WOODMONSTAS!!!

Chilis, dogs and blogs

2011-04-24T12:16:00.000+12:00

Greetings FIS - I hope your new school is going well [new DP, AP, Principal, teachers, students, executive officer, etc].

This is just a note to mention that you new welcome to still communicate here and I will respond to any comments.
If you are using this blog for educational purposes please leave a comment [- it's just good manners].

Essential features to enable on your own blogs are email verification so you are aware of all comments placed anywhere on your blog - you will need this to keep in touch with participants and be aware of spam comments so you can delete them. Any spam I leave her from now on will be due to lack of use, rather than not being aware of it.
Word verification stops spammers from leaving comments.
Adding a clustrmap is not essential but it encourages participation and allows opportunities for geographical disucssions and learning.

Feel free to check out Room5ians Rule which is still in use with a variety of schools.

Kia kaha and go the All Blacks!

Chilis - I grew these habanero chjilis this summer - a bumper crop ! They are super hot and really great to grow. They are like blogs and dogs - there is nothing better once you get used to them, understand them and know how to handle them properly. If used carelessly and without proper knowledge they can hurt you, but that does not mean they are dangerous!

[I have no idea why the image rotated without my permission - bah humbug!]

Good luck Mr Cooper - you'll need it ;-)

Happy NeW Year

2011-01-14T08:49:00.000+13:00

I hope everyone has a really cool 2011... especially the All Blacks!

:-)

Who enjoyed 2010?

2010-12-02T07:57:00.000+13:00

MEEEEE!!!!
2010 has been an awesome year. My new work rocks and life is good.

How have you peeps been this year?
Who is going where next year?
Take it easy, Squiddlers :-)
Have a great Xmas and all the best for your high school adventures.

Farewell Old Bill, Welcome new guy and gal

2010-10-06T09:00:00.000+13:00

How's the new principal, kids? Tellme about him - I know nothing.
And how do you like your new DP Miss Walters? She's pretty awesome I reckon. I used to babysit her when she was still at school!
It must have been weird for the staff to see the back of Bill Noble, but no doubt he's up to something exciting in his new life after school. He's left a legacy of incredible improvements to a school that boasts great riches. You kids are very fortunate to have such magnificent technological doodackies all throughout your school. Make sure you use them wisely.

All the best for Whaea Lisa

2010-06-17T19:32:00.000+12:00

Aroha nui to Whaea Lisa for all she has done to help grow FIS and all the care she gave to those who needed it.
Lisa is a professional who cares and she will be both a great loss to FIS and a great gain for her new school over by the coast.

I wish her all the best.

:-)

You could leave messages of support her for her too if you happen to be reading.

Room 18 News Please

2010-04-28T08:03:00.000+12:00

Hi squiddlers -please fill me in on what;s goin gon in your classroom.
Miss F tells me there are only two of you left in Rm 18 from last year. Is this true? Who has gone where? Report back someone. Who are the Rm 18 Yr 8's this year?
LittleMissRm18, I owe you a reference - fill me in on the status of the former Woodmonstas and you shall have your reward :-)

Winter sports time

2010-04-27T15:55:00.000+12:00

How's FIS going in Term Two? Now you're into winter sports - lucky for all the footballers that I'm not there anymore - my team went terribly with me at the helm last year - once I stepped aside they ended up winning a trophy! Well done them.
Hopefully all you kids are trying our for football, netball, waterpolo, etc. Are there any more Kiwi winter sports you kids are playing?
I think the Peachgrove 1st XI might be formidable this year. How is FIS looking?
Good luck and play fair.

The purpose of this blog

2010-04-22T16:27:00.002+12:00

The purpose of this blog is to keep in touch with my old students from 2009 in Rm 18 :-)
If interested students would like to keep in touch and get some personalized ICT and inquiry learning extension and enrichment, they can keep in touch via this forum. This has nothing to do with FIS any more.

:-)

Hi Fairfield

2010-03-26T11:38:00.000+13:00

Hey you kids from my former class, check out my recent save the piggy campaign on Room5ians Rule!

