So far we have had a great start to F.P.S this year ad for term 2 our topic is Desertification. In room 19 we have been focusing on Dessertification a lot and have decided to conduct our own experiment using radish and mustard seeds. this is what we have done.

Introduction

Today many countries are suffering from desertification and the food shortages caused by this. Desertification seems to have a far higher chance of effecting large numbers of people due to its location. Up to one third of the developing world is located in arid areas that is prone to the phenomenon of desertification. We would like to test the impact on plant growth that poor soils may have. At which point is the soil degraded so that plant growth is no longer a viable option?   

Aim:

Desertification is a major problem and affects many countries worldwide. Our aim is to find out what percentage of soil and sand grows Mustard seeds the most productively.

Hypothesis

We predict that the more soil in a tub, the more productive the mixture will be when growing mustard plants because soil has a higher nutritional value than sand and when replacing soil with sand it is lowering it’s nutritional value. Although sand gives the plants more aeration the soil will give the plant nutrients which plants need more when they are germinating. The mix of 100% soil and 0% sand would give the highest nutrition and that factor is key when growing plants.

Equipment:

- 6 Ice cream containers (2 Litres)

- 300 seeds of mustard

- 750 mL of sand (sieved)

- Sieve

- 750 mL of dirt

Method:

1. Poke 5 holes, one on each corner approximately 7cm from the centre diagonally and the centre.

2. Lay out the ice cream containers on a flat surface in a sunny spot with no shade.

3. Fill ice cream container No.1 with 500 ml of ‘Just’ polymix soil (100% soil).

Fill No.2 400 ml of soil and 100 ml of sand (80% soil 20% sand).

Fill No.3 300 ml of soil and 200 ml of sand (60% soil and 40% sand).

Fill No.4 200 ml of soil and 300 ml of sand (40% soil and 60% sand).

Fill No.5 100 ml of soil and 400 ml of sand (20% soil and 80% sand).

Fill No.6 500 ml of sand (100% sand).

4. Ensure the soil and the sand are not mixed just piled up in the order of sand and soil.

5. Make sure all the containers are labelled.

6. Poke 1 hole 1 cm deep in the exact centre of the ice cream box.

7. Place one seed in the hole then cover with soil.

8. Repeat process 6 except do it every 1 cm away from the other seeds from the centre.

9. Do the process 6 to 8 for the rest of the 5 containers.

10. Pour 150 ml of water into each container at noon(12:00pm) everyday for four weeks and measure the growth at the same time as well.

Rebecca 19

How to with Maxi-Moo!!!!!!!

How to with MAXI-MOO!!!

How to create a post and embed pictures.

So you want to create a post, but, you don't know how?
It's all goods. You've come to the right post.

1)To create a post, simply click on create post/new post in the top right corner of the Totara blog page.

2)Next, write the title of your post in the small, long box at the top of the page, next to the publish and post buttons.




3)Now write a title on your page, followed by a blurb.  -------------->
Remember to make it interesting.


4)Now you can get to the interesting part. Writing your post. It's not that interesting, but if you want to add a photo, then that's when it becomes fun!!!

5)One easy way to add a photo is to take a screen shot using command, shift, 4.

6)Next, press the little button of a picture in the middle of the top of the screen, next to the link button.

7)Once you have done that, press the tab that says upload (down the left hand side of the screen, and then press choose files.

8)Tabs in the dialogue box that say Applications, Desktop and Movies will come up. It looks a bit tricky, but don't sweat, it's easy bro. Just simply press the desktop button, and a whole lotta things will come up that are from the desktop.

9)Scroll through the screen shots, and every other thing on the desktop tab, until you find the right thing (your screenshot). Click on your screen shot and then press the highlighted blue button that says Open.

10)Once you have pressed open, your picture will start downloading on the select a file page:

11)Press your cursor on your photo, then press add selected.

12)Your photo will come up on your page. Place it where you want.

13)Once you have finished, press save, and then press publish.

