Decimal Rounding

LI: To solve addition problems with hundredths by changing one number into a whole number.

For this maths task this week, my group and I learnt how to use an efficient strategy called decimal rounding to solve decimal equations quicker.

To use decimal rounding, you should subtract from a decimal to round it and whatever has been subtracted should be added to the other decimal number. That will make it easier to add or subtract those numbers.

We used decimal rounding to solve various different decimal equations. I enjoyed this task and found it easy and quick to do because I am familiar with rounding but I was able to experiment with decimal equations.

Topic 5 - Flower power

LI: To explore the anatomy of a flower.

For science today, we were focusing on learning about flowers. We experimented on a hibiscus and dissected a flower to study its anatomy.

First, we wrote down the goals and outcomes for this experiment which were to know the parts of a flower and be able to dissect. We then wrote our thoughts on flowers and what we already know about them.

We watched a video and discussed the purpose of the different parts of a hibiscus because it was the flower we used as an example of this experiment. Then we began our experiment.

For the experiment, we watched a short tutorial video explaining the key parts of dissecting a flower. We started by removing a petal and sapel of the flower and then cutting a straight line down the style. We carefully removed the pollen tube.

As a side experiment, we placed a piece of pollen onto a slide and then placed the pollen slide underneath a microscope and then observed the pollen closely.

I enjoyed this experiment and learning about flowers. One thing I learnt was that a flower is made up of both female and male cells, meaning that is it bisexual. I found this fact interesting and cool because it is something new that I learnt.

Maori Vocabulary

LI: To expand our knowledge on Maori vocabulary.

For Maori this week, we were focusing on translating Maori names into english using our knowledge of the Maori language and vocabulary.

We started our lesson by completing the Maori routine and answering the basic questions at the beginning of our session. Then, Whaea Odie wrote the Maori vocbualary on the board which explained which letters from the English vocabulary change when talking in Maori.

For the task, we were given a list of Maori names and English names. We had to apply our understanding of the Maori vocabulary and characters to connect the correct names to eachother.

I enjoyed this task and found it easy and quick to do because I am very familiar with the Maori vocabulary and translating names.

Misery

LI: to write an abstract noun senses poem.

For this task we worked collaboratively to create a poem using abstract nouns. Our group was given a list of abstract nouns that we can use to write a poem. The abstract noun we choose was misery. We used the five senses to describe what misery sounds, looks, tastes, and smells like while using metaphors to structure a poem correctly. 

An abstract noun is a feeling or emotion that cannot be physically touched. A metaphor is the comparison between two things without using as or like. For example: Happiness is a river of joy that is flowing through my heart. The word happiness is the abstract noun and is used to create this metaphor. 

The five senses are: hear, touch, smell, feel and see. Each of these five senses are what many humans are able to do. A metaphor is the comparison between two things without using as or like. 

I really enjoyed doing this because I got to work collaboratively and work together in a group and also use powerful words to strengthen the poem and make our metaphor stand out.

Main Ideas

LI: To identify the main ideas in the text.

For reading, we have been focusing on understanding the important main ideas of the text/video. The video we used for this reading task was about the traditional Maori story about how Maui slowed down the sun and brought more length to our days.

For this task, we watched the video about Maui's traditional Maori story of how he slowed the sun, and identified the main ideas between our group. From those main ideas, we discussed the more important parts of the stories and then identified the three most vital ideas from the story.

I enjoyed this task because I was able to learn more about the traditional Maori stories. Something I found interesting was that Maui was able to slow down the sun because of the pain he caused with his Grandfather's jawbone.

Venn Diagram

LI: To explain in fewer words what the text is about.

For reading, we have been focusing on comparing text information such as stories, articles and other texts. The text we used for this reading task was the traditional Maori story of how the world came to be. This text was about Papatuanuku and Ranginui waking up from eternal darkness in earth's first light, and Tane Mahuta (one of their children) seperating them to grant his siblings and himself freedom from the darkness. Tawhirimatea was angry at the seperation of his parents.

