Symmetry

We have been learning about symmetry in maths. Shapes can have an axis (line) of symmetry if you can fold them in half and they match up on both sides. Some shapes have more than one axis of symmetry. 

We created our own symmetrical shapes by folding and cutting paper. Here are some of the results...

What do you think?

Litter Blitz

Our whole school set out to make a difference in our community this week. Along with the support of the Tread Lightly Caravan and Be A Tidy Kiwi we took to the streets to pick up as much rubbish as we could. Each class had a different route and was armed with a litter kit (including gloves, high-vis vests, litter grabbers and rubbish bags). 

Haumia are ready for action

Along with teachers and some adult helpers (including workers from the local Z service station) we set out into the local neighbourhood collecting things like soda cans, cigarette butts, bottle tops, food scraps, old wet fliers and food wrappers. 

There were some items that were simple too big to put into the rubbish bags (a sofa, an exercise bike, some shelves) and surprisingly, when we brought back what we could to school and weighed it all, we found that the school had collected 32 bags weighing a total of 200kg!!!

It's nice to think we have made a difference in our community.

Matariki

As part of our learning about Matariki, Haumia has been looking at deep space images of the Helix Nebula, the Pinwheel Galaxy and the Butterfly Nebula.

We used chalk pastel on black paper to create our own star systems.

(Thanks to 'Your Matariki Kete' published by Stardome for the idea)

This amazing art is on display down the hallway from our classroom...you should check it out!

We have also joined in with the rest of the middle school with learning sessions that focused on Matariki.

In one session, students created stars by weaving flax...

In another session, students were able to learn about the game Mū Tōrere as well as traditional string games from Maori culture and create their own patterns with string...

And in a third session, students were read the book 'Matariki' by Melanie Drewrey. 

During this time, students learnt that there are different stories about the stars in the Matariki constellation.

Some people say that the stars are:

- seven sisters

- houses of the gods where the spirits of the departed go

- seven chiefs looking down with one eye open each

- the prow of a giant waka in the sky

- a mother and her six daughters

- a star that Tane became jealous of so he smashed it into seven pieces

...these stories became inspiration when creating a feather for a korowai...

What an awesome time of learning it has been!

Measurement

As part of learning about measurement we made some paper aeroplanes so we could measure how far we could throw them. It was great to see collaborative learning as students helped out one another, showing how to make a plane. 

After they were all made, we went outside and took turns in groups to measure out metres across the courts. Then we took turns to throw the paper planes to see how far they would go.

We only had time for one throw each and some were a little unsuccessful (going behind rather than in front). The longest throws made it to nearly 9 metres - a tie between Sual and Paityn (and Nerys with 8 and a half metres).

Well done to everyone for giving it a go.

Tortoise and Hare Show

We had the pleasure of having a visit from a travelling theatre group who performed a creative version of the classic tale of The Tortoise and the Hare. They included characters from other stories (the Gingerbread Man and the Pied Piper to name a couple), playing more than one role each. Throughout their show they interacted with students in the audience in an entertaining performance.

Healthy Food

This term, as part of our inquiry, we have been looking at different types of food and what is in the food we eat. This week we had a visit from Sione who works for the Auckland District Health Board. He spoke to us about making healthy choices with what we eat and then students go to build their own meal from the food provided.

Check out the delicious choices available...

First we made sure we had clean hands...

Then we went to create our meal...

To finish up, we were given some information to remind us and keep us informed about healthy eating options...

Tessellations

We have been busy this term creating a syndicate tessellation pattern using cool colours (blue, green, purple).

A tessellating pattern is one that fits together without gaps or overlaps. The finished result looks amazing...you'll find it in our school hall.