Summer Learning Journey Week 4 Day 3

DAY 3: Taking Action

Activity 1: Predator Free 2050 – A Call to Arms [4 points]

There is currently a huge drive to get rid of all predators from New Zealand. Predators are animals that, in some way, damage our natural environment. Many organisations are working hard to accomplish this goal.

Click on the links below to watch videos about three of the current projects operating to make New Zealand ‘Predator Free by 2050.’

Predator Free Video #1: Cacophony Project

Predator Free Video #2: Taranaki Mounga Project

Predator Free Video #3: Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP)

On your blog, tell us which one of the videos you liked the best and why..

I really liked the first video because the guy in the video is not only trying to catch animals but mainly to get as many on camera as possible. He is also trying to develop the first stages of artificial intelligence

Activity 2: Protecting the Most Vulnerable - Fact or Fiction? [4 points]

Here in New Zealand, we have a native dolphin, the Māui Dolphin, that is on the verge of extinction (disappearing forever). As of this year, there are only 63 Māui dolphins left and people predict that they will be extinct by 2033. Environmentalists are working hard to save the dolphin because it is such a special and unique animal. To learn more about the Māui Dolphin, please follow this link. Once you have learned more about the dolphin, it is time for you to share your learning with us.

On your blog, post three facts that you learned about the Māui Dolphin that is true. Then, using your imagination, create three more statements about Māui dolphins that are not true (i.e. false). Please don’t tell us which of your statements about Māui Dolphins are true and which are false. It will be the job of the students and staff who read your blog to figure it out.

Six Maui dolphins facts

• Maui dolphins are the smallest dolphins in the world.
• Female Maui dolphins are a bit bigger than the male dolphins
• Maui dolphins use echolocation to find their foods.
• Maui dolphins Live longer than humans. Their lifespan is 200 years.
• Maui dolphins are very scared of small fishes
• Maui dolphins are the strongest dolphin species in the world.

Activity 3: The Power of Ten [10 points]

Sir David Attenborough is a famous TV presenter from England who loves nature and the natural world. He has spent his career filming documentaries about the planet and working hard to protect it. In a recent interview, Sir David was asked to reflect on all that he had learned and to imagine that he had suddenly been given the power to save 10 animals and/or plants from extinction (disappearing forever).

After thinking about the question, he listed these 10 species (animals/plants):

1. Black Lion Tamarin (pictured to the right)

2. Sumatran Rhino

3. Solenodon

4. Olm Salamander

5. Spatuletail Hummingbird

6. Darwin’s Frog

7. Sunda pangolin

8. Priam’s Birding Butterfly

9. Northern Quoll

10. Venus’s Flower Basket

Let’s imagine that you had the same power and that you could save 10 species (animals or plants) from extinction. Who would you save? If I had the choice I would probably save animals like the elephant, white tiger and rhinoceros because they are unique and have lived for centuries on earth. I would also like to save some of my favourite flowers including hydrangeas and calla lily flowers. What about you?

   

Left to right: White tiger, Hydrangeas, Calla Lily

On your blog, list 10 species (animals or plants) that you would protect from extinction. For each one, give a reason as to why you think it is important to protect.

1. Giant Panda. The reason why I would protect the giant panda is that it looks fluffy and because their are only around 2060 pandas living in the wild.

2. Sumatran tiger. The reason why I would protect the Sumatran tiger is that it is Critically Endangered and is only 441 to 679 individuals left.

3. Tree-kangaroo. The reason why I would protect the Tree-kangaroo is that it looks like a fluffy toy.  Another reason is that Tree-kangaroos are Critically Endangered and only have 50 individuals remaining.

4. Western Prairie Fringed Orchid. The reason why I would protect the Western Prairie Fringed Orchid is that it is a rare flower and it is a threatened species.

5. Bald eagle. The reason why I would protect the Bald eagle is that it is a logo to one of the most famous countries in the world.

6.Sea turtle. The reason why I would protect the Sea turtle is that there is about 500,000 Sea turtle left in the world.

7. Bumblebees.  The reason why I would protect the Bumblebees is that pollinate the flowers and plants and with any plants, there less oxygen.

8. Prairie dog. The reason why I would protect the prairie dog is that it provides food for predators and shelter for other burrowing animals. 

9. Sea otters. The reason why I would protect the Sea otters is that it is very cute and it also eats Sea urchins.

10. Tiger Sharks. The reason why I would protect the Tiger Sharks is that it helps maintain healthy seagrass beds by controlling populations of animals.