For this task, we watched a video and read a text based off of the Maori story of how the world came to be (In the Beginning). We labelled the main parts of the video version that are not included in the written version, and labelled the main prts of the written version that were not included in the video. In the middle, we labelled the similarities between the two stories.

I really enjoyed this task and found it easy because I am familiar with identifying the key ideas and comparing the two similar but different texts/information sources.

The Taonga of Storytelling

LI: To explain in fewer words what the text is about.

For reading, we have been focusing on summarising text information such as stories, articles and other texts. The text we used for this reading task was the traditional Maori story of how the world came to be. This text was about Papatuanuku and Ranginui waking up from eternal darkness in earth's first light, and Tane Mahuta (one of their children) seperating them to grant his siblings and himself freedom from the darkness. Tawhirimatea was angry at the seperation of his parents.

For this task, we found exactly twenty keywords to build an understanding of the text about. Keywords help us understand more in a short amount of time. Then from those twenty words, we chose six of those words to create a summary on. A summary is a short and brief description of the story so that we can understand the text in fewer words.

I enjoyed this task and found it easy because I am familiar with summarising and understanding texts using the key reading comprehension strategies so I can expand my knowledge of a story.

Shoes Narrative

LI: To use the 5 senses and personification to help us paint a picture with words.

For writing, we have been focusing on writing descriptive narratives using the 5 human senses and our knowledge of personification as this will give the audience a more clear understanding of the story.

In pairs, we brainstormed keyword ideas for the different senses and based our keywords off of a picture that we were going to write a story about. The picture was a pair of worn out Converse shoes left alone. Once we wrote down ideas, we turned our keywords into sentences and from sentences, we formed a descriptive narrative.

I enjoyed this task because I was able to practice writing narratives based off of using personification and the five human senses. One thing I found interesting was that using the human senses can help you personifize an inanimate object.

Topic 4 - Floating and Sinking

LI: to experiment with buoyancy and floatation.

 

For tech, we were focusing on testing the buoyancy of different weighted objects and making educated predictions using our knowledge of floatation.

We began our tech session by discussing the meaning of and defining the words float, sink and semi-float. We talked about why some things float, sink or semi-float. We watched a video that explained these words in a clear way and we wrote down notes that would help us in the future.

After this, we started by writing the aim or purpose of this scientific exploration and the equipment we would need to perform the experiment. We created a table of contents and wrote down the name of the objects we performed the experiment on and the size, weight and composition of those objects. We predicted whether they would float, sink or submerge in water and then recorded the results after the experiment was performed.

For the experiment, we filled a bucket up with 2/3 of water and measured, weighed and researched the objects. My partner and I started by putting the smallest objects into the bucket of water first and recording the results in order from smallest to largest.

I found this experiment interesting because I had never tested and experiment about floatation and I had a lot of fun with this scientific exploration. One thing that I learnt from this science lesson was that the buoyancy depends on the density of the object. I found this fact interesting and cool.

Exploring the Properties of a Quality Blogpost

LI: To understand what a quality blogpost is.

For this task, we helped John create a cybersmart post using our knowledge of what makes a quality blog post. We thought and wrote a unique title for his blog post, a brief description of the learning that we did and used keywords as the label to define the task.

I enjoyed this task because it was simple and quick as I am able to recall my knowledge of blogposts and what makes them quality.

Mars Rover Facts

LI: To strengthen connections to technology.

For Mrs F's inquiry group, we have been focusing on researching the mars rover and its properties. In our groups, we created a poster including information and facts about one of the NASA mars rovers. The rover that my inquiry group picked was Curiosity.

First, we researched and surfed the media to look for information and wrote down notes on facts or things that we found out and learnt. Our sources of information were many mars rover NASA sites and youtube videos of the NASA landing.

I enjoyed this task because I was able to learn new things about the mars rover and 

Short Division

LI: To understand how to use algorithm to solve complex division equations.

