New Zealand pupils below average in maths

In my opinion I strongly believe that maths should be apart of the school curriculum because in life there WILL be a time when you will need to have some knowledge of maths skills. Also there are many jobs that require math skills. If you do not learn maths in school there is no way that you’d get a job as an accountant, cashier, etc. As a result even though I do not personally like maths I still think that it should be apart of our school curriculum.

Web: I can't imagine life without

Walt: Make a web with things we imagine life without.

I enjoyed doing this activity and found it fun. While I was doing this I had to really think and use my head. I would definitely like to do this again but about another topic. For example, "What I like..."

CAPTIONS

Walt: Create captions

Parachute...

Figure ME out!

Kaikoura Earthquake October 2016

Maths enlargement

Walt: Enlarge pictures outside using chalk

Today for maths we were learning enlargement. We had chosen a picture first then put it into a google drawing. Our picture had to be complicated so that we could challenge ourselves. Once we had our photo in place, we inserted a grid.

Since the weather wasn’t too good we done a practice round on paper to have a better understanding of what we were meant to do outside. Monday came and luckily the sun was out. We chose two straight lines that looked like a “L” on the court. Then we measured our scale factor. 1 centimeter represented 20 centimeters, was my scale factor. To work out our scale factor we really had to think and use our brain. When I drew my grid I wasn’t completely on point but I did use the grid and drew my image accurately. I found the drawing part easy because I stuck to the squares but what I found difficult was measuring my grid. I didn't measure my grid properly which led to me kind of getting frustrated but I got over it and ended up drawing something that i’m very proud of.

Enlargement in Geometry

Walt: To enlargen pictures

We were given a piece of paper with one small grid that had a mini image in it. Beneath the small image was a larger grid where we had to draw the same image but enlarged. To draw it we had to count the squares or use the scale factor. I found this task difficult because i’m not good at drawing and I can’t really get the drawing precisely in the squares properly. Next I would like to do some more enlargement.

My 'WHY' and 'GOAL'

These are my goals, in the background on the newspaper template is my 'WHY'. I really had fun making this, I was very happy because I had the chance to be creative and use my imagination to create this. I am proud of my creation and am happy that it turned out how it is. If you cannot see the picture, you are more than welcome to click on this link.

Symmetry Tessellation

Today we were learning to use symmetry to make a tessellation pattern. First our teacher taught a group of us how to do it using paper, so that we had an understanding of what to do. When we were at our desk we used google drawings and polyline to create our unique shape. I am very proud of my creation since at first I didn't really understand what we were meant to do.

Tessellation pattern

Today I made my own tessellation pattern and I found it as a challenge because everytime I tried to make a pattern I would overlap the polygons. This looks like a simple tessellation pattern but I did try really hard to create this. Next I would like to make a tessellation pattern with more that 2 polygons.

Tessellation

Walt: create and name tessellation patterns

Today for our maths we learnt about tessellation patterns. Tessellation patterns are 2D shapes that have no curves and vertex which are the corners, also in a tessellation pattern there cannot be any gaps or overlaps. When you find the name of your tessellation pattern you start from any vertex(corner) and find the number of the sides and do the same with all the shapes touching the vertex. When you’re finding the name of your tessellation pattern you always start from the smaller number then go clockwise to the other shapes touching the vertex.  Our tessellation is named 4. 5. 12

Haiku

Our teacher was revising with the class about Haiku’s. In a haiku there are 3 rules which are 17 syllables - 5 in the first line, 7 in the second and 5 in the last

Seasonal reference - Describing 1 of the 4 seasons (Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring)

Cutting point - Using , . ! ? : ;

Here is a poem that I made with two of my friends:

Clouds emptied the sky,

Waves crashing onto the rocks

Blanketing the sand

 

Higher vocabs

This is a google drawing that I made. I had took two words and thought of other words that are the same but have a stronger impact. This activity really did help me, now if I am ever going to use "silly" or "nervous" I can just look at this.

Perimeter Shape Game

In this maths game I was learning perimeter. I had a star pointer that I used to choose my answer. I found this game very easy because I already knew about perimeter but I had to play it for revision.  In this game all I had to do was identify the different types of shapes and see how many units there are. When I realised that my overall score was 100% I was ecstatic because I thought I got a few things wrong.

