Our Passion project week

This week we made many fun projects. We have choices like making Tapa, felt soft toys, make music, Ukelele and passion writing.

We can choose maximum of two tasks, and share our project at the end of the week.

Here are some photos

Chuanyan's swords and shields.

Isla's cardboard snowman

Polina's HP characters and house

Holly's Cardboard mic

Amy's felt snowman

Siena is scrunching up tapa (50 times!) to make the wrinkle lines 

Rosi and Lola's car

Fleur's Christmas tree and snowman

Our collections of Tapa

The tapa workshop with Kura

Cara and Lexi's house with Rosi's help

Sarah's two felt elephants 

Sean's Tapa in progress 

Livia :

It's been fun making so many projects

I made a 3D cardboard thing of a name and a painter castle

Cara

So I made a house with Lexi,  and it was big.    we did 11 coats of paint.

Ella

I started making a felt snowman and then I started making a lot of AFL things.

Then I will and looked around and saw that people were making TAPA

And then started making mirrors and it was fun

Siena

I started of making an iPhone

And I make all the pieces sadly they didn't fit. Then I started to make a chest of drawers.  

Batik in the classroom

Yesterday we were lucky enough to have a group of Indonesian batik artists come and visit us. Everyone got to try their own piece of batik using melted wax and a dropper pen. Sadly we ran out of time to dye the cloth so they took them away to get that step completed for us.

We made a paper sketch, traced this onto cloth and then dripped wax onto the design. It was tricky to drip the hot wax onto the cloth without spilling it or controlling the flow.
When they demonstrated batik to us it looked super easy.... but it wasn't.

Here is a video of the technique used:

Flag Statistic Investigation

Click on this link to see instructions and all the information you need to complete the task

Link 

Imitating Eric Carle

We watched the video links to Eric Carle and focused on the techniques he used when creating an artwork. We identified a range of ways that he added texture and pattern to his work.

Once we had worked out how he did it then it was time...
Sketch an image
Trace it with tissue paper
Paint the different parts (with a focus on patterns, texture and mixing colours)
Pasting the different elements onto a new piece if paper.


This was a challenging task. Not only did we have to try and imitate Eric's techniques but there was also lots of problem solving.

What objects can we use to create texture to our artwork?
How can we manage all the pieces of our artwork?
How can we handle tissue paper when painting and drying it without any ripping?
What order do they need to be pasted onto the paper?
What is the best brush for painting and pasting?
How do we do whole class art (54 students) in an MLE space?


Here are our final artworks.....

Ordering decimals to ten thousandths

Here are a couple of videos from Khan Academy that will discuss ordering fractions. As they suggest - try pausing the video at the beginning and see if you can order them correctly before watching the full video. Did you get them correct?

There is a green button at the top right of the screen called PRACTICE THIS CONCEPT. When you think you have it click on the button and try some of the problems.

Below the two videos is a link to a game for ordering decimals. Another good tool for practicing the ordering of decimals.


Comparing decimals: ordering from least to greatest: This is a fun example where we reorder decimals from smallest to largest. You're looking for the place value that is the most signifiant, and then working backwards.




Comparing decimals: ordering from smallest to biggest: Let's move the decimals around and reorder them from least to greatest. Hint: look at one place value and then compare it to the decimals before moving on to the next place value.




Here is the link to Top Marks - Ordering decimals 

Imitating Artisits

We used some of the artists from our artist study to imitate their artworks and techniques.
The purpose of this artwork was to use paint and mix colours.
Can you guess some of the artists that we used for inspiration?

Online games for adding decimals

Check out this game - Number Conundrum Decimals

Great way to problem solve and add decimals at the same time!

You can change the difficulty of the game by going into the settings at the bottom right of the screen to give yourself a challenge.

Here is another game that lets you practice adding your decimals and shoot soccer goals at the same time - Soccer Math

Artwork of Eric Carle

Tomorrow we will be following the techniques of Eric Carle to create our own artwork.

Here is a link to some examples of his artwork and videos where he explains technique.

We look forward to sharing the finished products with you once they have been completed.

This is the success criteria for our artwork.

Toia Mai performed by Matai and Totara

School Journal Haiku follow up task

You stupid penguin

go in refrigerator,

not antarctica.

