As the year comes to an end, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to Mr. Kamlesh Prakash for teaching me and my peers Physics this year. His passion for the subject and his dedication to helping us understand even the most complex concepts have made a lasting impact on all of us.

Through his guidance, I’ve learned countless things that will stay with me far beyond the classroom. From propulsion and mechanics to the fascinating principles of heat and electrical energy, every lesson has opened my mind to how the world truly works. Mr. Prakash has not only taught us the science behind these topics but also how to think critically and approach problems with creativity and confidence.

Being in his class has also given me opportunities I might never have taken otherwise. It has helped me build meaningful relationships with classmates and fostered a sense of curiosity that I’ll carry into the future. Mr. Prakash has shown us that learning isn’t just about memorising facts—it’s about exploring, questioning, and discovering together.

Thank you, Mr. Prakash, for your patience, encouragement, and enthusiasm. You’ve made Physics more than just a subject—you’ve made it an experience that has shaped how we see the world and ourselves.

I am thrilled to share my reflections on the incredible learning experience I’ve had in Whaea Abby’s health class. Over the past few weeks, we delved into two fascinating models that emphasise holistic well-being: Te Whare Tapa Whā and Fonofale. These concepts have given me a more profound understanding of health, both on personal and cultural levels.

In the world of holistic health models, both Te Whare Tapa Whā and the Fonofale model provide thorough frameworks for understanding well-being through culturally relevant perspectives. Te Whare Tapa Whā, created by Sir Mason Durie, illustrates health as a four-sided house, representing the significance of physical, spiritual, mental, and family well-being in Māori culture. Achieving optimal health requires a balance among these dimensions. On the other hand, the Fonofale model, which is rooted in Pacific Island cultures, highlights the importance of cultural identity and family ties in health, integrating spiritual, physical, mental, and environmental factors. Both models emphasise the inter-connectedness of these elements, advocating for a holistic approach that honours cultural values and enhances our understanding of health within various communities. By examining these frameworks, we can gain deeper insights into the cultural aspects of health and their crucial roles in developing effective health interventions.

Connecting these models to my personal experiences has been profound. For instance, I realised how my physical health impacts my mental state and vice versa. When I am physically active, like during the boxing sessions we’ve had recently, I feel happier and more socially engaged. 

Speaking of boxing, Whaea Abby organised two weeks of amazing sessions with Uncle Phil Allsopp. Let me tell you; they were engaging, tiring, and so much fun! Each session was not just about getting fit but also about building camaraderie with my classmates. Uncle Phil’s enthusiasm is contagious, which made the workouts feel less of a chore and more like a lively gathering. We laughed, encouraged each other, and pushed through the exhaustion together.

Throughout these weeks, I’ve embraced the excitement and positivity that come with teamwork and personal growth. Whaea Abby has fostered a friendly and informative environment that encourages open discussions about our health journeys, bridging educational theory with practical application in our lives. Even though some of us may not fully participate in our conversations.

Reflecting on this experience, I feel grateful for the insights gained and the connections built. The knowledge acquired in this class will undoubtedly help me navigate my health and well-being in a holistic way, enriched by the cultural frameworks we’ve explored. 

In our recent class, we dove into the fascinating world of forces and motion! It was an eye-opening experience that not only made me appreciate how things around us move, but also helped me understand the underlying principles that drive that motion. If you’ve ever wondered about why a ball rolls or how we can measure that rolling, then this post is for you.

The Characteristics of Motion

Motion is fundamentally about change: change in position over time. When studying motion, several key characteristics come into play. We consider speed, velocity, and acceleration. Speed tells us how fast something is moving, while velocity adds direction to that speed. Acceleration, on the other hand, measures how quickly an object’s speed changes.

Understanding these components is crucial for comprehending how forces act on objects. Forces, such as pushes and pulls, can change the state of motion of an object—either speeding it up, slowing it down, or changing its direction!

The Formula Triangle

One of the most valuable tools we learned about in class is the formula triangle for motion, which beautifully encapsulates the relationships between distance (d), speed (s), and time (t). Here’s how it works:

– **Distance (d) = Speed (s) x Time (t)**
– **Time (t) = Distance (d) / Speed (s)**
– **Speed (s) = Distance (d) / Time (t)**

This simple yet powerful triangle allows us to rearrange the formula depending on what we need to calculate. For example, if we know the distance travelled and the time it took, we can easily figure out the speed!

 Measuring Motion

To measure motion, we often use tools like stopwatches and measuring tapes. Whether it’s timing how long it takes for a toy car to race down a ramp or measuring the distance a ball rolls across the floor, capturing these movements helps us apply the concepts we’ve learned.

In our experiments, it was fascinating to see how changing the angle of a ramp affected the speed of the toy car. This real-world application allowed us to explore the concepts of acceleration and the effect of gravity, making the learning experience even more dynamic.