For maths, we have been focusing on using an algorithmic strategy to solve advanced maths problems regarding division. These strategies are called long division and short division. I prefer to use short division because it is more efficient. Some examples of equations we solved with this strategy is 476 ÷ 7 or 823 ÷ 4.

To use short division for an equation such as 217 ÷ 5. First, we see how many times 5 can fit into 2, however this is unable to happen so we expand the number to 21 which includes the 2nd digit of the number. 5 fits into 20 four times, with 1 remaining. You put 4 above the 2nd place value column and you place a small number beside the following digit. That number then becomes 17, so we see how many times 5 can fit into 17. This is able to happen 3 times, with remainder 2. Write how many times 5 can fit into that number and the answer to 217 ÷ 5 becomes 43 remainder 2.

I really enjoyed this maths lesson because I had fun solving hard equations using this strategy and I found it easy because I got used to the thought of using these strategies. 

Dialogue

LI: To understand how to use and correctly punctuate dialogue when writing.

For writing, we have been focusing on correctly punctuating dialogue as well as understanding how to use speech correctly. We completed two activities to practice writing correctly punctuated and used dialogue. 

For the first task, we chose a plot from the 'Three Little Pigs' and wrote five dialogue/speech lines following the plotline of which part of the story we chose using a fake text message website. The plot we chose was when Mother Pig decided to kick out her three children.

The second task was to create a DLO (more preferably a poster) and write down what you understand about dialogue and text speech. Include information about the correct punctuation to use in conversations and when someone is speaking.

I found this task very fun because I was able to write dialogue conversations. I also found this  easy because I am familiar with correctly punctuating and using dialogue.

Following Classroom Rules & Expectations | PB4L

LI: To follow the rules and expectations, expected from teachers.

This weeks PB4L learning is about following classroom rules and expectations. PB4L is a acronym describing Positive Behavior for Learning. PB4L helps us understand the correct behavior for inside classroom learning and outer learning. This consist of Classroom discussions, walking to assembly, behaviour on school trips, wet day procedure eg. respecting wet day monitors. All of these prospects will help us develop a strong and healthy learning enviroment.

I found this activity easy because I am familiar with understanding the expectations and respecting others as well as being a responsible leader and I enjoyed creating a DLO displaying what we are expected to do as the leaders of Panmure Bridge School.

Science Exploration Topic 3

LI: To explore science equipment.

Our focus for the technological discovery regarding science exploration on laboratory equipment was based around understanding how the temperature of the water can change how quick a substance, such as sugar, can dissolve into a liquid form or substance solution and we used different types of scientific equipment to perform this experiment.

The creative task that we were set was to measure 100ml of cold water into a beaker using our knowledge of meniscus to determine an accurate measurement. Then, using a scale or weighing machine, we calculated exactly 10 grams of sugar on a petri dish disregarding the weight of the petri dish. Once we measured the sugar, we used a thermometer to determine the exact temperature of the water. Then, we poured the sugar into the cold water and used a stopwatch to see how long it took for the sugar to dissolve. We repeated this process for hot water.

I found this science task easy because I am familiar with measurement and performing accurate calculations regarding temperature and specific amounts. I enjoyed this task because I was able to use the different laboratory equipment to perform this experiment and I had a lot of fun recording and comparing results.

The information about the equipment we used can be found recorded and listed on the document above.

The temperature of the cold water was 20 degrees celsius.

The time it took for the sugar to dissolve was 59.66 seconds.

The temperature of the hot water was 75 degrees celsius.

It took 17.10 seconds for the sugar to dissolve.

Outside Function

LI: To represent the school at an outside function.

This week, I went to Tech at Tamaki Collage and participated in a science exploration discovery lesson which was about understanding the basic science laboratory equipment and their purposes. This included science equipment such as a pipette, bunsen burner, measuring cylinder and tongs.