Please don't contribute to the cruelty imposed upon pigs so we can have slightly cheaper pork products.
Pigs are sensitive sentient creatures with high intelligence who suffer greatly because of our farming practices, but I bet you can't get one adult to care or change their ways. Especially not at your enviroUNfriendly school.

Hope you are having a good year.

Keep in touch :-)

Enjoy your blogging, Room3

2010-02-18T13:55:00.000+13:00

Thanks for having me as a reliever for a whole week, Room3. You are a lovely class and I enjoyed working with you.
I also really enjoyed getting to know the staff of St Andrews and the student teachers who showed up.
Perhaps some of our blogging may rub off on a few of them too.

Your task is to:
1. make a blog
2. make settings including email notification and word verification
3. make a post about something you enjoy, including a picture.
4. leave someone else a comment on one of their posts
5. follow your classmate's blogs
6. get the code for a clustrmap and embed it in your 'layout'
7. keep in touch with me via my blog :-)

Hows school?

2010-02-15T12:45:00.000+13:00

How are you Woodmonstas doing with your new yr 7's and new teacher?
Please keep in touch. I want to hear from Jordan please... and Ishtak... and all of you!
Mr Arcus - what is going on?
Queenbead, LittleMissRm18, etc, spread the word and I hope to hear from eveyone soon :-)
I bet it's much calmer in there now that the rowdy yr 8's from last year have gone.
[don't worry - listing those names won't get anyone abducted.]
Cheers from Mr Woody [currently in a digital class at St Andrews]

What do National Standards mean for kids in Kiwi schools?

2010-02-05T13:13:00.003+13:00

So who knows what national standards are? They kick in this year and the concept now influences how teaching and learning are developed in this country, despite warnings from abroad that the idea doesn't work. Opinion is divided.
Here is an interesting article on the Ministry of Ed's website comparing the idea of National Standards and it's "Evil Twin".
In reading the comparisons, I can see that the intentions in this country are firmly set on the positive potential of the concept and hopefully we Kiwis will take the noble path. However, if you line teachers and/or schools up and compare them based on test data certain behaviours, such as teaching to tests, may occur. I guess it will come down to how talented our school leaders are at managing it all.
I think NZ students are very fortunate to be learning in one of the world's most caring and enlightened educational systems... by comparison to others at least.
Enjoy learning, kidlets! You are very fortunate to be living and learning in this great country of ours at the bottom [or is it the top?] of the world. Let's hope we don't stuff it up too much for you.
:-)

National Standards Road Trip about trialling standards before trialling them on kids

NZEI website re standards being implemented

NZCurriculum online info about standards

prepping for filming

2010-01-26T21:08:00.005+13:00

While my poor former colleagues had to suffer through a painfully tedious teacher only day today i was out getting my hands on a new, signed, Manfrotto Fig Rig - a very cool simple solution to steadycam for the non-rich n famous.
I will be using it this week to film doco style footage of a homeless guy as he survives on the streets of Hamilheaven. The footage is for a mental health training video. A cool project.
:-)

Good luck to the former Woodmonstas who will hopefully get the chance to use the TVFI studio this year, despite my absence. You squiddlers are capable of great things if you think creatively and apply yourselves. Don't let anyone hold you back. You have many great resources available to you at FIS, so try to convince your controllers to let you use them in creative ways. I know Mr Noble is keen to let people be innovative.
You could make a programme about your worm farming.

Hi Kids - Bye Kids

2010-01-24T09:19:00.004+13:00

I have news - I won't be coming back to Fairfield this year. I have taken a chance to try working with Sasha running our own business as it is taking off. This is good news, as I needed a change after ten years of teaching. The stink part is I won't get to see you guys much this year. I will really miss you, but I will visit!

As for your programme for 2010, please keep running the worm farm. The success or failure of the first bit of enviro learning for Fairfield is in your hands. No teachers are interested so it's up to you guys! The PTA has invested time and money in the project and it would be a great shame if one of NZ's supposedly "most progressive schools" was one of the only ones in the country seemingly unaware of the fact that there is a global environmental crisis precisely because not enough of us care about making a difference.
You know you can do it. With Isaac, Jordan, Kieran and Sean already trained up you can keep the project going if you have the courage and determination. I suggest you only give bins to classes after you have trained them in how and why to use it and then get studetn monitors for each class.
Another thing to help Mr Noble like the project is if you could make the big worm bins [baths] look more attractive somehow. It is very important that no mess or extra work gets made for teachers. So go on - make a difference to your world!
Remember hwo shokced you all were that no enviro schools stuff happens at FIS? No paper, plastic, food or ANY recycling! Unbelievable in today's world. Everyone recycles at home don't they?
See what you can do. Make it fun and solve any problems.

