Summer Learning Journey is finished!

Hey bloggers, I'm back! The Summer Learning Journey has come to and end, which means that there is no more, until the Term 4 holidays this year and 2020. This years Summer Learning Journey was the best because I actually did the activities every day. Anyways, here is the first activity!

Every year we celebrate World Environment Day in June. On World Environment Day we do what we can to protect our planet. This year the focus is on reducing the use of plastic bags and water bottles. Watch this Environment Day video to learn more about it!

What could you and your family do to protect the planet?

On your blog tell us three things that you could do to help save the planet.

I think that we could use less plastic objects, recycle things and turn things yo don't need into other cool stuff that you do need so that way it doesn't go to waste.

Here is the second activity!

Not only can you help the planet by reducing, reusing and recycling, you can also help to save animals and plants by ‘adopting’ them. To ‘adopt’ an animal through the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), you need to visit their adopt a species page, read through the list of animals and choose one.

With the WWF, you don’t actually adopt the animal and bring it home! It’s a symbolic adoption. In this case you pay a fee ($55.00) and the money is used to provide food and care for your chosen animal. Visit the WWF site and take a look at the animals who are available for adoption. Choose your ‘top three’ animals from the website.

On your blog, list the three animals that you have chosen and then compare and contrast them. How are they similar? How are they different? At the bottom of you post, tell us which of the three animals you would most like to adopt..

My top 3 animals!
1-Arctic Fox

2-Koala

3-Fennec Fox

Arctic foxes eat anything then can find but Koala's are herbivores so they don't at meat but they et plants. A Fennec Fox is an omnivore so it eats plants and meat. Fennec Foxes likes to live in Sandy places but the Arctic Foxes and in Antarctica but the Koala's in Australia where it is a pretty hot place.

Here is the last activity!

Sadly, the Summer Learning Journey has now come to an end. It is time to reflect on everything that you have learned about the environment and, particularly, about how you can protect and preserve it.

On your blog please tell us:

1. What is one thing that you learned from participating in the Summer Learning Journey programme this year?
2. What is one thing that surprised you?
3. What is one thing that concerned or upset you?
4. What is one thing that you (or your family) can do, moving forward, to help protect our natural environment?

Well I learnt lot's of things while learning the Summer Learning Journey but I learnt a lot of things about the ones where there were mysterious and odd plants because I didn't even know that those types of plants even exist. Something that surprised me is that I actually did all of the activities because I thought that I was going to do it for like 2 weeks and then eventually get bored and quit but I didn't. I am not upset about anything. I think something that I can do to help our environment is to not dump rubbish and reuse things and turn them into other stuff  and those type of things! This years Summer Learning Journey was great and I can't wait to see what the next Summer Learning Journey is going to be like!

Summer learning Journey day 19!

Hey bloggers, I'm back!

Today is the second to last day of the Summer Learning Journey which means that there is only 1 more day until it finishes! Overall, I think I did pretty good at the Summer Learning Journey also kind o made me do more of studying than playing around on my phone. I think that this years Summer Learning Journey was great and the activities were very interesting anyways, here is the first activity!

New Zealand is home to so many beautiful, unique and, sometimes, endangered animals and habitats. The Forest & Bird organisation is working really hard to protect vulnerable animals and places in NZ. They are doing everything that they can to raise money and to raise awareness so that everyone knows about these issues. These are called ‘campaigns.’ Check out the Forest & Bird campaigns site to learn more about them.

Imagine, that you have been hired by Forest & Bird New Zealand to work on one of their campaigns. It is your job to come up with a catchy slogan for the campaign. A slogan is a short phrase or sentence that is used to advertise something. Check out examples of common slogans and logos below.

    

On your blog, tell us which campaign you have chosen to support and provide us with a slogan for that campaign.

Here is the second activity!

Over the past few decades some of New Zealand’s beaches have become dumping grounds for waste and rubbish. Almost 80% of this waste is made up of plastic items. Yikes!

Some companies in New Zealand have heard about the problem and agreed to cut down on their use of plastic. Countdown supermarkets, for example, have announced that they will stop giving out plastic bags to customers.  What do you think of this idea? What do your friends and family think? Is it a good idea or not?

For this activity, please ask one member of your family and/or a friend what they think about Countdown’s decision to go ‘plastic bag free.’

On your blog, tell us what they think about Countdown’s decision to stop using plastic bags.

I asked my mum about what she thinks and this what she said: I think it is a good idea because we need to stop using so many plastic bags and we need to keep our city clean.

This is what I think: I think that it is a good idea because then that way we will stop using so many plastic materials which is good but the thing is that plastic materials take a very long time to get um, you know like break down. I don't know which word to use but you know what I mean?

Anyways, here is the last activity!

While much of our programme has focused on New Zealand, it is important that we also consider the environment in other places as well. One of the most unusual and spectacular sites to visit outside of New Zealand is called Machu Picchu. It is an ancient city that was built high up in the mountains in the country of Peru in South America. You have to take a train and/or walk through a series of mountains and valleys to reach it.

    

Over the past few decades millions of tourists have made the trek to Machu Picchu. Unfortunately, this has damaged the area and the local government has decided to restrict the number of visitors to the site each year. This decision has upset a lot of tourists who really want to see Machu Picchu but aren’t allowed to go. And from the photo's of Machu Picchu, it looks like a spectacular place and I think that people should be allowed to visit Machu Picchu.