Once we explored the basic science lab equipment, we went on to investigating meniscus. Meniscus is the curve of water that occurs when water is inside of a beaker or measuring cylinder. A meniscus can cause improper measurements. The bottom of the meniscus (where the water is flat surfaced) can be measured instead to perform accurate measurements.

We then went on to performing the experiment which was using a beaker to measure 100ml of water and transferred 40ml of water to a measuring cylinder. We used a pipette to make sure our measurement was exact using our knowledge of meniscus. Then, we added 3 more ml of water to the measuring cylinder using the pipette.

I like representing my school because I am able to respect my place of education during an outside function, and by following the expectations I can show others that my school is a great place.

Afghanistan Travelling Brochure

LI: To create a brochure advertising a truthful visit at Afghanistan.

Our reading focus was around Afghanistan and creating informed opinions on a text or informative article. The text we explored was focused around attracting tourists despite the recent dangers and attacks that have been occurring in Afghanistan. 

Our creative task was to construct  an informative brochure that could persuade foreigners to visit Bamyan, Afghanistan on an escorted tour. 

We read through the article and shared our thoughts using information that we knew about the topical issue. We used different reading comprehension strategies to understand the text in a more clear and direct way. We used questions to help us understand the text better, skimming and scanning to evaluate the text even more and summarising in order to retell the text with our own form of comprehension.

I found this task fairly easy because I am familiar with creating persuasive brochures that advertise an area, and I was able to use my prior understanding of a text to make and share my formed opinions with others.

PB4L - Expectations

LI: To understand the expectations set for us as the role models of the school.

Our topic for PB4L this week was focused around the expectations and rules set for us, and we should know how to understand and carry them out because we are the role models of the school. As a class, we talked about the expectations of a wet day monitor, the common rules inside of the classroom and what is expected from the teachers.

Some students showed us an example of how we can show respect in other classrooms as well as our own. They roleplayed an example of what they should do if a class was acting up during a wet-day and including other students during a casual conversation. More topics that we talked about was the necessary noise volume in different situations.

I found this lesson interesting but easy to understand because I am familiar with respecting the classroom rules and following expectations to a high standard.

Book Week

LI: To celebrate reading.

This week was Book Week at Panmure Bridge School, which means that we had the opportunity to celebrate reading by participating and contributing to a range of reading and literacy activities.

Today, a special school assembly was held where everyone was able to see the book character costumes that each student was wearing. In celebration of Samoan Language Week as well, we sang O le pepe and the Duffy song.

Each class had the opportunity to take a class photo with the student's in their book character costumes. A special guest attended this assembly and found a very creative way to encourage reading. The guest was Spiderman and he found a way to promote reading for children.

Finally as a last activity to celebrate reading, the school was split up into three groups and the senior student's read books to the junior kids. We were also able to eat together during lunch.

I found this event very fun because I love reading and I was able to celebrate it in a very fun and creative way where I could engage in literacy activities.

Samoan Language Week

 LI: To pay it forward by creating a screencastify that teaches others how to use Samoan words and phrases.

This week is Samoan Language Week - Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa. The theme for 2021 is Poupou le lotoifale. Ola manuia le anofale which means strengthen the posts of your house, for all to thrive. 

In LS2 we have decided to value the measina of the language by creating a screencastify that teaches others how to use, say and pronounce Samoan words and phrases. I found this challenge easy because I am familiar with the Samoan language and pronounciation.

Student Led Conferences

LI: To share our learning with our families.

Student Led Conferences are a school opportunity for parents and families to view and take a look at what their child or children have been doing over the current school period, whether it be a term, a few weeks or an entire year. Student led conferences allow people to understand what their child or children are able to do and what they have done so far.

LS2 and Panmure Bridge School held many Student Led Conferences on Thursday night (June 4th, week 5 of term 2) between 3:00pm to 7:00pm at the latest. Many parents and families attended the Student Led Conferences to see the showcased work.

LS2 prepared for the Student Led Conferences and had a lot of work displayed on the walls as well as digitally. The student's prepared a table of contents that their families could look at and explore their child's best workpieces.