Summer Learning Journey Week 4 Day 2

DAY 2: Protecting Our Own

Activity 1: A Flying Fox [4 points]

New Zealand has some of the most beautiful forests in the world. Both New Zealanders and tourists, alike, enjoy walking through these forests. Unfortunately, constantly walking through forests can damage the plants and animals (flora and fauna) that live there. In an attempt to protect the local flora and fauna, an eco-tourism company in Rotorua came up with an idea. The Rotorua Canopy Tours Company designed a series of ziplines that sit above the forest canopy (top). People can ‘zip’ from one section of the forest to another, looking down on the beautiful natural areas below. To see what ziplining looks like, check out this video.

I have tried ziplining and I really enjoyed it, however, I must admit that I was pretty scared to try it at first. How would you feel if you had the chance to go ziplining in Rotorua?

On your blog, tell us how you would feel about going ziplining in Rotorua. Try to use some descriptive words (adjectives) and action words (verbs) in your post!

If I had the chance to go ziplining, I would feel delighted because it will be my first-time zip lining and ziplining sounds it is lots of fun and entertaining. Another reason is that any of my family and friend haven't been ziplining before so I want to be the first person who does.

Activity 2: A Protective Plant [4 points]

There are concerns about the water quality of some of the rivers, streams and oceans in and around New Zealand. Some people have suggested that we plant flowers and plants on the banks of our most polluted rivers to stop the spread of the pollution. Apparently, the plants can act as filters, absorbing some of the chemicals (pollutants) that are moving across the land, on their way to the river.

Planting can be a lot of fun! Have you ever planted a garden? Aronui and I are going to make our very own edible garden this year. We are going to plant a number of veggies, fruits and herbs, including mint, coriander, parsley, lemongrass, onions, tomatoes, beans, zucchinis, kumara and strawberries. Yum! If you could plant an edible garden what would you plant in it?

On your blog list 10 veggies, fruits, or herbs that you would plant in your garden.

Ten Veggies (and some fruits) that I would plant in my garden.

• Carrots
• Beetroot
• Corn
• Kumara (Sweet Potato)
• Potatoes
• Orange
• Taro Leaves
• Tomatoes
• Broccoli
• Capsicum

Activity 3: A House is Not a Home [10 points]

New Zealand is home to some unique wildlife that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. While we work very hard to protect our natural habitats so, too, do people living and working in other countries. One of the oldest international wildlife conservation organisations is called ‘Fauna & Flora International’ (FFI). They support a number of projects around the world, including those working to protect Lansan trees in the Caribbean, fruit forests in Tajikistan, and national reserves in Mozambique. Read about each of these projects and choose the one that interests you the most.

On your blog, tell us which project you find most interesting and why.

I found the national reserves in Mozambique more interesting because it mostly focuses on Lansan trees and how it is endangered. I learned that Lansan trees are very fragile and prone to infection when damaged, and have lost at least 60% of their range in the Eastern Caribbean because of all the overexploitation and deforestation.

Summer Learning Journey Week 4 Day 1

DAY 1: Preserving the Past

Activity 1: World of Wearable (WOW) Art [4 points]

If we want to protect our natural world, we must be thoughtful about what we make, how we make it and how we dispose of it (throw it away). At the moment, the waste in New Zealand is separated into two main categories: 1. Recycled items (eg. bottles, cans, paper) and, 2. Non-recycled items (rubbish). Most of the rubbish is collected by rubbish trucks and taken to a rubbish tip (landfill) where it is dumped and never used again. Much of the recycled material is to take to a place where it is sorted, separated and sent out to be used again.

The idea of reusing materials was taken to a whole new level by a woman named Dame Suzie Moncrieff who, thirty years ago, created an event in New Zealand called the ‘World of WearableArt’ (WOW). WOW takes place in Wellington (and in other cities) every year. Artists from around the world create outfits made entirely from recycled materials.

Let’s imagine that you were invited to this year’s WOW awards and you were able to interview the creator.

On your blog, list five interview questions that you would like to ask Dame Suzie Moncrieff.

• Who inspired you to Create these amazing outfits?
• did anyone help you make those outfits?
• What did you like about your WearableArts?
• Do people buy your outfits?
• How many outfits have you made?

Activity 2: Guardians of the Sea [4 points]

One of the largest rivers in New Zealand is called the Waikato River. It is found in the central part of the North Island of New Zealand. The river (awa) was given the name ‘Waikato’ (meaning flowing water) by a group of men and women from the Tainui iwi who, legend has it, travelled down the Waikato years ago and settled in the area. According to Māori legend, the Waikato River has hundreds of taniwha (mythical water spirits) living in it, guarding the sea.