On your blog, tell us what you think about the government’s decision to restrict the number of tourists able to visit this special site. Is it fair? Be sure to tell us why you feel the way that you do. I think that it is kind of unfair because people pay so much to go there are see Machu Picchu but then they relize that the government is going to let them go there are see it.

Summer Learning Journey Day 18!

Hey bloggers, I'm back!

As usual my blog post will be about the Summer Learning Journey and today is the 18th day which means that there is only 2 days left until the Summer Learning Journey finishes. I might be posting a blog post for when I go to Australia but not sure if I will have time but anyways, here is the first activity!

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 think that I liked the second video the most because of the scenes and photo's in the video's. And in the video there was that mountain that didn't have any fences for predators and there are lot's of farms which needs to be protected.

Here is the second activity!

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 and activists, including the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), 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. If you would like to sign a petition from the WWF encouraging the New Zealand government to take action to save the Maui Dolphin, please follow this link.

Once you have learned more about this unique 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. 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.

Here is the last activity!

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-Maui Dolphin because there is only a small amount of those species left.

2-Javan Rhinoceros because it is very close to going extinct.

3-Gorilla's because even though there is around 300 gorilla's left, their homes are getting destroyed.

4-Golden headed Languor because there are fewer than 70 left! They are very close to going extinct.

5-White Rhino because there is only 5 left! (I think?)

6-Amur Leopard because they are very close to going extinct. Currently a mere 60 members of its family survives.

7-Hawksbill Turtle because people get the turtles, and sell the shells at a high price which needs to stop!

8-Leatherback Turtle because they are going extinct because when they lay eggs, the birds come and eat them which means that the number of them will keep reducing until they are extinct.

9-Pygmy three-toed sloth are the slowest animals that they grow Algae on their back which protects them from predators but their habitats are getting destroyed.

10-White Antelope because there are only 200 specimens left.

Summer Leaning Journey Day 17

Hey bloggers, I'm back!
Today is the 17th day of the Summer Learning Journey which means that there is only 3 days of the Summer Learning Journey left! YAY! Anyway, lets get on with the activities! Here is the first activity!

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!

I think that if I went Zip lining  then I would be nervous but I would also be excited at the same time because I have never been zip lining and I really want to go. I would imagine myself being lie, "This is going to be fun!" before I go and then when its my turn, I'm just going to be like, "Why did I do this!" but in the end I would be really happy and would want to do it again.

Here is the second activity!

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.

I think I would that I would plant Strawberries, Apples, Apricots, Watermelons, Grapes, Tomatoes, Potatoes, Chives, Pears and Cucumbers!

Here is the last activity!

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 think that I found The Landan tree's in the Caribbean the most interesting because I had never heard about that and when I was reading about it, I found some new things and I didn't know that they lost %60 of it because deforestation and overexploitation.

Summer Learning Journey, Day 16!

Hey bloggers, I'm back!
Today is the 16th day or the first day of the 4th week! Which means that there are 4 days left until the Summer Learning Journey is finished! YAY! I am so excited to see who won! Anyways, lets get on with the activities, here is the first one!

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 taken 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.

How did you come up with the idea?

Why did you decide to create this event?

How come you didn't pick another type of event?

Do you have a goal you wanted to complete?

Have you accomplished it?

Here is the second activity!

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 don't think that taniwha exists and to those who do believe he exists, don't be offended. Anyways, the bubbles that were in the lake could have been made by anyone, it could have been a fish or pipes or maybe even taniwha. I searched for photo's of taniwha and there were different types of photos which probably means that nobody has actually seen him and the photo's looks realistic but I don't think that taniwha exists.

Here is the last activity!

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.

I am going to be doing an Haiku and an Acrostic poem.

Beijing

It is a great place,

I haven't been there before,

But I want to go!

Beijing is a city in China with beautiful places
Everyone there was happy until the air pollution got really bad
It got so bad bad that 1.1 people died in China last year from Air Pollution related causes
Just terrible news but sometimes, flights have to been canceled, roads get closed and events got delayed
I hope that the air pollution gets better and
Never comes back again but the
Government has some idea's.

Summer Learning Journey Day 15!

Hey Bloggers, I'm back!

Today is the 15th day and there is only 5 days of the Summer Learning Journey left which is exciting! Because ewhen school starts, they announce the winners! Anways, here is the first activity!

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 natural and human causes of pollution.

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

I have learnt that air pollution can come from natural things but mostly because of us and they include energy use and agriculture. When we burn fossil fuel they let out greenhouse gas. Something else that also makes air pollution is toxic pollutants.

Here is the second activity!

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.

If it rains at school then I play card game with some people and f it rains at home then I usually draw, watch a movie or read a book.

Here is the last activity, hope you enjoy!

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. 

I see that everywhere is flooded and my strawberries that were nice and red were now turning rotten. All the leaves on the trees were falling off and the grass was turning rotten as well! The leaves of the grape tree that we had were now falling off and turning yellow. This all happened because of humans didn't it? I think to myself. Well we couldn't go for a walk. Usually, I can always here birds chirping but now there weren't much that were chirping beautiful songs. Everything had changed...