So enjoy 2010 young squiddlers. You can start afresh and be a good example to your new yr 7's.
Keep blogging also - I have kids from years ago at Peachgrove still using their blog so you can too. It's a great way to stay in touch.

Ciao for now :-)

What's happening?

2010-01-13T11:28:00.004+13:00

I haven't heard from you for a while - Room5ians have been yacking away, but no Woodmonstas...
My summer is going well - very relaxing. I will be going to Kawhia for a week next week - it's great there - endless beach, panoramic views from the bach we stay in. We are very lucky :-)

Remember to drop food into the worm bin if you're passing - the back gates are open these days and you may go in to feed them.

I am learning to edit film today with Sasha.

Woodmonstas are so cool!

2009-12-15T17:59:00.002+13:00

Well done all of you who did such an amazing job of your Matainui work this term. Congratulations. Keep an eye on your blogs for feedback.
Year Sevens - I will miss you over Summer :-(
Year Eights - I wish every one of you all the best for your bright bright futures :-)

Aroha Nui Room 18!!!

Survey Monkey

2009-12-14T11:25:00.003+13:00

Here you go, Squiddlers. Complete this learning survey online for Mrs Morresey.
Answer sensibly and carefully - you are having a say in your own learning so don't waste the opportunity.
:-)

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FB7SG9Z

Last full week ...

2009-12-08T10:04:00.004+13:00

This week you are required to complete and "hand in" your Matainui stories. I can't wait to read the rest of them!!! Some have already been completed and are amazingly, scintillatingly exciting :-)

Also, I hope to see all yr 8's attending the social tonight in our room at pm to toast each other and start the formal occasion in a fitting manner.

You might like to share some thoughtful words here about someone special from the class. Share specific thing someone has done to help you this year, or something you appreciated about a classmate or teacher at the school. It may be a teacher, sports coach or friend from class.

Let's share a fun, relaxed and productive last few days together :-)

Our Arsenal Supporter loves to Blog

2009-11-27T10:29:00.004+13:00

By being given an opportunity to blog to a worldwide audience, our great friend, who has now left us for the Western Penal Colonies, enjoyed writing online to have his opinions and passions 'heard'.

Bloggers Rule the World

2009-11-27T10:17:00.003+13:00

MysteryMan tells us why he loves blogging and how it helps him develop his writing skills.

Uh oH ...

2009-11-25T18:23:00.003+13:00

Some of you are uncovering conspiracy theories relating to Matainui.
Some of you have discovered major powers that can save the day!
Some of you have written amazing narratives to share with the whole world!!!
Has anyone received feedback from anyone outside our class yet?
Leave your promo one liners here so people can click on your names to link to your brilliant writing blogs :-)

And more WOodmonstas have been transformed...

2009-11-19T11:30:00.004+13:00

Who do you think these characters might be?

Leaving quality writing comments

2009-11-18T13:46:00.003+13:00

When leaving comments on your peers' [new word for Mr Lyttle] blogs you should evaluate the writing by comparing it to the achievement objectives on this teacher website

The best comments will win a trip to Uzbekistan where you can mingle with fabulous cultural dancers, drink fresh yak milk and dig for fossilized mastodons.

[prize may in fact be fictional]

New characters...

2009-11-14T08:30:00.001+13:00

You may also meet characters like this and see artifacts like these.... [clues for art comp too]

EEEk! Mutations abound!

2009-11-11T14:44:00.004+13:00

Some of you have been mutated into bizarre creatures...

One of you just stumbled into a swamp in the forest and became:

More clue pics...

