Summer Learning Journey Day 3, Week 1

DAY 3: Team Players

Activity 1: Rugby Superstars [4 points]

Jonah Lomu was a rugby superstar. He was the youngest ever All Black, selected at just 19 years of age. He went on to have an amazing career that included 63 caps (international games) and 37 tries. Jonah was Tongan, but spent most of his childhood in Mangere, South Auckland. He started out playing touch rugby and rugby league but changed over to rugby union and quickly made a name for himself. He was very tall, strong and fast.

Richie McCaw is another example of a famous rugby player. He was the captain of the All Blacks between 2004 and 2015. Like Jonah Lomu, he had an outstanding international career in rugby union and had many achievements. In fact, he was the most capped All Black captain, most capped test rugby player and World Rugby Player of the Year in 2006, 2009, and 2010. He has been given a Halberg Award and made a member of the Order of New Zealand. As well as being an outstanding player, Richie McCaw was also a strong leader and captain.

For many people, players like Jonah Lomu and Richie McCaw are superheroes with extra special
‘superpowers.’

For this activity, let’s imagine that you could be a superhero for a day. What three superpowers would you most like to have? Please list the three superpowers, tell us why you have chosen each one, and tell us what you are going to do with them. Post your work on your blog.

The Three super-powers I would have would be...

1. SuperSpeed! The reason why I would pick super speed is that I'm always late to school, but if I have Super Speed, I would never be late to anything anymore.
2. Telekinesis! Telekinesis would be a perfect power for me to have because I'm a lazy person and can't be bothered getting up and turning off the lights. But if I have the power of Telekinesis, I wouldn't have to get up most of the time
3. Super Strength! The reason why I would pick Super Strength is just incased if anyone gets stuck under anything and needs some muscles.

Activity 2: Defying the Odds [4 points]

LeBron James is one of the most famous professional basketball players in the world. He currently plays in the NBA (National Basketball Association) for the Los Angeles Lakers. He has won numerous awards over the years, helping his teams win many important games.

Steven Adams also plays in the NBA, but unlike LeBron, Steven comes from Rotorua, New Zealand and is the half-brother of Olympic gold medalist Valerie Adams. That’s a pretty cool family connection,

isn’t it?! Steven Adams currently lives in the United States and plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team.

Despite being born in different countries, these two incredible basketballers have a number of similarities. Both men came from humble beginnings. Neither of their families had a lot of money, and neither man grew up with a father at home.

Even though they faced challenges, they were able to overcome them. Both men are examples of what is possible when you work hard and believe in yourself.

For this activity, we would like you to imagine that you had the chance to interview LeBron James, Steven Adams or another basketball player of your choice. Please tell us who you would interview and then provide a list of five questions that you would like to ask your chosen player.
Post your work on your blog.

The basketball player I would choose to interview would be Shaquille O'Neal. The reason why I would choose Shaquille O'Neal is that he is a very skilled and humble basketball player. The five-question I would ask him would be....

1.  Do you get pressured performing in front of the crowd?
2. What advice would you give to someone who wants to play basketball?
3. How do you feel when you lose a game?
4. How old are you when you started playing basketball?
5. Have you ever had any basketball injury?
6. (Bonus) Who do you look up to when you play basketball?

Activity 3: Achieving our Dreams [6 points]

The Silver Ferns are New Zealand’s professional netball team. They are based in Auckland and play against teams from all over the world. Next year they are due to compete in the first-ever Netball Nations cup competition in England.

In order to earn a place on the team, each of the players had to prove that they were one of the best netball players in the country. They have all had to work very hard, sacrifice many things, and show dedication and determination throughout their careers. In many cases, they have also had a lot of support from others - their family, friends, teachers, coaches. This support has allowed them to pursue their dreams and to, ultimately, do a job that they love.

For this activity, choose a friend or family member and ask them what their dream job would be. Then, brainstorm six ways in which you could support them in achieving their dreams. Please present your ideas as a poster or infographic. Post your work on your blog.

For this activity, I chose my brother, and he wants to be a professional Rugby player.

Summer Learning Journey Day 2, Week 1

DAY 2: Up in the Air

Activity 1: Flying Solo [4 points]

Jean Batten was a famous aviator (pilot) who was born in Rotorua, New Zealand in 1909. In the 1930s she made several record-breaking solo flights (on her own) across the world. In fact, she was the first person to fly solo from England to New Zealand - a huge achievement! She also flew a number of long solo flights between England and Australia or Brazil. When she flew, she always took a silk dress with her so that she could look beautiful at the parties she attended upon her arrival.

Amelia Earhart was an American aviator who lived at about the same time as Jean Batten. Like Jean, she also flew solo. In fact, she was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She flew all the way from Canada to Northern Ireland on her own without stopping. In 1937, Amelia Earhart attempted to circumnavigate (go right around) the world. Unfortunately, the flight ended in tragedy when she disappeared near Howland Island, about halfway between Australia and Hawaii. She was never found.

