t listen then be an example.

Helmets Save Lives: Thinking Beyond

Analysis: What are some of the problems of encouraging children to wear cycling helmets?

Some children don’t listen, and some children copy other riders who might not wear helmets. They are influenced by older children who do not wear helmets. They persuade their parents that they will be fine without a helmet and they don’t need one.

Synthesis: Create a new sport or game which would require the use of bicycles.

Bike Croquet, in this game you must have a helmet to play and a bike. You will also need a croquet set, to play you have to ride your bike and then hit the ball trying to aim it through the hole.

Evaluation: Whose responsibility do you think it should be to ensure that an eight year old child wears a cycling helmet every time he or she gets on the bike?

Parents should always make sure that children wear helmets, or older brothers and sisters.

Netbook Reflection 2013

How has having a net book connected to the internet helped my learning this year?

Having a net book that is connected to the internet is helpful in many ways. I have learnt a lot in all subjects having a net book. On our net books our teachers have shown us learning sights, and presentations, we also have a sight where we go to if we're confused. On my net book I have learnt maths strategies from maths whizz, and how to write a recount from templates. On our net books we are able to share ideas with each other and work together. We also can publish our work on our blogs and people around the world can read and comment. 

Orienteering - Recount

Today two instructors came to our school to teach us about, and how to play the sport, orienteering. It was really fun, we learnt what the symbols on the map mean, and the fastest ways to the controls.

To begin with orienteering is a sport, where you search for controls but, there are obstacles like buildings, hills, trees etc. You can play in singles or pairs, you might have to use compass if in a forest but, other than you should be able to use your surroundings to know where you are on the map.

Before we were able to go outside and actually try the sport, we saw a power point, then we had a quiz. After that we went outside and did a course that they set up, we had to run around a circle and find the correct control.

It sounds easy but, you have to be really patient because you can’t go back once you've passed it.

During the weekend. . .

During the weekend it wasn’t very interesting, on Friday I went to my dads and we watched old movies. My favourite movie was Percy Jackson the lightning thief, I am really addicted to that movie and can’t wait to watch the sequel.

The next morning my mum picked us up and went back home, she was at my aunt's birthday party. When we got home it wasn’t any interestinger we watched tv and hanged out with each other.

On Sunday my brother, sister, and my mum went shopping for shoes and clothes while I stayed home because I was sick, and because they left when I was sleeping. When I woke up my auntie Gina and Rosie were visiting. When my mum and sibling finally got home my nana, aunts, and mum played a game of cards.

My aunts stayed for dinner which was chinese and helped wash the dishes etc. After that we watched tv and then went to sleep.

Writting Narrative

One sunny day a girl named Winter went on a family holiday with her parents old friends. They drive for about for two hours to a forest, there were two cabins one for the kids and three other for the parents.

When the other family arrive they all introduce Winter and her brother Andrew. Winter meet her best friend from when she was younger,  Scarlett who tackled Winter with a hug and they caught up. Andrew and Scarlett’s brother, who instantly become best friends.

The two families stayed at the cabins for two weeks when they left, Scarlett, Winter, Andrew and   promised to star in touch. They kept to their promise and every friday they meet at either ones house.

They were best friends for life and nothing could ever change that.

Pumping Pedals

“ Pumping Pedals” by Maggie Lilleby

SJ Part 4 Number 3 2004

1. Recall

Give a brief summary of the story.

This story is about Sally Davies how she competed in a BMX competition, she has only been racing for a few months but she already loves the sport. When she started out, Sally was helped by an experienced rider who coached her the basics.

2. Infer

What kind of a person is Sally Davies? Tell why you think this.

I think Sally Davies is a very outgoing person, even though she just started riding she was still eager to compete.

3. Evaluate

Explain why you think the author entitled the story as “Pumping Pedals”

I think that the Author named it “Pumping the Pedals” because that is a method that the racers use.

4. Think about it

Why do you think Sally would like to attract more girls to the sport of BMX racing?

I think because she has to race with boys and she would to race with girls for a change.

5. Recall

How are the bikes designed and what are they made of?