Basketball

We learnt and are currently learning new skills from our basketball coach, Yaran and Malik. I have never been a fan of basketball but this time I really enjoyed playing and learning new basketball techniques. The techniques we learned were, Diamond hands, dinosaur stand, different types of passes, keep your head up, and BEEF which stands for

B - Balance

E - Eyes on the target

E - Elbows

F - Follow through

New Zealand Olympic ambassador - Brooke Neal

For the past hour Brooke Neal, a former New Zealand hockey player visited the year seven and eight students in Glen Innes School. Brooke had revised with us about the three olympic values which are, excellence, friendship and respect. She had many things to say and most of them were very inspiring. Brooke has inspired me to pursue and not give up on my dreams. Brooke also mentioned to us, “What is your why?” What's your purpose for doing what you're doing? When she was in the 2016 Rio Olympics she said that she had written on a poster what are her goals:

1: No one can stop me!

2: I am powerful

3: I show pride

4: I will do my best - EVERY DAY!

Her explanation of what each of those goals meant to her was what really made me inspired, especially that her family and friends are HER why.

New Zealand Olympic ambassador - Brooke Neal

As for everyone Brooke Neal had and still has dreams. She shared with us about a paper that she wrote 9 years ago. There was a highlighted section where it said, “Go to the 2016 Olympics” It was totally out of the blue yet she did make it to the 2016 Olympics. Both her and her brother Shay, play hockey for New Zealand. Her father taught her hockey from when she was three till the time she went to University. Brooke also had a journey where she had done over 1000 trainings and been on 19 tours. It must be surreal experience for her especially since it was her and her brother’s first time in the 2016 Olympics.

If there's love, there's hope.

If there's love, there's hope.

It was a humid day and the sun was baking everyone who walked beneath it. Michael and Crystal, a very old couple, had been sitting out on their mansion deck with their fingers wrapped around their coffee mugs. They had two children currently living overseas, Maia and Dave. The couple were adventurous and had been in love with each other for nearly 37 years.

One night the night sky had an indigo shade with a bit of blue fading away as the stars appeared. It was not long after a short shower when Crystal felt a searing pain in her chest. Her and her husband both ran off as if there was no tomorrow.

Finally the doctor came out, his head was hung like a dead flower. “I’m sorry but… Crystal only has 3 weeks to live.” The doctor whispered, but it was just loud enough for Michael to hear. Time froze and every few seconds Michael would feel his heart stop. Between the last week of Crystal’s life, Michael took her on an expensive cruise that would have eventually made them go bankrupt. As the coral blue ocean glistened onto the ocean Michael would take Crystal out onto the front of the ship and reenact the scene from titanic. Unfortunately 2 days later, Crystal passed and Michael felt like a bullet had been shot through his heart.

Bring! Bring! “Hello?” Michael said in a husky voice. “Im home!” Yelled an excited young woman. The mysterious lady hung up and Michael slowly opened the door. It was his daughter, Maia had flew over to see him. They both exchanged hugs and smiled widely at each other.

Months had past and Maia still lived with her father. She helped him get through the depression about Crystal and made him see that everything will be just fine. The day had come! It was Michael and Crystals 38th anniversary and Michael knew just where he wanted to spend it. Long green grass smacked Michaels legs as he arrived at a little table with two chairs opposite each other. Looking out to the horizon, Michael took out a photo of Crystal and deeply gazed upon her beautiful face. “You’ll always be with me!” Michael mumbled as he pointed his index finger towards his heart.

Every now and then Maia would leave the house and Dave would video chat with his father so that he would never feel alone. They were a family again, with or without Crystal in their sight. She was still in their heart and that what truly mattered.

Acrostic poem: Floods

Walt: write an acrostic poem using alliteration

Noisy neighbors screamed in fear

Everyone evacuated their houses for higher ground

Rescuers rushed in rowing boats to retrieve people

Vehicles veered into houses

Obeying orders of others helped people to be safe

Understanding upset people was difficult since they were still in shock

Safe sailing was advised by lifeguards

Natural Disasters - Flooding

The beach of life

Walt: write a paragraph using figurative language

The beach of life

The royal blue rooftop with various birds flying around always gave everyone a sense of happiness. From a 90 degree view the heads of palm trees dance while its leaves look like they’re rocking out to the beatles. Although the current forced plants to let go of the sand, tons of seaweed stood their ground and did the tango with clown fish. The ocean creeped up to the sand and gobbled up the turtle hatchlings while tiny sea shells gracefully hopped through the lavender coral.