Understanding the Different Forces

In our exploration, we also investigated various forces that influence motion. Four primary forces stood out:

Weight: The force due to gravity acting on an object. It’s important to remember that weight can change depending on location—like being on Earth versus the Moon!

Push and Pull: These are forces we encounter daily. Pushing a door open or pulling a suitcase are typical examples of how we interact with our environment.

Friction: This force opposes motion and is often experienced as resistance when we slide objects across surfaces. It’s a crucial force that can either aid or hinder motion depending on the context.

Support Force: Also known as normal force, this acts perpendicular to the surfaces in contact. For instance, when you place a book on a table, the table exerts an upward support force that balances the weight of the book.

Overall, our in-class learning about forces and motion was not only informative but also engaging. By understanding motion, its characteristics, and the forces that influence it, we can better appreciate the mechanics of our everyday world. These principles serve as the foundation for more advanced concepts in physics and engineering, opening doors to exciting fields of study as we continue our educational journey.

Throughout the weeks, we have explored the impact of human activities on all four spheres of the Earth as apart of our Science course.

The experience was both demanding and stimulating, and it certainly piqued my interest.I learned the way human-induced activities affect one sphere which then leads to defects to the other three. 

Deforestation negatively impacts the environment by increasing carbon emissions and disrupting natural ecosystems. It plays a significant role in global warming and climate change, as trees release stored carbon into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide when they are cut down. As vast areas of forest are removed, the exposed land suffers degradation, and countless species lose their habitats. Additionally, Indigenous communities that rely on these forests for their livelihoods face significant threats to their way of life. The dangers to nature differ across various regions. For instance, in tropical areas, agribusiness often clears forests to create space for activities like cattle ranching, palm oil production, and soy farming for animal feed. The global demand for wood products, whether for disposable paper items or hardwood flooring, also poses a threat to forests everywhere.

While trees and wildlife may eventually return, the effects of deforestation extend beyond what is immediately visible.

Forestry activities and subsequent cultivation methods lead to decreased water infiltration and heightened runoff. The absence of trees means there is no mechanism to retain water, which exacerbates soil erosion and raises the likelihood of flooding, thereby increasing the risk of pollutants contaminating adjacent water bodies. These practices pose significant threats to Tangaroa.

Currently, approximately fifty percent of New Zealand’s land has been transformed into agricultural areas; for instance, much of the river flats along the west coast have been converted into pastures. The clearing of forests has played a significant role in the extinction of native species. Indigenous communities and rural inhabitants frequently rely on forests for their sustenance, which encompasses food, housing, and traditional medicinal practices. The process of deforestation disrupts these vital ecosystems, stripping communities of crucial resources and threatening their cultural identity. Maori, in particular, have a deep dependence on their whenua for their well-being.

When forests are cleared or disturbed, they emit carbon dioxide and other detrimental gases. The loss and degradation of forests contribute to 10% of global warming. Combating climate change is impossible without halting deforestation. It is imperative that we prioritize the protection of forests, especially the forest of Tane-Mahuta, now more than ever.

Deforestation has quickly become a topic that I am passionate about due to the number of effects it has on the world that we live in. It may pay well but soon we will have to pay it back to Papatuanuku.

Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) week is an extraordinary annual event that inspires us all, globally to embrace kindness and generosity toward one another! It began in 1995 when the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation was established to motivate individuals to spread kindness and uplift society. The goal of RAK week is to ignite a wave of positivity, compassion, and goodwill, creating an amazing ripple effect of kindness throughout communities worldwide!

The impact of RAK week on our Te Whare Tapa Wha – Hauora/Wellbeing is truly remarkable! Engaging in acts of kindness has been shown to enhance mental health, reduce stress, elevate happiness, and strengthen our connections with others. By participating in RAK week, we can elevate our own wellbeing while making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us!

Recently, 1HLT dove right into the BOIC community to take part in RAK week. We joyfully performed various acts of kindness—helping friends in need, giving compliments to strangers, and volunteering with a local charity. We were excited to see how these actions would create a positive and uplifting atmosphere, fostering unity and camaraderie among everyone involved. We painted affirmations on rocks, set up fun challenges, and had an absolute blast!

The impact of our RAK acts on others was nothing short of heartwarming! We witnessed smiles, expressions of gratitude, and an overall sense of warmth from those we reached out to. These simple gestures of kindness had the incredible power to brighten someone’s day, lift their spirits, and remind everyone that goodness truly exists in the world!

Personally, engaging in RAK activities had a profoundly positive effect on my own Te Whare Tapa Wha – Hauora/Wellbeing. I felt fulfilled, connected, and deeply grateful for the chance to make a positive impact in someone else’s life. The joy of giving without seeking anything in return filled me with satisfaction and a strong sense of purpose!

In conclusion, Random Acts of Kindness week is an amazing initiative that can transform communities and individuals alike by promoting kindness, empathy, and compassion. When we join in RAK week, we not only boost our own happiness but also spread positivity and goodwill to everyone around us. Let’s make kindness a part of our daily lives—together we can change the world!