The bikes are specially designed for the sport. Top models are made of light-weight aluminium, titanium, or carbon fibre. They’re smaller than mountain bikes, with a very low saddle, so you have to stand all the time while racing. They have small wheels with thick, chunky tyres. The bikes have only one gear, so a rider’s legs spin round really fast, and there’s only one brake (at the back).

6. Think about it.

Why did Sally groan as she remembered her first racing bike?

Sally groaned at the memory because “It was a freestyle bike and so heavy, with huge tyres.”

7. Please explain the racing technique called “pumping” and why it might be important?

Sally describes a technique called “pumping”, where riders use gravity to help them go faster.

8. Do you think BMX racing is a dangerous sport. Tell why or why not you think this.

I do think that BMX racing is dangerous because you could crash into each other and get injured.

9. Synthesize

Please tell what you liked most about the story and why or why not you would like to be a BMX racer.

I really like that she still races even races even though she has to race with boys.

10. Design a flyer to attract and introduce new riders to the sport. Be sure to tell when and where it meets and what equipment is required. When you are finished please upload to your blog.

Dance Fever Session 1

On Thursday we had the privilege to participate in a dance activity called Dance Fever. Our instructors names were Captain and Christina, they were very welcoming and kind.

We had three rules that we had obliged by rule one was no talking when instructors or teachers are speaking, rule two is that we respect each other, and last but not least have fun.

The routine wasn’t that hard our instructor said we were great dancers.We learnt about several dance moves, it was really fun at the end of the session we played this game were there were two captains and what ever dance moves they did we would copy, at the end the captains would have a Dance off. The winner were the boys.

It was really fun at Dance Fever I can’t wait till our next session!

Inquiry Project

Monster Truck Competion Poster

Today I made a poster about Monster Competition (just to let you know I made it up sorry but it was one the   activities i had). I really toke my time so it would look nice I think it is alright.

Change a Child's Life (Cancer)

How would you feel if you had to wake up in a hospital half of your life? There are children and adults lying in a hospital bed, probably on the edge of dying, with a common sickness called cancer. I believe that there should be more charities supporting cancer, because kids who suffer a short amount of time to live, there are about 200 different types of cancer, there is no single cause to get cancer.

Kids who suffer from cancer have a short amount of time to live. In addition the average time that a child who is diagnosed with cancer is five years. However that isn't very long considering the children who are diagnosed with cancer thought they would die of old age or other, not a disease.

There are about 200 different types of cancer. It can start in any type of body tissue. What affects one body tissue may not affect another. For example, tobacco smoke that you breathe in may help to cause lung cancer. Overexposing your skin to the sun could cause a melanoma on your leg. But the sun won't give you lung cancer and smoking won't give you melanoma.

Apart from infectious diseases, most illnesses (including cancer) are multifactorial. This means that there are many factors involved. In other words, there is no single cause for any one type of cancer

A lot of people die from cancer in the world. Like taking drugs and smoking. Cancer society’s help people with cancer so they can live instead of dying or live a little longer. There are a lot of ways you can help people with cancer, some people with cancer would rather spend their last days with their family and friends. Just by making them smile or laugh you’ve made a difference in their lives.

"Basket Boats"

1. Where is the story set?

Answer:The story takes place in a fishing village called Qui Nhon on the southern coast of Vietnam.

2. Who is the main character in the story?

Answer:The main character in the story is Thanh.

3. What is the story about?

Answer:The story is about how men in Quin Nhon build their basket boats and how Thanh and his friends want to become fishermens like their father.

4. What is a basket boat? What is its' proper name?

Answer:A basket boat is like a boat but smaller. The proper name for it is Thung Chai.

5. What is a basket boat useful?

Answer:A basket boat is useful to fishing for men. Fishermen would cast nets over the side of the thung chai or lower crab traps into the sea from them.

6. How is a thung chai made?

Answer:The thung chai is made starting with cutting long poles of green bamboo from the forest. Then they scrape off the outer skin and then slice the poles into thin slats. To make the bamboo easier to weave, they soak the slats in water. As the men weave, they stretch the bamboo slats over a basket-shaped mould. In the centre, the weaving is pulled very tight to give the boat its round shape. A thung chai is built without nails. To hold the weaving together, thicker pieces of bamboo are wrapped around the rim and lashed on with strong fishing line.