You are now done and have created a good as post because of my instructions. If you are a fan of me, send an email to z_camem@tauranga-int.school.nz and write something nice. Thanks for viewing.

Desertification Testing RADISHES

This term Totara house are focusing on desertification for F.P.S (future problem solving). Room 19 have been doing a lot of work on desertification looking at arid lands around the world and seeing how we can help them, then Mr Cunliffe related F.P.S to Science Fair and asked the class if we wanted to test which out of soil or sand is better for growing plants. Room 19 agreed on this and Mr Cunliffe bought some Radishes and Mustard plants and together as a class we planted them.
Here below is the Introduction,Aim,Hypothesis, Method and some Images.
Enjoy :D

Radishes:

Introduction:
Desertification is a first world problem of which one third of the western world suffer from. Sand degrading the quality of soil to the point of disrepair, and prevents monoculture and polyculture from being produced. Furthermore this adds to the impending food crisis. Thus we are wanting to test the combinations of soil and sand to find when soil is no longer suitable to sustain plant life.

Aim:

Desertification affects many people world wide. Our aim is to find out which soil and sand mixture germinates and grows radishes most effectively.

Hypothesis:

Soil is made of minerals and clay. First layer is leaves, followed by decomposing matter called humus. Underneath is minerals and clay. At the bottom is bedrock. On the other hand sand is made of tiny smashed rock particles. We hunk that radish will grow best in sand because it is softer and has lots of nutrients, therefore the plant will be healthier.

Equipment:

400 Radish seeds

6, 2L ice-cream containers (with small drilled holes in the bottom)

Drill

3L top soil

3L Sand

Measuring jug

Stirring utensil

Tap water

Ruler

Method:

1. Drill 5 holes, 4 on the outer corners and 1 in the centre of the containers.

2. Measure out exact amounts of sand/soil into the 2L ice-cream containers. (The amounts are: 100% soil, 80% soil and 20% sand, 60% soil and 40% sand, 20% soil and 80% sand and 100% sand.)

3. Label the ice-cream containers with the soil/sand composition.

4. Sow 25 radish seeds 1cm deep and 3cm apart in each of the containers.

5. Place all containers an area with equally full sun, making sure to bring indoors overnight. and replacing them back.

Images:

How to create pie chart.

Here is the step guide to create a pie chart using Number application.

This is a method to make a line graph on google spread sheets which will help with your science fair if you will be using this graph.

By Luke

In I.C.T we were making instructions on digital subjects such as navigating a program, website or using a tool. I did my one on Khan Academy because it is my current favourite website.

By Callum Reilly

Khan Academy, Navigation

1. Click on this link Khanacademy.
2. Click on the Sign in with Google button.
3. Log into your google account. If you are already logged into your google account then clicking on this button will take you straight into the website.

4. You can check your notifications by clicking on this button.
5. You can accept people as your coaches by clicking on a button after clicking on this button.
6. You can do quizzes by clicking either the practice button or the start button.
7. Doing quizzes earns you energy points.
8. This number tells you how many points you have.

Waikato MTB champs

Kai,James,Cullen and I went to the Waikato/BOP MTB champs on wednesday 21st at TeMiro near Cambridge. The course was about 1.5km long per lap and our race was 6 laps long making it about 9km. After a steep climb we entered the slippery downhill section which consisted of mud,rocks and jumps. Kai and James both had a minor crash but continued to finish 7th and 9th. Cullen got 11th and I got 8th. The best boys for our age were also there so it was tough competition but also a fun day.
                                                   By Oliver Rm19

 James and I descending part of the downhill

The team, Cullen,Myself,James and Kai.

Moko the Dolphin - Report

Moko the Dolphin

Mokotahi the dolphin, Moko for short, was a significance to not only Tauranga, but also to Mahia Beach and Whakatane. At first, he lived at Mahia Beach for two years; from 2007 to 2009. While he lived at Mahia Beach, he became famous by rescuing two stranded pygmy sperm whales. He was in Time Magazine’s top ten list for the world’s most heroic animals. In 2009, he moved to Waikanae Beach in Gisborne. He resided there for half a year before moving to Whakatane for five months before following a fishing boat to Tauranga. He was found dead on the 7th of July on Matakana Island, besides Mount Maunganui.

