Tech

LI: To understand what a housing joint, its purpose and how it can be used in material operations.

The Year 7s have been focusing on woodworks and crafts. We looked at what a housing joint is and its purpose. A housing joint is when one piece of wood that is either verticle or horizontal is merged with another piece of wood of the opposite rotation.

We looked at what we can build using a housing joint and was shown an example of using a housing joint in a wooden craft. After finding out information, we answered five questions on a document using what we know already. I found this tech session interesting and informative because I learnt about a housing joint and what it can be used for.

My Science Investigation #2 - Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate

LI: To learn about pulse rate and blood pressure.

Your pulse rate is the speed that your heart pumps blood through your blood vessels. Today, we performed an experiment that measured our high and low blood pressure when we do physical activities.

The activities that we did were sitting, jogging on the spot, throwing and catching a ball, stretching, star jumps and running as fast as possible on the spot. Each person in the group took turns measuring their pulse rate after doing these activities.

My Science Investigation

LI: To perform our own science investigation on the senses of the tongue.

Today for Tech, we were focusing on learning about the different senses of the tongue and our taste buds as well as learning about it in our own science investigation.

We learnt about the main senses of the tongue: sour, sweet, salty and bitter. We went over how they work and what allows our tongue to taste. The experiment we performed was tasting different solutions and determining if they were bitter, sour, sweet or salty depending on our taste buds.

Consideration should be given to the fact that not everyone has the same taste buds. The tiny microscopic hairs on our tongues detect taste and send messages to the brain, so it determines if it tastes sour, sweet, salty and bitter.

I enjoyed this science investigtion experiment session because I learnt about taste buds and the senses of the tongue. One thing I learnt that was interesting was that you have 10,000 different taste buds that reset every 2 weeks or so.

Topic 8 - Acids and Bases

LI: To learn about acids and bases.

For Today's tech session at Tamaki College, the Year 7's have learnt about what acids and bases are and how to determine the acidity or basicity of a solution.

First of all, we went over what pH is and how to find out the pH of a liquid/substance. The acidity or basicity of a solution is ranked on a scale from 1 to 14, 1-7 being acidic, 7 being neutral and 7 to 14 being a base.

We performed an experiment where we found out the pH level of different substances using litmus paper, a well plate and tweasers.

I enjoyed this session because I found it very interesting as well as fun to perform this experiment with the different solutions. One thing I found interesting was that the acidity or basicity of a solution is determined because of the hydroxide and hydrogen ions inside of the substance.

Bubble Science

LI: To perform a scientific exploration on bubble science.

For this science lesson with Mrs Sharma, we have been focusing on the science of bubbles. For this task, we focused on performing 4 different tasks related to bubbles as well as expanding our knowledge.

For the first task, we watched a video and wrote down notes about bubbles. For the next task, we wrote down the different challenges we would perform with bubbles. For task 3, we learnt how to make pipe cleaner wands. For task 4, we learnt how to prepare the bubble liquid. For the experiment, we made wands, bubble liquid and tried to complete the different bubble challenges.

I enjoyed this science lesson because I was able to expand my experience and knowledge of bubbles as well as perform educational experiments.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tuhi Mai Tuhi Atu

LI: To share our opinion and give feedback on other school's work within our Manaiakalani Cluster.

Today I commented on Ashly's blogpost which talked about how to comment on other people's blogpost. I was able to use this tutorial to give my opinion and share my feedback about her work.

Ashly is from Belfast School and I thought that her tutorial was very helpful for her audience as they can share their opinion with others.

I enjoyed this activity and found it easy because I am familiar with commenting and sharing my opinion with other people using the commenting function on blogger.

Tech Reflection

LI: To cook using various ingrediants by following instructions.

For tech with Mrs Hecka, we made beef and eggplant natural curry with rice. We did this in groups of three or two and split up to do separate jobs.

First, we diced the garlic, onions and eggplant while the other group members collecting the spices and beef. Next, we put the vegetables into the pot as well as oil. We then added the beef and beef stock, while mixing it around in the pot so that the beef mince broke down. We added the spices and cornflower than waited for it to cook.

After it finished cooking, we collected rice from Mrs Hecka and added the rice and beef curry to our containers to eat. We washed our chopping boards and utensils then wiped the enches so that they were clean.

I enjoyed this tech experience as it is the second to last cooking experience that we get with Mrs Hecka. I also found the beef curry very tasty and healthy.

Inquiry - Simple Machines/Screw

LI: to read for meaning and understanding.
LI: to use smart searching skills.

Our inquiry focus was to learn about the simple machines and create a labelled diagram on them. The next simple machine I worked on was the screw.

A screw is a simple machine that consists of often a metal material with a wedge at the end, also known as the tip. There is the thread that goes around the screw, which makes inserting the screw easier as it turns and inserts. The head of the screw is used with by screwdriver to drive the other end of the screw (the tip) through a material such as wood. A screw is used to hold two different things together.

I created a labelled diagram identifying the parts of the screw. I described in twenty-five words how a screw works and its purpose. It is a simple and brief explanation.

I found this activity fun because I was able to practice labelling and used my knowledge of previous lessons about simple machines to create this labelled diagram of a screw.

Inquiry - Simple Machines/Inclined Plane

LI: to read for meaning and understanding.

LI: to use smart searching skills.

Our inquiry focus was to learn about simple machines and create a labelled diagram on one of them. I created a labelled diagram of an inclined plane. An inclined plane is a ramp that is used to make moving heavy objects to distances and heights easier.