Our Science topic is  Heredity  ! Heredity refers to the way in which an organism’s characteristics, such as physical traits and genetic information, are passed down from one generation to the next. This is achieved through the transmission of genetic material, primarily through the DNA molecule, which contains the instructions for development and function of an organism. Heredity plays a crucial role in determining an organism’s phenotype, or its physical characteristics, and is influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, environment, and epigenetics.

Chromosomes, DNA and genes are organised in a very specific way. Organisms are made up of many cells.Cells contain chromosomes. Within those cells is a nucleus and within the nucleus is DNA. DNA is made up of segments called genes. Genes are the base of heredity and are made up of protein. To be exact  you inherit 46 chromosomes !  23 from each parent ! All of these new terms (DNA,genes,chromosomes and cells) give you physical characteristics or traits that make you unique. All of your genetic orientation comes from your lineage which in return allows us to re-call our whakapapa. 

A new topic within our social sciences curriculum is “FUTURE PLANNING” . It is where we choose our options for our chosen career pathways and basically, plan our future. We made a slide show on different things we needed to achieve excellence when assessed.

(more…)

Mauri Ora ! As a year 10, we are allowed to choose 2 options each semester. This semester I have chosen Maori and Food Technology.

10MAO

In my Maori class we learn new kupu each  lesson. Our current topic is Hangi. We experiment with different ways  of cooking our Hangi without using the traditional ways (In a steamer or in the ground)

We are allocated into different groups with each group having a different way to cook the Hangi. My group is called umu maoitai which is translated to cast iron pot/pan.

10FTY

Over the course of 5 weeks I have learned the process of making takakau or Maori flat bread, vanilla  cupcakes, pinwheel scrolls or cinnamon scrolls and weet-bix slice. Every week we have 2 lessons, one on Monday and the other on Friday.

Monday is our theory day, where we reflect about last Friday’s cook and re-clean our cooking stations. Friday is obviously our cooking day  where we explore the arts of cooking. Sometimes (if we’re lucky) & (Whaea Honey is feeling a bit risky) we cook on Mondays.

I have learned how to round into 2 decimal places with the help of my peers and Kaiako (Whaea Ramari) . I can now use it everywhere I go and in my maths mahi, the abbreviated term for 2 decimal places is 2 d.p.

I have also learned how to multiply and divide decimals with whole and decimal numbers.

In our Science classes with Matua Dion we have been focusing on “Science Fair” we work in groups and do the usual ; Aim, Hypothesis, Experiment , ect. In my group with Manawa-Rangi and Paranihia we are making our project on Aerodynamics. 

In our Aerodynamical project we are looking at the best way to shoot a Netball based on accuracy, strength and technique, we are also doing the best way to pass a Rugby Ball based on accuracy, range and strength. We looked over the magnus effect and the histories of Rugby and Netball. Here is what our slides consisted of:

HYPOTHESIS

Manawa-Rangi; I think that spinning the ball while shooting will help with your accuracy. 

Paranihia; I think that bending your knees and bending your elbows will make your accuracy a bit better.

Drisana; I predict that flicking your wrist will help with shooting a ball. I believe that spinning a rugby ball while passing can be good for accuracy and speed.

REASEARCH

Aerodynamic, techniques, different ways on how to shoot and pass. 

Spinning the ball will help increase the velocity and the direction of travel of fluid or air. Your arms should be 90-104 degrees facing the goal. 

The Magnus effect is an observable phenomenon commonly associated with a spinning object moving through a fluid. A lift force acts on the spinning object. We can use this in our passing experiment. 

Rugby is said to have originated at Rugby School in Warwickshire, England, in 1823 when during a game of football, William Webb Ellis decided to pick up a ball and go with it. Although there is very little evidence to support this theory, the Rugby World Cup Trophy is now named after William Webb Ellis. Rugby is an excellent participation sport. It can accommodate all different shapes and sizes of player, it requires a lot of skill and decision-making, it is probably the most team oriented of team sports outside of rowing, and it’s a great way for growing kids to let off steam.

Netball was first played in England in 1895 at Madame Ostenburg’s College. In the first half of the 20th century, Netball’s popularity continued to grow, with the game being played in many British Commonwealth countries.What used to be a girl’s game has become a game for virtually everyone – young, old, male, female, rich, poor, athletes, beginners, and even the handicapable. The way the game has evolved to foster inclusion explains its popularity in a nation that embodies multiculturalism.

EVALUATION

If we were to do it again, what worked well & something we found challenging?

In the experiment with shooting the netball we found that bending our knees and flicking our wrists worked well while shooting to improve momentum and accuracy. 

In the passing experiment with the rugby ball hand-eye coordination is key while following through with the pass . Starting the pass from your side and flicking your hips while passing creates strength in your pass.