Moko was without a doubt, a unique dolphin. He would play with humans rather than with dolphins. Amy Taylor, creator of the Soul in the Sea documentary says, “The first time I met him we were playing fetch with a dead baby hammerhead shark he brought me.” No one knows why he would rather be with human company, but he hasn’t been the only dolphin to do so. There has been around 100 solo cetaceans to be friendly with humans throughout recorded history.

Moko’s uniqueness has had an impact on many in Tauranga. People would enjoy playing with him and it wouldn’t be unusual to see him stealing a boogie board (as seen in figure 1 and 2) but after a certain period of time of living in Tauranga, some people would say that he needed company all the time, whereas others would say they should leave him alone. Overall though, it amazed many how one dolphin could have such an impact on a community.

Moko’s death affected many across New Zealand. “I was very shocked and sad when I found out he died. It was much like finding a friend who had passed away.” Says Amy Taylor. Even John Hedley, who named Moko after the Mokotahi Headland says, “It's as bad as a human life gone,” Some people have cried as they grieved for their lost friend. Since Moko’s body was found 2 weeks late, it had decomposed, making it hard to see if he had any wounds.The cause of his death will forever remain a mystery.

In conclusion, Moko was a beloved New Zealand icon who touched the hearts of many. He will always remain in memory to all, especially the ones lucky enough to experience seeing him. Even though he’s passed away, he will continue to live on forever in the hearts of kiwis.

Room 17 P.E

In Room 17 for P.E, we have been practicing our hockey skills. Some of the skills we have learnt are hitting, trapping, dribbling, shooting and push/pass. We have some amazing hockey players in our class that have shared their skills with us.

Here are some images of us.

Gate Pa research project-Morgan Hatch room 19

In the Term 1 Holidays Mr. Cunliffe (room 19) assigned us a Tauranga Moana research project.
I decided to make my topic focus on The Battle of Gate Pa.

The reason why I chose this was that the Battle marks an important turning point in New Zealand's history.


At first I planed out my research plan on a 3x1 table to decide what paragraph subjects will be.
I found this technique very helpful for planing my project and I will most likely use it again.

Here is a photo that I used in my research project.

My visit to the Gae pa battle sight.

Last term in class we had been assign to write a report about something significant to Tauranga. I choose The Battle Of Gate Pa.Here is a snapshot of howI felt visiting the Battle sight . As I arrived at the battle sight my eyes were amazed to see that people put their lives on the line for the small piece of land. As I walked up the hill I was trying to imagine how the British and Maoris were battling it out. As I finally made my way to the top I could now imagine what happened 150 years ago.Seeing the battle sight really helped me with my project on the battle of Gate Pa and I would recommend it to people who are interested it things significant to Tauranga or The Battle of Gate Pa.
By Taylor Bettelheim RM19

Aims Trails

 The judges face turned from a frown to a grin, as Max received the ball. A player had rushed in for the tackle but Max was too good. He switched the ball to his outer right foot and slid the ball around the player, and followed the ball.
The judges eyes widened with joy as he had found a good player.
Max delivered the ball off to Alex in the middle. Alex looked up and passed it back to Max. Max then struck the ball with power. There was no way to stop the ball. The ball swiftly roll through the goal.
The judge couldn't help, he had to smile.

Good luck to everyone who trailed for the aims football, and hope you get in. ;)
Comment if you have trailed.
By Rory.

In room 19 we have been learning about different styles of writing and were split into groups of 6. The we decided who was going to write each style. Here is my report of popcorn.

Popcorn can be brought from many stores. Popcorn is corn kernels that have exploded by being heated up to a certain degree. The kernels create a tasty white food when popped, and to be eaten. Popcorn can be flavoured with many different ingredients.

Popcorn is a tasty food. It is created by being heated in a microwave for a certain amount of time. This makes the corn kernels explode leaving a white fluffy like food. It can also be topped with different ingredients for flavoured popcorn. Popcorn can be found in supermarkets popped or in the un popped kernel form and is healthy.