Unfortunately, the Waikato River has become polluted in recent years and is, sometimes, closed to the public. This is very upsetting for many people, especially for those who believe that taniwha live in the river. Please click here to read about taniwha and watch this short video about taniwha.

Once you have finished learning about taniwha go to your blog.

On your blog tell us whether, or not, you believe that taniwha exist. Be sure to explain to us why you feel this way.

I believe that Taniwhas are not real. Here are my reasons to prove that its fake. Firstly, it says that Taniwhas are just Supernatural creatures. Secondly, if Taniwha were real, we would have caught one on tape or seen one with our eyes. Thirdly, Taniwha would be extinct because it was normally seen in lakes and lakes are usually polluted.

Activity 3: The Sky in Shanghai [10 points]

One day I would really like to travel to China. It is a country with a rich history, vibrant cities, tasty food, and fascinating architecture   (buildings). Unfortunately, some of the largest Chinese cities have high rates of air pollution. The air pollution in Beijing, one of the largest cities in China, can get so bad that roads are closed, flights are cancelled and events are postponed while they wait for the smog in the air to clear. The terrible pollution is also having fatal (deadly) effects as, approximately, 1.1 million people in China died last year from air pollution-related causes. The Chinese government is very concerned and they have introduced a number of strategies (ideas) to reduce the pollution levels. Imagine that you were asked to travel to Beijing. How would you feel?

              

On your blog, write a poem that describes your feelings about travelling to Beijing, China.
Here is a small rhyming poem I made.

I was asked to travel to Beijing in China
that's when I really thought that the climate would be minor.
But when we landed In Beijing,
I saw lots of people protesting.
I didn't know what was going on
until someone told me that they want fresh air and air cons.
I looked around and saw lots of people living on the streets
and some people were just walking around without shoes on their feet.
When I saw all this, I immediately wanted to leave,
Not because of the protesting but only because I couldn't breathe.

Summer Learning Journey Week 3 Day 5

DAY 5: Here to Stay

Activity 1: Persistent Pollution [4 points]

In 2016, the World Health Organisation announced that Timaru, a small town in the South Island of New Zealand, had the highest recorded levels of air pollution in New Zealand. Some of this pollution was caused by natural events (eg. fires) but most of it was produced (made) by humans.

Watch this short video on air pollution. It will tell you more about the natural and human causes of pollution.

On your blog, share three new things that you learned about air pollution from this video.

• Some air pollutions come from natural sources like from a volcanic eruption, log fires and allergins.
• Greenhouse gases increase Smog, Mold and Pollen
• Smog is a type of air pollution that reduces visibility and has serious health effects.

Activity 2: Changing Climates [4 points]

Over the past decade, the climate in New Zealand (and around the world) has been changing. In fact, the climate has been getting warmer and warmer. While many of us like warm weather, climate change is not good news. Higher temperatures can cause glaciers to melt (leading to flooding) and increase the amount of rain that falls.

Here in New Zealand, we have noticed the change. In fact, we sometimes have torrential (huge) rain storms causing flooding, landslides and road closures. When it starts to rain really hard, Aronui and I usually hide out in our lounge and play games like Yahtzee, Monopoly and Uno. If it rains all day, we will also spend some time reading, watching movies and baking.

What about you? What do you like to do on a rainy day?  

On your blog, tell us about five things that you like to do when it is too rainy to go outside.

Five things I like to do when it's raining Outside.

• Play snakes and ladders with my brothers
• Spend time with my family
• Watch my favourite Youtuber (Theodd1sout)
• Read my favourite books (Tom Gates)
• Play Fortnite with my friends.

Activity 3: Let It Rain [10 points]

Over the past few decades, we have seen an increase in the amount of rain that falls here in New Zealand. We are lucky, however, that most of the rain that falls is regular rainwater and not polluted acid rain. Acid rain is rain that has bad chemicals (pollutants) in it. When acid rain hits the ground it can enter the water system, killing plants and animals. Click here to learn more about acid rain.

Let’s imagine that New Zealand was hit by a massive acid rain storm. Acidic rain fell for three days and three nights. When the rain fell, you stayed inside with your friends and family. When it stopped, however, you and your family decided to go for a walk outside. You opened the door and...