2009-11-09T19:40:00.003+13:00

These images are all clues to the rapidly unravelling story of Matainui...
Can you interpret or relate them to the story you know so far?
:-)

Mr Lyttle's Maths Homework

2009-11-09T16:25:00.003+13:00

Mr Lyttle tells me he has a geometry homework activity for you on his blog. Please visit his blog and do the assignment.
Huzzah!

http://mrlyttle.blogspot.com

And see the happy chappy above? We all want Mr Lyttle to stay a happy camper too, so please pay close attention to his instructions and follow them the first time. :-)
[Or else]
;-)

Ancient Art Challenge

2009-11-09T14:37:00.003+13:00

Art Challenge:

create a poster [any size]
use colour
mimic the artistic style of an ancient culture
demonstrate 'reflection' in the design
include creatures, characters or discoveries from your narrative
enjoy it and try to beat me in the race for the three chocoloate bar prizes

2009-11-09T14:21:00.002+13:00

RaNDom Check...

Please leave a message here if you have written a report or argument on your blog from last term that is ready for marking.

Please also leave a comment here this week saying which day of your island narrative you are up to.

And be sure to research interesting facts and add them to your blog. Then you can incorporate them into your story.

sentinel

2009-11-02T21:28:00.001+13:00

sentinel, originally uploaded by mrw00dy.

Look closely for more clues...
All of this can be found on the island of Matainui
[approx. 3000C.E.]

Secrets unravelling

2009-11-02T21:10:00.004+13:00

Aliens have been encountered! Temples unearth! Exotic treasures with mystical properties discovered. Mutations abound. Extinct species seemingly reincarnated.
Watch out - not all your former classmates are now as they once were.
Seek out adventure if you want to find the secrets to Matainui. For you see, you have all been there before... Time has indeed been twisted, but you are not in the past.
The outcomes of your Sustainability study have meant that you are now some of the only humans left alive on Earth!!!
Seek out the answers on your classmates blogs. Some of them have uncovered the majority of the tale... but no one knows everything yet!

I have drawn you some clues in a graphic novel. If you are interested I will bring it to school for you to see...

Captive alien

Evolving creatures

Mathematical clues

Collection agents

Major Clue

Fibonacci Sequence

2009-10-28T11:54:00.005+13:00

Here is a very interesting mathematical concept to investigate... It also holds a clue to unlocking some valuable secrets on the island.

There is also a question to answer below relating to The Fibonacci Sequence :

edieval mathematician and businessman Fibonacci (Leonardo Pisano) posed the following problem in his treatise Liber Abaci (pub. 1202):

How many pairs of rabbits will be produced in a year, beginning with a single pair, if in every month each pair bears a new pair which becomes productive from the second month on?

from http://www.mathacademy.com/pr/prime/articles/fibonac/index.asp

http://www.mi.sanu.ac.rs/vismath/jadrbookhtml/part42.html from more info on Dynamic Symmetry and the Golden Section

And check out this maths page discussing Pascal's triangle and other info.

Divine Proportion

Symbols, numbers, alphabets, codes...

2009-10-27T21:37:00.004+13:00

Some of you are finding things which need to be decoded or unlocked somehow... some of these images may provide clues. There will be more to come...

And this is a dead Inca mummy... Burial sites often house great treasures...

Novel study wikispaces

2009-10-27T12:19:00.004+13:00

Each of you is in a novel study group to practice reciprocal reading.
In your group you have a leader. You also need someone to post your responses on your group's wikispace. You need to follow the link and apply to sign up.
:-)
This is a chance to showcase your literacy skills online. I'm sure the BoT, Principal, DPs, your parents, etc will be delighted to follow your academic work online.

http://onmyhonour.wikispaces.com/

http://thecharlotteswebgroup.wikispaces.com/

http://thelostcolonygroup.wikispaces.com/

http://thethieflord.wikispaces.com/

http://theholesgroup.wikispaces.com/

Bright Sparks Awards

2009-10-27T12:02:00.002+13:00

Our famous friend, Drumbledoor, is in the finals of the Bright Sparks Competition for 2009 !!!
Hooray!
Please go online and vote for him and his Robotic Room Guard invention.

super speeches!