In conclusion popcorn is an easy tasty food that can be bought or made. It is healthy to eat and can be flavoured . Popcorn is a great tasty food to eat and easy to make or buy.

Maunganui Haka

This week Totara house is begining a haka competition.

The house will be split into four groups, with leaders who know the words,

and will be taught within a timespan of 5 weeks to battle the other groups.

Here is a clip below of Tauranga West Tai Mitchell 2010 (Rugby team) doing the haka.

enjoy :D 

LEADER-TENA I RUIA

MAUNGANUI

ALL-NAUMAI  HAERE

LEADER-MAUNGAROA

ALL-NAU MAI HAERE

KIA KITE KOE I WAIHIHI

KIA KITE KOE I WAIHAHA

TE MAKERETANGA O TONA URE

KI ROTO TE WAI O HIHA

ANA ANA AUE

ANA ANA AUE

HI
X2

Science fair (technology)

My name is Max Came and I am in Rm 19.
For my science fair I am designing a heel/achilles/ankle supporter for soccer boots.
I need to interview people, so if you play soccer, please email me at
z_camem@tauranga-int.school.nz, with your name and room number. I will interview you throughout  week 2 & 3.

Room 19's Mad Scientists

Term 2 is well underway and what a term it will be. A major focus for our learning this term involves a scientific investigation, exploring how our world around us functions. Please share with us what your focus is for the term. Explain your investigation by beginning with a key action verb and expanding on the action to take place using a technical noun and the objective.

Pouring saturated saline into the beaker, we will test the optimal temperature required to grow the largest crystal. 

The Significance of the Battle of Gate Pa on Tauranga

For homework over the school holidays, Mr Cunliffe had us right reports. All members of Room 19 had to write one and there was a really wide range of topics. This is my one

The significance of the Battle of Gate Pa on Tauranga

The Battle of Gate Pa, one of the biggest battles Tauranga Moana’s history, has helped to shape the way our lives are today. Ask any member of any of the local māori tribes and they will tell you that it has been a great impact on the way that they think and act. Signs of significance are shown by the organising of reenactments of the battle, the local māori tribes and the adding of decorations to commemorate the battle.

It is obvious that the Battle of Gate Pa and the mark it has made on Tauranga’s history is still fresh in the minds of some groups and individuals. Events made by ordinary people tell us this. Events that, if done correctly, can not only commemorate, but also explain and sometimes, apologize.The Battle of Gate Pa Trust is just one of the groups that makes sure we remember the lives given at the pa site of Pukehinahina (Gate Pa), so that we do not undo the work that the New Zealanders of the eighteen and nineteen hundreds have done.

It is evident that the Battle of Gate Pa has succeeded in enforcing the Treaty of Waitangi, even if the cost of lives that were paid is high. Just one sign that the Treaty of Waitangi has been given a greater presence are sometimes available to visit. They are called Marae or māori sacred grounds and they are there because the Treaty of Waitangi has been given a voice once again. They are there to remind us that we all have to act within our own rules.

There are places in Tauranga, such as The Elms that are still present in the bustling city today. Them still being there tells us that people still remember the people who fought there, sought refuge there and died there. That people will not casually shrug off the Battle of Gate Pa and the reason why it happened, for to do so would be to say that the lives lost, ruined and the minds broken mean nothing to them. That it doesn’t matter that people died or were broken. That they don’t care that the land is tainted with blood. Sanctuaries like The Elms and Gate Pa, in its time, are like those who died saying, “Please don’t forget me”.

In conclusion, I think that the Battle of Gate Pa has had a great impact on Tauranga and still has significance to it’s people. I think it has told us not to get rid of the old, just because there is something new. To remember those who are gone, just as they would remember us. And to show people what we think and speak our mind.

by Callum Reilly, 449 words

Rocketry

In room 17, some of us have been making rockets in rocketry class. Here are some of the finished products:

After flight...