It has been an extremely busy Term!
Students worked hard to complete nterest Projects.
Lotu and Keahi presented some interesting information about New Zealand's Sporting Culture. They informed us of some of New Zealand's sporting successes and have outlined how success in sport is linked to coaches, passion and overcoming challenges.
Aaron and Zendon provided insightful information about solar powered houses. They contacted experts in this field to get some of their information and provided us with the benefits and cost of solar panels.
Olivia and Azahlia helped us understand what it is like for fellow students who are in wheelchairs in our area. To do this the girls interviewed students in person (at our school) and online (students in other schools). The girls used the information they gathered to outline the challenges and benefits of being in a wheelchair. They discussed the various types and costs of wheelchairs. After interviewing a local boy in a wheelchair they were able to explain the disorder Morquio.
Juliet researched and shared information on ghosts including the Catholic Church's perspective of ghosts, why some people believe or do not believe in ghosts and some of the methods believed to prevent ghosts.
Seamus, Cole, Andre, Nelson and Ryan attempted to use their Interest Based Learning time to create their own game. They discovered that the time frame for the project was not long enough to fully develop the game they were hoping. Throughout the project they also noticed that working in a big group can have challenges. Although the game was not finished, the boys shared information about what successful games have had in common e.g. story lines, graphics, characters.
'In conclusion we can’t make a game in this time frame. But we did make a couple games and we are still going to keep trying to make the game in our free time the reason we have been unable to make the game in this time frame is because the research took most of our time and we had difficulty finding the equipment we need.'
Andre and Hirday worked really well together to create a questionnaire type game using coding and explained that if you would like to start coding you could start by completing a coding course on Codeacademy. They pointed out that this is just the beginning and there is lots to learn about coding.
Allen, Josh and Jack worked together on a project about obesity. They provided us with information about your BMI, the effects obesity has on your health and some of the reasons for obesity. The boys contacted an outside expert (Dr Kelly) for extra information and received information about the steps were taking as a country to help reduce obesity in New Zealand.
Anaru worked hard to explore what robots are being used for nowadays. Anaru researched how robots are being used in the military, in medicine and in schools. Anaru thinks robots are key to the future.
Nicolai and Edward requested start up money to fundraise for the Salvation Army. The boys calculated the amount of money they would need, arranged assistance from Mrs Goodwin to tie dye t-shirts before selling them to repay their start up money and make a profit of $100 which they donated to the Salvation Army.
Alesha and Marlene aimed to create awareness about mental health and raise funds for 'The Friendship House' in Gisborne. The girls held a cupcake day and raised $195.50. Outstanding effort! Find out more by visiting their blogs and use it to ask them questions.
Alesha's Blog
Marlene's Blog
Lily and Sophie completed an Interest Project about animal testing. They explained why animal testing exists but outlined the negative effects of it. The girls also provided us with a number of common products that use animal testing.
Maia and Grace were motivated by their love of the 'Harry Potter' book series to complete a project about reading and books. The girls shared information about why reading in beneficial, why particular books are popular and why some books are banned in New Zealand. The girls stimulated some great sharing about students' favourite books.
WELL DONE 7/8 OD
Lots of hard work, lots of communication and lots of learning (from various aspects)!