Descriptive writing

Walt: Write a descriptive paragraph using Imagery.

Today we learnt how to use imagery when writing. Our teacher told us to work in buddies and write a paragraph based on an earthquake using imagery - 5 senses. I now know how to use imagery but I just need to work on my tense. Imagery is:

The earthquake was like a magnet, drawing in buildings and making them collapse onto the floor. Chaotic people shot around in fear, while birds instantly evacuated the area. My nose was filled with dirt and dust from broken cement. As the ground shook I flopped onto the cold floor that I was once standing on. Dogs cried out loudly while tree leaves and branches rustled together aggressively. My hands were trembling by the sight of crazy power lines uncontrollably swaying in the polluted brown sky that once was a shade of baby blue.

Equivalent fractions

In this game I had to find two fractions that are equivalent to each other. This game has helped me to understand finding equivalent fractions more. Next I would like to learn how to divide fractions.

Personification Poem

The chirping of birds start to appear,

Starfish hugging rocks like they’re in fear.

The transparent sea then tip toes onto the sand

While tall palm trees, swayed like a hand

Emily takes the first leap!

“Emily are you coming!” Commented Mum. Emily anxiously hopped up and down without any anticipation. Her parents were having their after party at the Dumas Beach and Emily could see her mother’s beautiful reflection through the deck’s double door windows.

Inhaling refreshing ocean armour while tingling toes were wiggling through the white sand just wasn't enough for Emily. She had so much adrenaline she just HAD to take that regretful first leap into the water. After realising her feet could not reach the ground, Emily started gurgling in water as for she was trying to yelp for help.

Minutes later a sudden HOOOONK! Was heard in the distance. Fog forming a crowd around Emily as her pale body laid their floating in the water. Emily’s back was faced towards them as one muscular person lifted her onto shore in a bridal way. Blurting out water, Emily could hear many voices but she could only see blurry faces as for her vision wasn't up to date yet. Her parents had a bright smile printed on to their face as they wrapped their arms around Emily gently but reassuringly. “You’re safe now” Whispered mum, “Your father and I vow to never let anything harm you again!”

After a few months everyone got over everything but Emily was still scarred from that treacherous event. Due to Emily’s perky personality she still was the same funny and warm hearted person everyone knew her to be. Life went on as usual and her parents continuously payed for Emily to have swimming lessons until she hits 16.

Information report on Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto Island is the youngest volcanic island in New Zealand. Rangitoto is an iconic landmark of New Zealand.

There are various birds in Rangitoto Island. Tieke/saddleback birds can be heard in the Motutapu bushes as well as in the surroundings of Rangitoto Island. The numbers of Tui, Tomtit, Whitehead, Bellbird and Kakariki are increasing in sounds. Which means they can now be heard nearly all the time around Rangitoto Island. The endangered New Zealand dotterel/tūturiwhatu are increasing with three pairs flourishingly breeding. The Rangitoto Island birds are thriving and being in Rangitoto makes them have an easier time with their offspring due to the lack of pests and rats.

Rangitoto Island was built up by the series of eruptions arising around 6000 years ago. Rangitoto Island first became a public domain in 17 July 1890 in favour of the Corporation of the Borough of Devonport. In 1897 Rangitoto built their first wharf and pathway to the summit. In 2013 scientists suggested Rangitoto Island has been active for 1000 years before the exact eruptions around 550 years ago. Uptil now Rangitoto has been known to be a clean and safe environment for their animals. Due to the last known eruption to be about 1500 to 500 years ago.

The summit in Rangitoto Island gives a beautiful view of the ocean and Auckland city.  The phenomenal 360 degree view stretches through the Hauraki Gulf out to the jagged horizons of Waitakere Ranges in the west as well as the Hunua Ranges in the east. The summit is acknowledged to be 260 metres above sea level. There are different routes to the summit along with a path that goes past lava caves. Bringing a torch would be best due to the cave being pitch black. The summit is only 1 hour away from the wharf so it's not a far walk, plus the view is EXCEPTIONALLY beautiful.

Rangitoto Island is a very beautiful place to visit. Being surrounded by nature and hearing birds singing in perfect harmony couldn't be an any better place to be.