For this activity, compare and contrast these two aviators. You could use a Venn diagram like the one provided below. Please be sure to include three similarities and three differences between the two women. Post your work on your blog.

Activity 2: One Small Step for Man [4 points]

Neil Armstrong was an American astronaut and engineer. In 1969, Neil and his team of astronauts flew to the moon in a spacecraft called Apollo 11. When they arrived, Neil got out of the spacecraft and walked on the moon. He is the first person in history to walk on the moon! As Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, he famously said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for
mankind.”

As you can imagine, landing on the moon is a very dangerous task. Many things can go wrong, and a number of astronauts have died attempting to land \on the moon. Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins (the three astronauts on Apollo 11) must have been extremely brave.

I always imagine that walking on the moon must be like jumping on the trampoline! Do you like jumping on a trampoline? My daughter Laila loves it!

For this activity, let’s imagine that you were Neil Armstrong. Write a short poem describing how you felt when you first set
foot on the moon. Post your work on your blog

My legs are shaking, With chills up my spine
We've been waiting for this moment for a very long time
We're about hit the surface, it took a long flight,
Once we hit the ground, Aldrin calls "Contact Light".
We get suited up, and ready for space
Once we step out, the sun rays hit my face.
My heart is racing, I thought space would be weird
But once I took a step, all my doubts disappeared
I planted the flag with pride in my face
All we gotta do now is to get back to where it's safe
We took a few photos and hopped back on our ship
"That ones gonna hit the books" I loudly chipped

Activity 3: Miracle on the Hudson [6 points]

Mr. Chesley Sullenberger, or “Sully” as he was known, was an airline captain (pilot) for about 30 years. In 2009, he became world-famous when he landed his airplane in the middle of the Hudson River in New York City. He was forced to make an emergency landing when both of the engines in his airplane lost power. Amazingly, all 155 people on board the A320 plane survived the landing. This
the incredible event became known as the ‘Miracle on the Hudson.’

Although Sully must have been scared when the engines lost power, he didn’t show
it. Instead, he stayed calm and saved the lives of everyone on board. What a brave
man!

For this activity, we would like to hear about a time when you, or someone you know, were brave like Sully. Post your work on your blog.

My Brave story isn't that related to Sully's story but I still think it was brave. My Brave story is about a guy named David who did a Haka all by himself with more than 100 people watching him. He wasn't forced to do it, he just did it because he was satisfied. He watched a school do a performance, that he loved, so he expressing his thoughts through a Haka, which I think is such a brave thing to do!

Summer Learning Journey Day 1, Week 1

WEEK 1: Physical Limits - Exploration and Sport

Kia ora and welcome to the first week of the Summer Learning Journey! We are so glad you have joined us! This week we are going to be learning about people who changed the world through exploration and sport. The people included in this program are only a small number of the exceptional, influential and inspirational
explorers and sportspeople in the world. On Day 5 you will get the chance to choose someone you are
interested in and share what you learn about them on your blog.
Get ready to learn about some brave, strong people who have taken risks and pushed boundaries!

DAY 1: Explorers
DAY 2: Up in the Air
DAY 3: Team Players
DAY 4: Individual Pursuits
DAY 5: Against the Odds

DAY 1: Explorers

Activity 1: Setting Sail [4 points]

People from Pacific nations have always been expert explorers and navigators. In the
past, they used the stars, sun and ocean swells to find their way (navigate) around the
The Pacific Ocean. Master navigator, Nainoa Thompson, has used the ancient Polynesian
wayfinding skills to navigate around the world. In 2013, Nainoa led a crew across the
The Pacific Ocean on two large canoes (Hokule’a and Hikianalia). The crew stopped off in
Aotearoa, New Zealand in 2015 on their journey and visited the Manaiakalani Schools
in Auckland.
I think that it would be difficult to be ‘at sea’ for weeks at a time. I would miss my family
but I would also enjoy the adventure. Let’s imagine that you were invited to join Nainoa
for three weeks at sea. As part of the journey, you have to pack your own food.

For this activity, make a list of ten food items that you could take with you. Please think carefully about what you will take
as you won’t have access to a refrigerator or freezer while at sea. Please explain why you would select each item.
Post your work on your blog

My 10 food items will be...