2009-10-23T10:18:00.004+13:00

Speeches are due in week four ... Hey! That's next week!
Remember the criteria. Keep as close as possible to 3 minutes. Use props, tiny cue cards, costumes, humour, researched facts, and whatever it takes to deliver the best speech you can. The best thing about doing your best is that you will make the experience more positive for yourself AND the audience.
Remember all my personal stories about public speaking and do your best to develop this important and highly valuable life skill.
List tips, reasons to succeed and other personal anecdotes here for our audience.

http://arb.nzcer.org.nz/resources/english/oral/1000/ol1520.htm http://www.ljlseminars.com/monthtip.htm http://www.ljlseminars.com/elements.htm

And try to remember some of what made Winston, MLK, Adolf and others such effective speakers.

Think of an act - it's a speech, not a discussion.

Base 10 versus Base 12

2009-10-21T11:31:00.004+13:00

In class today I challenged MysteryMan to uncover a reason why a base 12 counting system might be superior to a base 10 system, like ours.
Feel free to be the person to beat Mysteryman to provide me with answers to my advanced maths challenge.
I will provide links to several sites that may help you, but as always, it is best to think critically about the sources of info online and to triangulate your data to see if it is reliable.
One link in particular is clearly someone's opinion rather than hard facts. It is interesting though and does include some valid points worth investigating.

I found this amazing diagram related to someone's musings over base 12.
http://www.milesokazaki.com/imgs/majorminor4.jpg

Here are the other links:
http://www.rattlesnake.com/notions/base-12.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numeral_system
http://mathforum.org/dr.math/faq/faq.bases.html

Ancient Maths and secret symbols...

2009-10-21T11:23:00.004+13:00

On Matainui there are many mysteries to solve. You have been discovering ancient structures, mysterious inscriptions and symbols. Some of you have found artifacts and others have narrowly escaped horrifying demises...
Part of your adventure involves unravelling codes and cyphers. You can reap rewards by posting your theories and research discoveries on your won blogs. Benefits will befall you...

Mayan structures and maths may be of interest. Similar historical facts may also be of use. But don't think it's all about the past, because it's not.

Remember this morning's Mayan maths? Well, the ability to read coded messages in other languages may prove very fruitful if you find structures, caves, tunnels, chambers, or mysterious advanced 'machinery'.

Scenes on Matainui

2009-10-16T10:40:00.005+13:00

Here are some scenes from the first day ...

Packing for Survival on the "Return to Matainui!"

2009-10-14T13:39:00.006+13:00

We are returning to Matainui to camp for two weeks. We shall travel by sea plane and you may take what you are wearing and a backpack with ten other items in it. Your lunch for the first day will not count as an item. Think about your list and pack for any potential survival situations. You may cooperatively pack to make sure you get more items amongst your group.
Weather will be similar to what we are experiencing in Hamilton at present, but possibly colder and wetter.
Island inhabitants, flora and fauna will be only as you would have found 1500 years ago, before the arrival of humans. Everything you say you want to do on the island will have to be something you can actually do with the equipment you have.
No other adults will be with us. We will travel from Kawhia Harbour in a plane like the one pictured above.
All skills and knowledge you wish make use of on the island will must be posted on your own "Return To Matainui" blog. Show images and descriptions of equipment, etc.
Daily diary entries of your adventures and experiences need to be posted, free of errors.
Good luck!

Links to relevant sites:

Survival items

Fire starters

To Ten Survival Tools

Survival kit ideas

Hexagonal Packaging

2009-10-13T09:53:00.002+13:00

As we discovered today, hexagonal packaging is a highly efficient way to use space and i s found widely throughout nature as well as in human-made structures.
Add comments stating examples of places where this pattern can be found in nature. Add one per person to allow others to have a go.

Term 4, Week 1 ... Themes, Concepts, Contexts

2009-10-12T19:12:00.007+13:00

Firstly, congratulations to our yr 7 and 8 class citizens. It was genuinely hard to choose. Based on my observations and your votes, it came down to between three and five people for each year level, so well done to the lads who made the grade.
As for this week's homework, you need to post something interesting on your blog that you have written in your own words and referenced any sources you used.
You also need to scan and skim the Room5ian personal blogs to find some quality narrative writing. Look for posts relating to Kakepuku Catastrophe and/or diary writing. Leave your chosen favourite blogger a comment showing your appreciation.

