Learn About New Zealand - Winter Learning Journey Day 1

Five facts about New Zealand: 

• Maui is a Maori Demi-God who fished up New Zealand with his magical fishhook. 
• Did you know that NZ's oldest rocks are over 500 million years old?
• The New Zealand native bird is a kiwi, but it doesn't actually fly. 
• Kupe found New Zealand by using the stars and the ocean as his guide to find an island. 
• Aotearoa is the Maori name for New Zealand which simply means 'Land of the long white cloud'.

Term 2 Reflection

Term 2 has been a fun term with lots of learning as well as experiencing new things. In maths, I have revised my knowledge on decimals and fractions. I learned what BEDMAS stands for: Brackets, Exponents, Division, Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction. In reading, I have learned how to summaries and how to find the vital, very important and important ideas in a text. I have also learned how to disagree and agree. I have learned how to use more language features in my writing to make it more effective. I can use similes and metaphors to hook my reader in. In inquiry, I have learned that I should reduce, reuse and recycle to help Earth become a tidier environment for everyone. This term, our Kiwi Sport was Tae Kwando. In Tae Kwando, I have learned how to discipline my body into kicking, punching and moving swiftly. This term's theme in Kiwi Can was integrity. I have learned how to be responsible, honest, supporting and reliability. This term has told me that I am capable of coping with challenges. 

Inter-school Orienteering

Today was our inter-school for orienteering. It was challenging but not as challenging as last year because we had practiced more and more. It was hard keeping up my running pace since it was muddy and wet. The points were far from each other so we had to run a long distance, but everyone managed to complete the courses without difficulties. I learned that you must point your map north in order to find the correct points. 

People Power

LI: Formula for finding a percentage using a calculator. 

Today in maths we were learning about the formula used to find percentages. This activity was based upon the population on Earth. This was fun because I didn't know the formula, but now I know and will use it. 

Winter and Summer Solstices

This animation showcases how the Earth orbits around the sun throughout the year. While the Earth orbits around the sun, it changes the weather throughout the world. This was a fun activity because Mia and I have never made an animation with a presentation before, so we it was fun. We also learned that seasons change from the Earth's tilt or axis.   

France Celebration

This is one of the Winter Solstices celebrations in France. It is similar to Christmas but contains different traditions, such as burning a log for good luck. It was interesting because I didn't know that there was a story behind why they celebrate Christmas. Did you know that the children leave shoes by the fire place so that Saint Nicholas can bring treats and gifts? 

Legend of the 6 Sisters

Since it is currently a very special holiday to the Maori people (Matariki), we decided to celebrate with them by researching about the Legend of the 6 Sisters. We were asked multiple questions dedicated to Matariki, we answered them and added website references so we can thank the author for the information.