Colourful Flowers

White flowers left in dye and food colouring for one day.

Two days later.

Science Activities

Anticipating the outcome of using a sound gun on a tealight candle.

Timing how long it takes for the colour to spread when a 'pebble' is
placed in H2O.

Groups had to draw their own interpretation of what they thought a
scientist really looked like.

Science in S7

On Friday 9th May we had a morning of science with students working in small groups of 4 or 5 to complete six scientific tasks. Each class set up the same experiments and children were mixed within the three classes. Children had seen some of these experiments before but all enjoyed spending time doing something different for the start of the day.

Check out our visiting scientists for the day.

S7 have focused on Anzac Day, and why we commemorate an event that ended tragically for many of our young soldiers 99 years ago. We were lucky enough to get some gear from today and yesteryear so that they could compare and contrast, then describe the differences.

On the left some of the uniform that security forces and soldiers are wearing currently
 in places like Afganistan. On the right pieces of uniform from World War II.

Pupils from J8 who couldn't wait to try on some of the equipment.

Through music and pictures we looked at the harmful and often life-long effects that this war and those that followed have had on the people and families involved. Eric Bogle's song "And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda" is a poignant reminder to children that war is not a game.
Have a listen to the Pogues rendition "And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda"

For those of you who might be home on Anzac Day, Maori TV have the Anzac Cove Dawn Service on at 2:30pm live. My oldest daughter Jessica will be playing at this service with the combined armed forces band and then again later at Chunuck Bair. So look out for her - easy to spot as she is the smallest and will be carrying a drum.

ANZAC BISCUITS

Not quite the way Mum used to make them, but everyone had a go at making their own biscuits in class today. Even in six groups, there was a huge variation in the finished product, both in look and taste. Some were well practised in the kitchen and others will need a bit more coaching in the culinary arts before being allowed to cut loose in the kitchen on their own. 

A well planned team all ready to get baking.

We are here to have fun!!!

A well set up team with everything ready to go.

We just know we are the best and we will prove it.

When can we start?

A very patient group of boys waiting for their turn.

Look at these, they are going to be perfect.

All hands on deck, or in the mixture, and yes we did all
wash our hands thoroughly beforehand.

With the help of Becks, adding the finishing touches.

Yumm, the finished product, looking very good.

SOLO Taxonomy for kids and parents.

Creative Thinkers

S7 is full of creative thinkers, who like to showcase their work in very clever ways. After weeks of gathering information, planning their work, and sorting data, the class are now ready to begin showcasing their work and what they have learnt along the way. We have had many interesting discussions along the way and it is great to see the empathy that many of these young people have towards others - especially the groups who have been researching the plight of homeless people.

Some of our clever and creative young people, and thanks to some
 parents and grandparents who have been assisting at home.

Two of the finished creations, one about fast food and obesity
the other about homelessness.

A mouth-wateringly large burger, let's hope McDonalds
don't try to emulate this.

Awesome Artwork

The photo doesn't do it justice, but Noah made an excellent job of the artwork on his paper bag,  

very impressed. Many of the children thought carefully about what was relevant to our community and how to portray this in their paper-bag artwork.

Check it Out.

Our first attempt at the Harlem Shake and we shot it in one go, well done.

Sorry about the sideways view but technology got the better of me and I am unable to correct this so please watch while craning your head to the left, thanks.
I think my computer is having an April Fool's joke.

Bags for Newcomers.

Last week we put our own artwork on to bags for newcomers. This initiative is run by the district council and the bags are filled with useful information for newcomers to our district, whether they be from another country or from another area in NZ. 

What a great idea to welcome people into our community, and a great way to involve local schools in this project.

GOLDEN BOOT

Currently residing in S7 after they successfully
lifted the boot from S5 last week.

The competition for the boot is proving quite fierce and is a much looked forward to, end of week activity. 

BOWLING

Today we learnt how to bowl with Amy from Kiwi bowls. This is the first in a series of four lessons organised. The three elements we learnt today were, get low, straight arm and follow through. Some people were excellent at bowling while others still need a bit of practice before we let them have a go with the real thing in a couple of weeks time.

Posing bueatifully.

Honing our skills.

Competing to get our "bowl" into the hoop.

Taking turns and competing between teams.

This was a great relay type activity where students had
to get the ball (aka bowl) to stop in the hoop.
Not as easy as it first looked.

The competition was fierce and  groups were
trying hard to be in the lead.

Check out last years Harlem Shake video, by year 8 students in S7. We will create a new S7 clip in the next week, so look out for the next instalment.