As for Term Four work, it is as follows:

We have a novel study to work on in groups, based on short novels and with a booklet to work on through a process known as reciprocal reading. Your response work will be posted on a wiki set up by and for your reading group. Instructions will be given in class.
Maths will be based around geometry and mapping for starters, as well as numeracy based on fractions, decimals, etc later in the term.
Writing will be around the co-construction of creative stories [narratives] based on your experiences surviving in a fantasy-based life on the Matai Islands.
You will also write and deliver a 3 minute speech [- you can use props and ICT] due in week 4.
Your overall theme will be based on "Relationships" and "Making a Difference". We will write our stories to share with other students who find reading boring or difficult. We could also do something to make a contribution to the disaster relief in Samoa.
In P.E. we will be developing our fitness and skills for athletics. We also need to learn social dancing skills for the Yr 8 formal.

Learning for noob teacher Bloggers :-)

2009-10-06T12:48:00.011+13:00

Welcome to Blogging, teachers.

Create a Google account. Gmail is also useful, but not required for setting up your blog.

Create a blog using services like Blogger or Edublogs.

Why let our Students blog? Clever Kiwi teacher Rachel Boyd tells us why using Youtube :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKoEZJseVXU

Learn from legendary ICT guru SuzieVepser

Blogger support coordinator tells us how to set up a blog. Its very simple :-)

Cybersafety Blogging Guidelines for schools from Netsafe

Join Twitter to create your own Personalised Learning Network [PLN].

Have fun playing a we will be here to support you. You may even get comments from students in
my class or other teachers who keep an eye on this blog.

Youtube links from Slideshow:
How to use...
Twitter
Flickr
Diigo

Woodmonstas Wonder Wiki [and some of your blogs]

2009-10-05T19:01:00.008+13:00

It's not so wonderful, but it's a start... and yes, this is what I look like during the holidays.

http://woodmonstas.wetpaint.com/

Well done to The Other Boy and LittleMissRoom18 for editing the site a little.
All trusted bloggers will be given access to the passwords so you can add content. Ability to edit and proofread will be important as well as being responsible, reliable and interesting.
:-)
I wonder if the world famous author of Midnight Baloney or even The MysteryMan might comment.
These are great blogs too ...

http://blogfieldresistance.blogspot.com/

and how could we forget the famous Arsenal Lover! http://gunners4life18.blogspot.com/

At my old school we had a very special blog worth a look.

Why is blogging cool?

2009-10-01T10:50:00.005+13:00

Hey Kidlets - tell me here in [English, Spanish or Japanese] why blogging is fun, engaging, encourages you to write and is a good idea for using at school and home.
I'm going to show this to teachers at Ulearn in Christchurch next week.
I am also getting a cup made for the blogger of the Week. It will be handed to the best blogger each Friday and will be based on comments in this blog and posts on your own blogs. Currently you guys are being out-blogged on your own class blog by Room5ians from last year. [oh the shame!]
Blogger of the year in December will keep the cup for good :-)
Encourage each other to go on here to enhance our world famousness :-)

Holiday fun

2009-09-29T13:34:00.004+13:00

Hi squiddlers. Today is the first real day of my break. I have one day then I have to work again.
D'OH!
But that's cool because my work is interesting :-)
Today I drew this picture for a design project...

Before that I discovered my wild bantam rooster friend from the gardens has developed a limp so I went down to feed him organic chook food to see if I could catch him to take him to a vet. He is VERY handsome and I got to sit with him a while but he's too elusive to capture at this stage. I will visit him again later today and tomorrow.

Other treats include walking Manny, assembling and using my new barbie [outdoor cooking device, not doll], chopping wood for my cool new brazier, fencing my summer vege garden so my chooks don't wreck it, planning a weekend away for our 8th anniversary and watching interesting documentaries.

What are you all doing?

Bubbilicious Grammar!