Science Exploration

LI: To measure water using meniscus.

Today for Tech with Miss Sharmal, we explored the basic science laboratory equipment and performed an experiment based off of meniscus.

We found out that meniscus is the curve of water that occurs when water is inside of a beaker or measuring cylinder. A meniscus can cause improper measurements. The bottom of the meniscus (where the water is flat surfaced) can be measured instead to perform accurate measurements.

We used a beaker to measure 100ml of water and transferred 40ml of water to a measuring cylinder. We used a pipette to make sure our measurement was exact using our knowledge of meniscus. Then, we added 3 more ml of water to the measuring cylinder using the pipette.

 

I found this task easy because I am familiar with science/laboratory equipment and I enjoyed performing the experiment of measuring and exploring meniscus.

Celebrating Book Week

LI: To create a tally chart that celebrates book week.

In LS2, there were ten pieces of paper holding questons linking to reading. By doing and completing this task, we are celebrating book week at Panmure Bridge School.

The questions we were asked were 'How many times od you read for fun each week?', 'what is your favourite fairytale?', 'what is your favourite book?', who is your favourite illustrator?', 'who is your favourite author?', 'what is your favourite genre?', 'who is your favourite character?', 'what stops you reading?', and 'do yo like reading n your own time?'.

Everyone in this class answered the questions that we were given and they were announced anonymously. When we were given the information, we used what we understood to create a tally chart on the given answered.

I enjoyed this activity and found it very easy because I am familiar with creating tally charts based off of statistical information.

Cinquain Poem

LI: To write a cinquian poem to describe a sports star.

We have been learning to write cinquain poems to help us strengthen our connections to description. A cinquain poem has 5 lines. Each line has a different purpose. Line 1 is a noun which is a name. Line 2 has 2 adjectives that describe the noun. Line 3 has 3 verbs that end in ‘ing’ and describe the actions. Line 4 is a noun phrase which is a group of words (not a sentence) that go together to describe the noun. Line 5 is a synonym which is a word with a similar meaning to the noun.

I enjoyed this activity because I was able to find and research for synonyms of different adjectives and verbs to use more complex wording when writing a cinquain poem. Now I can use synonyms to write and create advanced poems and text.

Cinquain Poem

 LI: To write a cinquian poem to describe a polar bear.

We have been learning to write cinquain poems to help us strengthen our connections to description. A cinquain poem has 5 lines. Each line has a different purpose. Line 1 is a noun which is a name. Line 2 has 2 adjectives that describe the noun. Line 3 has 3 verbs that end in ‘ing’ and describe the actions. Line 4 is a noun phrase which is a group of words (not a sentence) that go together to describe the noun. Line 5 is a synonym which is a word with a similar meaning to the noun.

I enjoyed this activity because I was able to find and research for synonyms of different adjectives and verbs to use more complex wording when writing a cinquain poem. Now I can use synonyms to write and create advanced poems and text.

Being Cybersmart

LI: create a DLO on how to stand up to bullies, or how to be cybersmart

For this task, I created a poster explaining the ways that we can be cybersmart online. This is an information poster based off of online saferty.

I talked and wrote about not sharing your personal information and not opening any strange links, sites or messages from strangers.

The purpose of this task was to provide information from your own knowledge and share it with others so they understand how to keep themselves safe online.

I found this task easy because I know how to keep myself safe online and not put any personal or private information about anything at risk.

I enjoyed this task because I was able to create a designed and customized poster that also gave information based off of what I know.

Corner Ball

LI: Teach a class of juniors to play a simple game.

For this task, I created an informative poster explaining the rules to corner ball in a way that juniors from any class could understand.

I explained the rules of corner ball and how to play and then I described what the different roles of corner ball do to impact the activity. The different roles of corner ball are the taggers and the runners.

The purpose of this activity was to share information on a game with juniors or other people so they can use that information to play a game.