7. Why is a thung chai handy? What are some of its' uses?

Answer:A thung chai is handy because in the morning the men would cast nets over the side of thing chai or lower crab traps into the sea from them.

8. How many seats are in a thung chai?

Answer:In a thung chai there are no seats.

9. Explain how safe a thung chai is?

Answer:The thung chai is safe because of how it was made. It was made with strong bamboo sticks, they scraped the outside of the bamboo carefully, and they soaked it with concentrated.

10. Make a short film of yourself while you briefly summarize the story. Describe what you think about thung chai and why. please upload to your blog.

In a small village there lived a little called Thanh that always dreamed of becoming a fishermen just like his father when he grows up. Especially his friends, they all want the same thing .

The Intense Games

Today we had a Softball lesson with Softball coaches from Auckland sport, it was really exciting because we haven't had a Softball lesson for a week. Before we started everyone wanted to warm up so we had a game of octopus but, it started to spit so we ended the game a little bit earlier. We started of easy, we just rolled the ball to our partners and they would roll it back. we had to stand in a monkey pose to catch the ball it was really funny.

Next we started throwing the Softball back and forth to each other, the people that were good at aiming, throwing and catching were able to go further and further backwards it was really freaky because the ball could easily hit us if we make a little mistake. There was a very loud blow at the center of the court. “Please hold your ball” Sammy said loudly, “We are going to have a little competition to see who throw the farthest” she said everyone started to get hyped up.

“On your marks set” and Sammy blew the whistle every one started throwing back and forth, and making sure not to forget to step backwards. It was getting really intense on the courts. Then there was another whistle it was a sign to stop. “Put your hand up you three and anyone else put you Softballs and gloves in the bags” everyone started walking of the court and siting either leaning on the wall around the wall or on the chair, some people were standing to watch the action. The threw from one end of the court the other one team walked of the court because dropped the ball, There was two team Siupeli and Christian, Lisiate and Nathaniel. “The winner” Sammy said it was Lisiate and Nathaniel. All of us were congratulating them and then we thanked Sammy and Vick.

Last Time

The morning was as cold as ice when it started to rain. It was our last day of soccer we saw been on the courts and someone said “Are we going to play on the court?”

Then Ben said, “Yeah, well it’s not raining anymore”. Then someone else said “What if it starts to rains again” and then Ben said “Well you’ll just get wet” and then we all laughed.

We had to warm up well they were setting up the game so we had a game of Octopus it was really fun, everyone dodging and getting caught by the taggers. The taggers were as fast as a cheater. We had one more game of Octopus, it was as fun as the first game.

Ben made as a promise that we could have a mini tournament so we were separated into six teams.

All I could hear was “One, Two Three, Four, Five, Six,” over and over again. There were two teams on each court we were waiting for the signal to star, a big loud powerful blow. There were four games, everyone was eager to win whenever someone got a goal the team started to celebrate. The games were as fun as Friday night. Then we heard a loud whistle it was a signal to swap over. When we got to our next game people were like “Game on!” then our team responded the same exact way.

“Goal yahh!” someone said really loudly I’m sure they wanted everyone to hear. Another loud blow went so we changed over it was our last game there was a goal there and another there.

 “Three, Two, One, and game over” Ben said in a loud voice.

After that we all gathered June walked up to the front and said “On behalf of room then  I would like to thank you”. “Thanks guys” Ben said in a big voice high fiveing everyone that went past him.

The Snow Race

The Wattle street kids are watching a toboggan race on TV. They decide to have their own snow race. Everyone finds something to use as a toboggan ~ everyone except for Jing. Will she be able to enter the race?

You will have to read the book on sunshine online to find out what happens next.

Wattle Street Hockey

Jing loves hockey. It is her favorite game. When Wattle street is closed for repairs, Jing organises a game of street hockey. What will happen when things get heated up?

I chose an activity from this story called, Wattle Street Hockey Crossword. It was a little bit hard at the start but I did finish it.