2009-09-23T14:06:00.004+12:00

I just read some lovely, poetic writing on Bubbles' blog. In it there was some delightfully descriptive, emotive language. However, I was a little distracted by some incorrect grammar. This has given us a great opportunity to learn something we may not all understand fully. It's great for me too, because I think made a slightly incorrect statement in Bubbles' blog... or maybe I was correct. You better check to see if you can prove me right or wrong.

Who knows what comparatives and superlatives are? You may not know the words but you do use them all the time when comparing things.

e.g. Someone may be taller than someone else. 'Taller' is a comparative word. Alternatively, someone could be the tallest person. 'Tallest' is a superlative. Easy, huh? What you need to remember is that you can't use superlatives and 'most' together, as in 'the most tallest'. It isn't correct.

Back in Shakespeare's day people got away with this, but not now:

"Standard English no longer permits expressions such as most unkindest, where the superlative is marked by the preceding most as well as the -est inflection. In C16 there was no constraint on their use, and Shakespeare uses them in several of his plays to underscore a dramatic judgment."

- http://grammar.about.com/od/d/g/doublesuperlativeterm.htm

:-)

Bulgaria ?

2009-09-23T13:07:00.006+12:00

Welcome to Miss Parpulova from Bulgaria. She has come to us via London, England, but shared with us some Bulgarian language learning and some interesting facts about her culture.

Can anyone recall some of the information she shared with us? How about the last name differences?

Some more background info:

"Five centuries of struggle against Ottoman rule taught Bulgarians to value life and freedom above all else. Nevertheless, they have succeeded in keeping their natural tolerance of those who are different; even in the very centre of Sofia you can see a church, a mosque, and a synagogue right next to each other. The entire Bulgarian culture is governed by these principles of freedom and tolerance."

Next year Bulgaria will host a round of the W.R.C.. Who is into that?

If rallying is not your thing, is there a motorsport you do enjoy?

Remember, the coloured words are links to further information.

For example, if you don't know about the Ottoman Empire, you can click on the link to find out more.

Happy learning and remember to comment here to start discussions about what you have learnt.

Be sure to log off

2009-09-17T15:39:00.001+12:00

If you go on someone else's computer and don't log off your identity can be stolen!
Check your blog to see if your details have been changed recently...
:-)

Business planning... or Marketing Campaigns

2009-09-07T20:05:00.004+12:00

For your entrepreneur/innovation/inventor project you do not have to do a business plan. However, you do need to prepare a product, having done market research. You need to design and refine a product that suits a need you have discovered. You do not need to actually construct a completely functional prototype if it's too tricky, but actual products made to a high standard would be very cool! If you don't make an actual model, you do need some form of high quality visual presentation. Use your IT skills whever possible. You will be presenting your "sales pitch" at a trade fair in the gym in week 10. You will probably have no more than a desk space to work with. It will need to be made to look professional. Again, as with all posts, we will clarify this in class.
In class we will continue to investigate the powers of advertising as part of our integrated learning through reading and other language lessons. This will improve your ability to create an irresistable marketing plan - bold statements, catchy phrases, effective colours, snazzy jingles!
As producers of goods for sale you need to be aware of the consumer guarantees act, consumer rights and the responsibilities of producers and advertisers. [We will go over all terms used here in class.]
See below some websites with information relating to these topics:

http://www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz/consumerinfo/cga/

http://www.consumer.org.nz/reports/consumer-guarantees-act

The Advertising Standards Authority

Now Create Your Own AD! Click here to begin...

World Blogging Challenge

2009-09-01T13:36:00.003+12:00

Hi squiddlers - sign up here to join in on the Blogging Challenge. It's a way to increase your profile, make new friends and learn how to be a better blogger along the way.

http://wyatt67.edublogs.org/2009/08/22/its-about-to-start-the-student-blogging-challenge/

If you can't wait, try this competition also:

http://theedublogger.edublogs.org/2009/08/11/share-your-tips-and-win-big/

Documentary Competition

2009-09-01T12:21:00.003+12:00

To all interested documentary film makers:

Flip Video and Windows Movie Maker competition.

Using the Flip video, capture interview footage with classmates relating to how they use ICT to encourage and enhance their writing skills. Edit it into a 1-3 minute film using Windows Movie Maker.