By Arlo & Sean

Look Stegosaurus

hide! Tyrannosaurus-Rex

                                                                  dead Stegosaurus.

                                                                    By Arlo & Sean

Flowers are blooming

springtime is coming to town

spring is all around.

By Arlo & Sean

Help me will you

I am stuck in a haiku

factory before.

By Arlo & Sean

Look over there dear

Bumble bee sits on oak tree

it might sting your face.

By Arlo & Sean

I’m doing a haiku

For my reading example

After this I’m done

By Dylan & rove

There is a spider

it’s in a learning journal

now it is outside

By Dylan & Rove

Keith is a teacher

he is a sporty teacher

he is a nice guy.

By Rove & dylan

Unturned is a game

there are a lot of zombies

it is a cool game.

By Rove & Dylan

Have a big birthday.

We all know you deserve it.

So have a great big day!

by Eliza

The dark grey wolf cub.

Hiding in the black of night.

The silvery ghost

by Eliza

Beauty is the key

Im going to make some tea

I like your beauty.

By Holly and Siena

I like to eat food

From the refrigerator

I love cheese and peas.

By Siena and Holly

I like vanilla

Lemon gelato is yum

Do you like chocolate?

By Siena and Holly

Ice cream and chocolate

Butter chicken and roti

Which one do you choose?

By Siena, Eve and Holly

Link to IKAN practice activities

Each term students are tested on their maths knowledge.
This is in the form of number knowledge, fractions, basic facts and place value.
The link to this document means they can target areas of maths knowledge that need to be maintained or practiced.

Link to IKAN practice activities

Spelling lists on Spelling City

Do you want to access the spelling lists on Spelling City?

Here is the link to all of the spelling lists.

We have included list 10 into this now as well (for extension).

Pork Bun Recipe!

On Friday we learnt how to make fried pork buns.

Here is the recipe and instructions.  Written by Sam and Sean.


Enjoy!

BBC Typing Tutor - touch typing here we come

We have one block each week to focus on our typing skills for the rest of this term.
Currently we are using the BBC Dancemat Typing site.
One block per week (20 minutes) won't be making them an over night touch typer but it has inspired some of them to continue with this during their spare time. If they would like to try this at home we have attached the link for them to keep going.

Task Sheet for term 3 - week 7&8

Hi there,

Here is the task sheet for the next two weeks. We thought you might like to see what learning they are focusing on in Matai and Totara.

Students will complete these tasks over two weeks. The task sheet is used to record their learning over time and also remind them of the fortnightly expectations when timetabling their week.

The links on this are all active if you would like to have a look.

Nga mihi

Wanwan and Keith

Mid term 3 Newsletter for Totara and Matai

Here is the link to our latest newsletter for term 3.

Ratio Introduction Workshop 201 and 202

Here is a chance to refresh your knowledge on ratios and try some of the games and activities linked to this subject.

Introduction to ratios: What a ratio is. Simple ratio problems.

Math Playground also has a video explaining the BASICS OF RATIOS


Time to practise.....

Matching Ratios Game online

Ratio Pairs 2 online
Ratio Pairs 3 online

NZCM Equivalent Ratio (Workbook)

Think you got it?

Try playing this game which is based on word problems
THINKING BLOCKS RATIOS (Select option: find missing quantity)

Sugar, Salt and Ice Experiment

Today we did an experiment looking at the effects of sugar and salt on ice. What would happen if you sprinkled this onto ice cubes? Which one would melt the fastest?

There were three different dishes per group - our control (we added nothing to the ice cubes), sugar sprinkled on ice cubes and salt sprinkled on ice cubes.

Groups predicted what they thought was going to happen and then the experiment began. Over time we observed the reaction of sugar and ice on the ice cubes. We used timers to track the reaction that occurred over time.

Why not try this at home with your family? Do you think their predictions will be similar to yours?
Ask them to explain WHY they think this will happen.... but remember don't give anything away till after the experiment!!!

Want to know why this happened?

Explanation for the experiment





But wait there is more....



Hmmm - why do they talk about 32 degrees? Doesn't water freeze at a lower temperature than that?


If you want the full on scientific explanation then check out this video....

ART YOU READY ? artist study instruction

In the beginning of this term, we started a mini inquiry on studying an artist. We can work at our pace. Here is the instructions and success criteria for this task.