On your blog, write a short story about what happened when you opened the door and walked outside after the acid rain storm. To earn full points, you must write a story that is 8 – 10 sentences long


One day, after an enormous acid storm, my brother and I decided to go for a walk outside. I opened the door and I saw trees without any leaves. "What the heck," I said to myself. But that didn't stop us from going for a walk. When we proceeded to walk, we saw our neighbours doing the same thing we were doing. We asked them if they knew what has happened to the trees and they replied by saying "The acid storm did that". After hearing that, we decided to explore the trees. After minutes of searching, we found a baby Tree-Kangaroo looking for a new home. "Poor little creature," said my little brother. We took the baby Tree-Kangaroo and kept it in our house until it was strong enough to go out on his own. "We should name it Jacks" said my little brother. We fed it, we Kept it warm and we even tried to put clothes on it. A few weeks past, Jacks is doing great and were thinking of releasing him back to the wild but all of a sudden, he stops breathing. I quickly tell my dad about Jacks. We drive straight to the vet. As kids, my brother and I are scared and worried if he's going to make it. The veterinarian came in and said that he was only choking on a piece of french fry and it wasn't that serious. We all sighed in relieved.  As we about to go, the veterinarian tells us that the Tree-Kangaroo has to stay with them because it was too dangerous for it to stay around a place that recently had an acid storm. So brother and I said our final goodbyes and left with tears.

Summer Learning Journey Week 3 Day 4

DAY 4: Like a Scene Out of a Movie

Activity 1: The Southern Lights [4 points]

Once in a while, a very special event takes place in New Zealand. It is a show of beautiful, bright lights that appear in the sky over the South Island. The lights are called the ‘Aurora Australis’ or ‘Southern Lights.’ They are similar to the ‘Northern Lights’ that are often seen in places like Northern Canada, Iceland, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. The southern and northern lights are so stunning that they often leave people, who are watching them, speechless.

For this activity, you are to write a short acrostic word poem about the beautiful lights. Hazel has written an acrostic poem about summer to give you an example.

S - Sun outside,

U - Umbrellas in the sand.

M -  My friends and I, having fun,

M - Making sandcastles,

E - Enjoying ice cream on a hot day,

R - Racing to the beach!

L - Lovely

I - Interesting

G - Gorgeous

H - Heavenly

T - Tremendous

S - Shiney

On your blog, use the word ‘LIGHTS’ to write an acrostic poem about the Southern Lights. Be as creative as you can!

For more information and examples of acrostic poems, check out this poetry website.

Activity 2: The Seven Sisters [4 points]

In the middle of winter, a very special cluster (group) of stars appear in the sky over New Zealand. This cluster is called the ‘Matariki star cluster.’ It re-appears in the sky each May/June and signals the start of the Māori New Year. Many songs (waiata) and stories have been written about the cluster. One of these is called ‘The Seven Stars of Matariki.’ It was written by a New Zealander named Toni Rolleston-Cummins. She is from Maketu. Click here to listen to Toni read her story.

On your blog, write a short summary of the book. What was it about? Try to summarise the story in 6-8 sentences.

There once was an adventurous young man named Mitai, who lived with his seven brothers in the village of Maketu. Mitai was the youngest brother. He had been raised by his Koroua, the great Tohunga Te Rawhara. Mitai and his seven brothers went hunting one night and heard some amazing singing coming from the mountain. They climbed up the mountain and saw seven beautiful women. The brothers immediately fell in love with the women. The brothers gave up eating, looking after themselves, working in the garden and hunting. Mitai became more suspicious and decided to watch his brothers wives carefully. He waited by a tree and noticed seven birds of his kind perched up on a branch. He watched his brother's wives talk near a tree. Mitai overhears their plans to stave their brothers to death. Mitai tells them that their wives were patupaiarehe, fairy women. Mitai hatched up a plan. The next day, the brothers head in and waited for their wives. As the wives came in, the brothers caught them all in their magic net. They immediately turned in to patupaiarehe, begging their husbands to release them. The nets were taken to Mitai who turned himself into an Albatross. That's all I know about the story :)

Activity 3: Crazy, Cool Clouds [5 points]

Have you ever looked up into the sky and seen a cloud that had a really cool shape? I certainly have, and so have dozens of other people. Take a look at the three pictures of crazy, cool cloud formations below.

From left to right: Picture 1, Picture 2, Picture 3

Clouds are formed when small drops of water stick together. To learn more about clouds and how they are formed, you can watch this cool video. Once you have learned about clouds, please choose your favourite cloud picture.

On your blog, tell us what you see in the photo. What shape(s) do you see? Be sure to tell us which picture (1, 2 or 3) you have chosen and describe what you see in lots of detail!.

on the last photo, I see two commas on its side that connected to each other. I asked my brother and he said that looks like a moustache. I said "oh yeah. That does look like a moustache". So now I'm not sure if it's a moustache or two commas on its side that connected to each other.