E-Asttle checkpoint

For E-Asttle maths I had gotten a 4B. I thought that I wasn't capable of getting a four because I don't really have any strong strengths in maths, or so I think i dont. I guess the saying, “Anything is possible” is true! My results made me really proud and next time i'd like to try harder to improve my results.

Emily conquers it

Emily conquers it

SLAM! Locking the door behind her. Emily had enough with her parents disapproval of what she wanted to do when she becomes an older and mature woman. At the age of 12 Emily wanted to become a florist and work in a colourful green room with the gentle flow of the water beneath. Now Emily was 17 and currently living under the roof of her parents. Everytime she would plead and beg them to support her on her future as a florist they would always deny her request.  

Everyone in Emily’s college knew that she had the dream of becoming a florist. Emily was a very intelligent student and had gotten a scholarship to go to Harvard University but due to her wanting to become a florist she denied the scholarship and ran away to pursue her new life. Not knowing that a strange man in a black hoodie, dark grey mask and pitch black track suit pants was following her. After a few hours Emily was finally tired and was leaning towards the front with her hands on her knees. The mysterious man finally slithered out of the shadows and pointed a gun towards Emily. Emily froze in her face as little salt droplets fell from her eyes.

Emily’s eyes were squinted as she stood anxiously waiting for the gun to go off. Suddenly a loud thud was heard and Emily regrettably opened her eyes, Emily’s eyes widened as she saw her father holding the enigmatic man down. Without a doubt Emily grabbed her phone and called for the police. It wasn't a long wait until the police arrived, also Emily’s father used to be a world champion boxer so he didn't really have a hard time holding the mysterious man down. Both parents of Emily had approved of her being a florist since they now knew that that Emily was really committed to becoming a florist.

Years later after time and money wisely spent, Emily’s parents supported her by building a colorful green room that was very eye catching. Emily had many beautiful flowers and her florist company was a big success, nearly half the world knew about Emily’s flower company.

Asking questions

DLO - Rounding and compensating

Apple & Pastry creation

Apple & Pastry creation

Early in the morning the seniors from Glen Innes School were challenged by our teachers to create something delicious out of raisins, pastry, ½ an apple and brown sugar. We first had to search up a few recipes of what we should make so that we would have an idea later, of what to make. Afterwards we had to put our creation together and I saw MANY different yet beautiful creations. I had an idea of how my pastry should be made but it didn't quite work out so I just improvised while I was working. I enjoyed making this but I don’t think I would like to do it again, anytime soon.

Kanoa lloyd

Kanoa lloyd

While Room8 were helping their teacher with her assignment we had a sudden visit from a well known TV presenter. She came into our school hall to give out some duffy books to some chosen students. I was one of those students but could not attend the duffy assembly because I had to stay with the class to finish off our reading. KNOCK, KNOCK! Kanoa lloyd walked in our class with a big smile on her face. Afterwards my name was called and she handed me my book. We took a photo together and I couldn't even stand properly. Overall I’d just like to say thank you to Kanoa for taking the time to come to our class.

Life ED with Nicole!

Early this morning, the year 7 students from both R8 & 7 classes went to visit the life ed van. During our time there we learnt about puberty, the brain and discussing a few things about the nervous system. My older sister gave me a book about puberty so I already knew a few things about what she was talking about. Even though I had some knowledge I learnt more things like the three stages which you go through which are - Social, physical and emotional. Towards the end we watched a video about the brain cells. Did you know that the brain has 70,000 thoughts a day and some of those thoughts, you didn't even know you were thinking?

Michael Phelps - Timeline

This is a timeline of Michael Phelps from when he started start to now since he has not yet passed. I had enjoyed this activity because it was something to do off of our electronics besides art.

How has sports made me a better person?

WALT: write an explanation

Sport has made me a better/worse person

To be a better sports person you have to have these three values. These three values have helped me to be a better person but I’m still working on some values that I don't have.

Respect

In sport I have learnt to respect the other teams winning. It is hard for me to cope when the umpire gives a point to the opposing team when my team is far behind. Respect has helped me to not fight or argue with my teammates. My teammates DO make me a bit frustrated but I still keep my anger inside. I also have learnt to be a more considerate winner and to congratulate the opposing team even if they had not won.