1.  Canned food! Canned food would be great when you're traveling at sea because it's very easy to store and it has a very very long shelf life (meaning it doesn't expire that quick)
2. Powdered milk! Powdered milk has a shelf life of 1 to 1.5 years so it would be great to bring along on your journey at sea. Powdered milk is also very convenient when making.
3. Water! Obviously, I will have to bring water onboard because freshwater is critical when it comes to traveling at sea
4. Frozen Grapes! Frozen Grapes are a perfect snack on a hot, sunny day. Even if the grapes defrost, it would still be delicious
5. Raw Pasta! Raw Pasta is great when it comes to dinner! Just add hot boiling water and you'll have a great dinner
6. Raw Noodles!  Raw Noodles are both great raw and cooked. It stores very easily and it fits perfectly if anyone cupboards
7. Muesli bars! Muesli bars are great when it comes to snacks! It fits easily in your pocket and you can eat it anytime your feeling peckish
8. Tea Bags! I'm not sure if it counts as a food item but I'll count it anyway. Teabags are awesome when it comes to relaxing, just pour some hot water and you'll fall asleep in no time
9. MRE packs! MRE packs are a great source of food used by the military. It has a shelf life of five years! which makes it perfect if you ever get stranded on an island.
10. Sugar! No one likes having a cup of tea without sweating it. Sugar also has a shelf life of two years!  that's why sugar is great to take onboard

Activity 2: Discovering Aotearoa [4 points]

Many people believe that Kupe was the first explorer to discover Aotearoa, New Zealand in
about 1300. He navigated his way by waka to Aotearoa from Hawaiki using traditional
Polynesian navigation techniques - just like Nainoa Thompson (from Activity 1) did much later
on. Legend says that he followed a great octopus all the way to Aotearoa/New Zealand and
finally destroyed it in Cook Strait (the water between the North and South Islands).

Many years later, a Dutch explorer from The Netherlands, Abel Tasman, was exploring the
The Pacific Ocean when he came across New Zealand. He thought that he was the first person to
‘discover’ the country (despite the fact that Māori already lived in New Zealand!) and made the
claim in 1642 that he had ‘discovered’ a new land. His exploration of New Zealand inspired
many other European explorers to follow his lead and travel to the Oceania.

Kupe and Abel Tasman were two different men from two very different backgrounds (cultures)
who shared a common interest - exploration.

For this activity, we would like you to think about your own experiences and your own
cultural background. Where does your family come from? Do they come from Europe like
Abel Tasman, Polynesia like Kupe, or somewhere else?

Post your work on your blog

My family background comes from the islands of Tonga! I don't know much about my ancestors but I know that my grandparents are Tongan from both my Mums and Dad's side. My grandpa's dad is Samoa so I do have a bit of Samoan blood in me!

Activity 3: Scaling New Heights [6 points]

Sir Edmund Hillary and his sherpa (guide), Tenzing Norgay, were the first people to
reach the summit of Mt Everest, the tallest mountain in the world in 1953. At the time,
Edmund Hillary was an apiarist (beekeeper) from Auckland, New Zealand. During the
summer he worked as a beekeeper, and during the winter, he climbed mountains.
Becoming the first person to summit Everest was not easy. In fact, Edmund Hillary
attempted (tried) to climb to the top of Mt Everest three times before he succeeded.
He was determined to reach the top!

While this famous explorer and climber is mostly remembered for being the first
person to reach the summit of Mt Everest, he has also made a huge impact on the
world through his charity work. In 1960, Sir Edmund Hillary set up the Himalayan Trust to bring education, healthcare and safe
drinking water to the people of Nepal - the country where Mt Everest is located.

For this activity, please read about two other charities - the SPCA and OXFAM. Choose one of the charities and write a short description of what they do. Who do they help?

Post your work on your blog.

The charity I decided to write about is the SPCA charity. The full acronym of "SPCA" is called "Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals". The purpose of the charity is to prevent cruelty towards animals and to protect and to provide shelter to stray dogs and other animals in danger. The SPCA deals with proper pet care and animal adoption

Activity 3 - Project house

Activity 2 - Project House

Activity 1 - Project house

Summer Learning Journey (Teaser week) Day 4 activity 3

Activity 3: Mass Migration

The current President of the United States of America (U.S.A.) is a man named Donald Trump. He was elected President in 2016. At the time, he promised the American people that he would build a wall between the U.S.A. and Mexico - the country immediately south of the United States. He made this promise because he wanted to stop people from crossing the American-Mexican border.

Earlier this year, a migrant caravan (people moving in a large group) came through South and Central America on its way to the Mexican-American border. The people in the caravan were heading to America to find jobs and build a better life for themselves and their families. You can learn more about them in this video.

Donald Trump’s plan to build the wall is very controversial (some people strongly agree with his idea and others strongly disagree).

For this activity, let’s imagine that Donald Trump called you up and asked for your opinion on this controversial issue.

On your blog, please tell us what you think about his plan to build a wall between the USA and Mexico. Is it a good idea or a bad idea? Why do you think so?

My opinion on Donald Trump building a wall between the USA and Mexico is a terrible idea because first of all, I think everyone has every right to travel to where they planned to go, regardless and second of all, is there a reason why Donald Trump wants to build a wall? or since he basically owns America, He thinks he can do anything he desires?. But all I know for certain is that Donald Trump doesn't like Mexicans very much