Leave a comment or email Wanwan and Keith if you have questions! We look forward to hear about your learning ; )

Felt mask instructions

Have we got an exciting task for you ?!

This fortnight, we are given a task to design and make a super hero/villain felt mask.
Here is the instruction.

Leave a comment or email Wanwan and Keith if you have any questions!

Improper Fractions 201 and 202 - Learn It and Practise Time

Just finished the improper fractions 200 level workshops? If you need to practise then scroll down to the online games and worksheets. Need a recap? Click on the Khan Academy clip to refresh your strategy knowledge.

Marking of the worksheets will be available in class - so why not try these at home and mark them the next day!


NEED A RECAP?

Proper and improper fractions: Proper and Improper Fractions



PRACTISE IT:

Mathman Improper Fractions Game

Math Playground Mixed Numbers Game

ENP/ANP Improper Fractions Worksheet

No Nonsense Improper Fractions Worksheet

Fractions 103 - Finding fractions of a set follow up task

Follow Up Tasks:

Saving Up

On the trail

You can check your answers in class using the follow up booklet.

Our very first Mandarin lesson

This Friday we went into groups to learn Mandarin and Science.  Here is the video of us learning and singing.



What's your name?
ni jiao sheme mingzi

My friend
wo de peng you

What's your name?
ni jiao sheme mingzi

Who are you?
ni shi shei?





here is a video of us learning how to count up to 10 in Mandarin!

The Plastic Bag Experiment

Every  Friday we can do science or mandarin workshops.

Today we are going to talk about science.

This Friday (31.7.2015) we did an experiment where we put a clear plastic bag over our wrist and sealed it with tape. We had to sit down and play a game by not moving much for 7 minutes. By the end of about 7 minutes we all had a bag that was very moist around the inside. Some people had really sweaty hands and the bags looked foggy.

Keith took us out for a game (we still had our plastic bags on) and after the game our bags had much more moisture than when we were sitting inside. There were droplets of water inside and not just a fog.

The reason that this was caused was because the moisture was sweat. When we were inside it was less hot because we were sitting down and not doing much. Outside we

were playing a game which makes us more hot from running around. Sweat is caused when

you are hot and your body needs to cool down. The body produces moisture (sweat).

By Isobel and Eliza

Some students noticed that the hand in the plastic bag was much warmer than the hand that had contact with outside air. Others thought their hand stinks after being in a plastic bag for half an hour - yuck.

Superheros are coming to town! Are you ready?

This is one of the songs we will be singing in the production. 

The Greatest American Hero Theme Song - Believe it or Not

Please practise at home. Sing aloud in shower!

Looking for something to do?

As the weather turns really nasty and the sleety rain hits your window maybe you are looking for something to do.
Here are a few links that you might like to look at. Why not cook a meal for others? Create a scientific experiment in the kitchen sink? Smother your bedroom walls in arts and craft?
Ok so whatever you do - make sure you check with your parents first!

Some of the ideas are a bit basic or maybe don't spark your interest BUT maybe you can change it up. How can you make it better? More interesting? More Challenging?
It would be great if you share your ideas/ links for the holidays by adding a comment for others to read.
Otherwise maybe you need to go to our homework link and work on your basic facts and spelling....

RECIPES
BBC Good Foods
Kidspot Kitchen

ARTS/CRAFT
PBS Crafts
Education Arts and Crafts

SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS
Science Bob video links

Bamboo House in Bali

Bamboo construction

I think this story inspires people to use bamboo because the houses that they are building looks really cool and is also sustainable. Another reason people should use this is because it is as strong as metal if you dropped 4 tons on it won’t break. One of the downsides is that bugs can eat away bamboo but we have found a solution - there is this type of salt that protects the bamboo to make it a sustainable building material. Bamboo is commonly used in such places like Bali because lots of bamboo grows there. Also bamboo isn't a tree believe it or not its actually a raped growing grass that spans up to 40m - one of the best  things is how fast it can grow. In only 4 years bamboo can be a strong building material just like timber.

Jack A

ECO house in progress!

In week 10 and 11, we started to build our ECO houses.

'' I enjoyed working in a team to build our house, you need at least 4 hands to build. I like agreeing and disagreeing with my group so I can get different ideas. "  Tara.

" You can put your walls and rooms anywhere you want and you don't have to put them in specific place." Tom