I found this activity easy because I am familiar with the rules of corner ball and can recall my knowledge quickly. I enjoyed this activity because I was able to share my understanding with others.

How to Make a DLO

LI: teach a Junior how to make a DLO about their learning.

For this task, I created a poster showing and explaining the different parts of a DLO and how you can make a quality DLO about your learning.

I talked about what a DLO is and then talked about the information you should add on your DLO. I then wrote about the pictures you could add onto your DLO so that it is relevant to what you are talking about. I then explained what the layout is and how you can make a quality DLO using a proper layout. Finally, I talked about customizing and designing your DLO and lastly getting it checked off.

This task links to confidence under C.A.R.E because I had the confidence to talk about what a DLO is and provide an information poster so that a junior would be able to understand.

I enjoyed this task because I was able to use my knowledge to help others in need. I am especially understanding of DLO's so I can help others create one.

Stuent Voice Survey

LI: create a student voice survey about a topical issue and present your findings.

For this task, I created a student form about the HIIT training that LS2 takes part in every week on Tuesday and Thursday.

The purpose of this task is to collect information based off of student's information and announce their opinions publicly but anonymously.

The questions I asked was 'do you enjoy HIIT training and why?', 'what is something you like about HIIT?', 'what would you change about HIIT training?', 'what is your opinion on the HIIT movements?' and 'what would your recommend as a HIIT exercise?'.

Majority of people that answered the survey said they like HIIT because you can push yourselves and you can take part in exercise. Something that they like about HIIT was using the heart rate monitors and because you can learn about the Maori stories. What they would change about HIIT is having a bigger exercise space. Finally, something they recommend for HIIT is punching and exercise games.

This task links to confidence under C.A.R.E because I need to have the confidence to create a survey and ask it to be filled to collect information and data using student's voices.

I enjoyed this activity because I was able to find out what people think of the HIIT training that we participate in and what they would prefer for exercise.

Netball Competition

LI: To compete in our first competition game of netball.

On Tuesday, 1st of June, the Panmure Bridge Primary School netball team participated in the first official championship competition game. The previous games were grading games and we were happy to be informed that we were graded D section 2 (which is one of the highest grades given).

We faced St Pius X for the four quarters and we were familiar with some of the faces we saw. First, we started by training and practicing for the four quarters of the game. I played as Wing Attack and I played an important role that evening.

The results for the game were 13 scores by 6 scores (13-6), and we won our first game for the competition. Familiar spectators were Mr Johnston, Coach Andrea and parents in the crowd. I played one half of the game (two quarters) but enjoyed my contribution. 

My Reading Pathway

LI: To show my personal journey through books

This week is book week at Panmure Bridge School, which means every class participates in a number of reading activities. One of our activities was to create a reading pathway that shows how my favourite books have chaneged over time.

At the moment, I like reading Disney's twisted tales because they are adapted stories based off of Disney stories such as Frozen, Aladdin and The Little Mermaid. These are alternative situations or decisions that characters could've made or done to change the outcome of the original tale. There are a range of different twisted tales with very interesting plotlines to entertain any audience.

Inquiry Inclined Plane/Lever

LI: To experiment with and create simple machines.

Our focus for Mrs Anderson's Inquiry group was to experiment with mechanisms using the lever and inclined plane. We have been enquiring about six simple machines and how they work.

The first activity we did was creating an operating mechanism based off of the ideals of an inclined plane. The purpose of the inclined plane was to use it to roll a Jaffa down the slope and see which inclined plane mechanism rolled the Jaffa further. The purpose of this task was to compare results and see what changes to the inclined plane allowed the Jaffa to roll further.

The second activity we did was create four different creative crafts that use levers. We created a mechanism that displayed clapping hands, waving hand, moving flags and a snapping crocodile. We created these crafts using split pins, thick paper, scissors, a ruler, a sketching pencil and thin card.

I enjoyed this task and found it very fun and creative because I was able to use my understanding of simple machines to create these fun crafts.