Excellence

Excellence has made me a better person by helping me to not give up. Usually when I see obstacles getting put up for sports I judge too fast and say that I can't play it, or i DON'T want to play it. When I see others playing I sometimes regret my choice as for it looks like fun. It has also helped me to not cheat. When I play games with my friends i’m never REALLY tempted to cheat so sports has really helped.

Friendship

Sports has made me more closer with my friends because when we are out playing sports there's always a time where we laugh and have so much fun. I have also learnt to work well with my teammates and not giving them the stare down or yelling at them which could lead to some VERY bad arguments.

Overall, sports has made me a better person with friends, not argueing and cooperating with my team. Even though I don’t play sport I still use these values in class and at home.

Rangitoto comic

Thank you Fullers and Kidscan

Guess and check

Today for maths I was revising “Guess and Check.” I have just learnt guess and check this week. Our teacher had created a document where we had to answer questions and use guess and check as our strategy. It did take me a long time to finish all seven questions but I got there in the end. Guess and check is a strategy that I will try to use more of in the future. I didn’t really struggle with anything but I have to admit, my times tables are a bit shaky. Due to that, I did sometimes get my answer wrong. I enjoyed doing this activity because it really made my brain think which is always good since i do slack off sometimes.

Origami crane

Origami crane

This is an origami crane that we made with our Japanese teacher Mr Yamasaki. I enjoyed making it and it was a lot of fun, I would love to make another origami again.

Chalk Art

For the past few weeks Room8 has been learning about the rio olympics. Therefore our teacher and another teacher had thought up of an idea that we should draw a sport with chalk from the olympics, placing our bodies in the position where it looks like we are taking part. The sport I had chose for my art was canoe sprint.  Due to the weather concerns we had to wait and choose a sunny day to draw our art. Finally on Friday 12th of August the sun had decided it would come out, so then we emptied our class and left to the senior court. Once we had finished our art our teacher would come and take a photo then another photo but on a ladder making it look like a bird's eye view. I would do this art again but not any time soon, anyway I really enjoyed this art and I know that the rest of my classmates did too.

Mark gets overtaken

Cook Island Language Week

Since it was Cook Island language week we had some visitors coming in to talk with students about Cook Island’s history. Some of the visitors were from the Auckland Museum and knew MANY things about the Cook Island culture. A vaka - (Cook Island canoe) was used back in the days when we didn't have mitre ten or electronics. The vaka was made of a hollow log, niu - (coconut string) and to make it water proof they used grape fruit sap.  I found the drill they used a long time ago really fascinating because I had no idea that something like that was even invented. They had so much to tell about their culture and they taught me so much, I mean I never knew that a Vaka could be also shown as a family.

Jim Thorpe

Bonnie Blair Profile

Reflection poem

Muffin Patterns

For 3 weeks we(room8) have been studying about patterns for algebra. I learnt about composite patterns and that they are the opposite of simple which is hard. I found making the composite pattern easy but finding the term must have been my struggling point. Finding the term was confusing because I could not understand the way Miss was teaching us, then after a few more practices I got the hang of it and got my answers right. I found the challenge interesting and tasty.

Fundraising for 24 hours

Dreydon, Kate and Toni came to discuss with room8 about the 80 km walk in the Hillary Trail. Dreydon was part of the group that went on the 80 km walk. They were fundraising for some of the schools around Glen Innes. Their manager had set up everything in order for them to be safe on their walk and had made it a challenge for them to have complete it in less than 24 hours.

The equipment they had used was a locator beacon for if they were badly injured and was in need for a helicopter. A camelback which could hold up to 2 litres of water and a few snacks. 2 flashlights for if one is in need of change of batteries. Obviously proper shoes for walking 80 km and walking through bumpy roads and muddy grounds.

Dreydon said that if you’re going to set a goal it has to be S.M.A.R.T. Which stands for:

S-pecific

M-easurable

A-chievable

R-elevant

T-ime bound

After Dreydon’s talk I learned how to plan properly and about setting my goals using: S.M.A.R.T

Crack the safe

In this maths activity I had to open the safe to get a prize. The key was to know BEDMAS and how to work out the rule of a pattern. It was a bit easy because I had been learning about patterns for the past few days. I think that I should have a little more practice on my patterns just so that I know how to do it. It was a fun activity to do and it really made me use my brain.  

Maths composite patterns

Walt: Create composite patterns