On the labelled diagram I created, I named the parts of the inclined plane, the load and the effort. The more distance or length an inclined plane has, the less effort it will take to move the load because if the inclined place is steep, it will take more force to prevent the load from falling.

In the bottom corner of the labelled diagram, I wrote a twenty-five word description of what an inclined plane is and its creative purpose, which is to make moving objects easier.

I found this activtiy fun and easy because I am familiar with an inclined plane and was able to recall my knowledge of what it is so that I can help others by labelling the parts of an inclined plane.

Inquiry - Simple Machines/Pulley

LI: to read for meaning and understanding.

LI: to use smart searching skills.

Our inquiry focus was to learn about the simple machines and create a labelled diagram on them. The first simple machine we worked on was a pulley.

A pulley is a mechanism that uses a rope and a wheel with a groove in it. The rope goes through the wheel and a heavy load is tied to one end. The other end of the rope is pulled to make the load lift. A pulley is used to make moving and transferring heavy loads easier and quicker by using less effort by force.

I created a labelled diagram identifying the parts of the pulley, the effort and the load. The load is what the pulley is used to transfer and the effort is what allows the load to move. I described in twenty-five words how a pulley works. It is a simple and brief explanation.

I found this activity fun because I was able to practice labelling and used my knowledge of previous lessons about simple machines to create this labelled diagram of a pulley.

LS2 Site Guide

LI: To give a short guide to the LS2 site for beginners.

For this teacher set task under C.A.R.E, I was sent to create a short DLO giving a guide of how to get around the LS2 site. The aimed audience is at people who don't understand how to get around our site and for new students who have recently been introduced to our school's learning process.

I filmed short tutorial videos explaining what each link or area of our site leads to and where that explanation applies. I filmed 2 videos, one explained about how to understand the subject you are doing and the areas of our site home page.

This C.A.R.E award activity fits under Excellence and Innovation because I did the right thing by sharing my understanding and knowledge of our class site to people who didn't understand or know how to get around it.

I enjoyed this activity but it took a while because I made some mistakes during the filming of the videos, but I found it fun to create a tutorial and guide to our class site.

PBS Collage

LI: To create a collage showcasing life at PBS.

For this C.A.R.E award activity, we were sent to create a google draw collage using photos based off of what happens at Panmure Bridge School.

I created a collage using images I found online that show some of the learning activities and tasks that the student's and pupils at our school learn. In some of the photos, it shows group/school photos, junior work, sport lessons and more.

This activity links to respect because everyone at our school has been able respectful towards their learning environment, equipment and classmates and this task was meant to showcase that.

I really enjoyed creating this because it was fun looking back on what our school has encouraged and taught our students to do, as well as practicing making creative collages.

Aretha Franklin - RESPECT

LI: To research Aretha Franklin's song RESPECT.

For this C.A.R.E award activity, the participant is supposed to research a song called RESPECT, written and sung by Aretha Franklin in 1967. I created a poster explaining what this song talks about.

On a google draw, I included the name of the song of course, the song writer, images and the meaning behind the song. Aretha Franklin's song RESPECT is about what RESPCT is and that everyone should feel respected at all times.

This task links to respect under C.A.R.E because the song that the participant is supposed to research talks about how everyone deserves to be respected, no matter how different or similar a person may be to you.

Teacher Set Task - Create a Student Camp Evaluation Form

LI: To complete a teacher task - Student Camp Evaluation.

For this teacher set tasks for the C.A.R.E award activities, I created a student camp evaluation form which asks for the year 7 and 8 student's opinions on the different parts of camp.

The form asks questions about what their favourite part bout the cabins, activities and catering was, what the camp staff and teachers should plan/improve next time and they also have the opportunity or choice to add any other comments about their camp experience.

This links to attitude because I had the right attitude towards the people that suggested I do this, and I completed it with a postive attitude towards what I was doing and the people around me.

I really enjoyed this activity because it was easy, simple and quick. I was also able to think about what people might feel like sharing about their camp experience and writing down the questions.

Tutor someone who needs help with a skill

LI: To tutor someone who needs extra help with a skill.

The purpose of this activity was to share your knowledge and understanding of a task with someone else who needs help with understanding the activity or completing it.

For this activity, I helped Aiden complete his must-do tasks for the corresponding week. I explained to him the task in a way he would understand, I gave him examples of the activity using my own work. Once he understood, I answered any questions he had and helped him blog his work.

This C.A.R.E award task links to attitude because I required the right kind of attitude to help someone else with a skill they needed assistance with, and having a positive attitude to be able to help someone.

I enjoyed this activity because I was able to share my knowledge and understanding to help someone in need. I also found this activity fun because I had the opportunity to share my work in person as an example to someone who needs it.

How to Create a DLO about your learning

LI: To explain to your audience about how to ceate a DLO based on their learning.

The objective for this C.A.R.E award activity is to teach a junior student how to create a DLO about their learning. I created a slideshow presentation explaining the different aspects of a DLO and how you can create your own.

I explained and talked about what a DLO was, how to create a DLO from your drive, informed the audience about adding information and saving photos for your DLO. Later in the presentation, I talked about finishing up your DLO by customizing the layout and talking about the print design rules.

This activity links to confidence in C.A.R.E because the student completing the activity should have the confidence in their own DLO's to be able to teach juniors how to create their own DLO about their learning.

I found this C.A.R.E activity very fun because I was able to share with the audience about how you can create a DLO as well as explaining what makes a quality DLO.