The winning entries will be showcased at a conference in October.
Prizes will include sugar coated sugar with a gooey cash centre, or a$10 donation by me to the charity of your choice. More than one documentary will be chosen if the standard is high enough.

How to write your report

2009-09-01T11:53:00.003+12:00

Here are some tips for writing your report [from a wiki on the subject] on your two famous entrepreneurs/inventors/innovators.

Prepare an outline. Write an outline on what you would like to do on a piece of paper. There should be at least:
- An introduction.
- Middle or body section with headings, detailing your research, ideas and discussion. Include the relevant factual information that answers your task.
- A summary and/or conclusion. A summary is a retelling of what you have reported on; a conclusion draws together your information and opinions about the topic to reach your final point of view.
Research the topic. Get references/information relating to the specific question in hand, to back any points or arguments you want to make. Look online, in encyclopedias, and at the library. Print out or photo copy pages of information and highlight pertinent sections. You need at least two biographies for your report.
Add a bibliography. Write or type your bibliography (a listing of your report sources) on a piece of paper or if you have a bibliographic page, write it down on that.
Write a rough draft. Proofread it and mark your errors clearly. Errors are not only spelling and grammar but also jumbled ideas and missing points.
Rewrite your report. Add pictures if you would like to or if it enhances the look. Use colored print if it is appropriate for the report.
Print and check for final errors.

Tips :

Ask someone else to proofread your paper and offer constructive criticism.
Be sure to rely on more than one source for your information.
When using information from the internet, make sure it comes from a reputable source. Look on the page and make sure you know who wrote the information and why they are providing it.
While writing, assume that your reader knows little to nothing about the subject. Add details and definitions to topics in the paper.

WARNING [As pointed out by The Unknown Seeker]

Do not plagiarise
Do not leave it until the last minute

[Adapted from the wiki linked above http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Report]

NOte: Include note taking in draft book, Venn Diagrams [or a similar graphic organiser] as part of required information for assessment.

work work work

2009-08-28T14:31:00.005+12:00

1. Remarkable Report [due end of week 9]
Choose a biography or autobiography on two different notable entrepreneurs/innovators/inventors.
Compare and contrast the key personality traits as well as the processes they went through to become successful.
Success criteria as written in your books. Make it as amazing as you can!

2. Trade Fair Exhibition [see earlier entry - due end of week 9]

3. Library Competition "Snapshots in Time" [due Friday week 8]
- See pages stapled to wall, including example.
Criteria:

select and justify 8 significant events in the life of the person studied
visually represent four of these events using photos, diagrams, sketches, etc., as well as describing all eight events in written form.
compose a clear, concise, descriptive sentence for each event.

Present this all on A4, with small images in the heading. Present it in the form of a "graph" with a labelled axes:
x = time in years
y = life's highs and lows.
Include 8 selected events, 4 visually displayed with captions and 4 written only, all as points on a line graph.
Be creative.

It will be judged on:

importance/relevance of the events included.
layout and design
error free copy attractively presented
appropriate use of images to share information

[See examples on the wall to remind you of expectations.]

Digital Story Telling

2009-08-26T12:55:00.002+12:00

We will learn about Digital Story Telling in class and create our own digital stories to present our learning.
But what are digital stories?

Click here for the online tutorial on how to use Windows Movie Maker to construct your digital stories.

Cor blimey guvna!

2009-08-25T08:21:00.003+12:00

Talk about innovators and inventors! How about that Galileo? He invented the telescope on this day many many years ago. How many? What else did he do? What an amazing person.
The link in red above has info about him and is an online biography - you guys need biographies at school for your class project AND your library competition. Ask Mr Nunn to explain.
I am sick so be good and prepare for several weeks of hard, exciting work!

You will get your "license to inquire" too.
How are your project ideas coming along? Get cracking!
:-)

Term 3 Mega-Project!

2009-08-24T15:25:00.001+12:00

[boot is made of organic hemp and recycled tyres]

As discussed in class, you need to come up with an innovative, entrepreneurial or inventive idea that you can design, develop and market to a target audience. In class you will have time to work on the project. You need to work alone. [In special cases I will allow people to work together - e.g. the worm farm project is a group effort.]
You need to:
1. Have an idea for something that needs improving, re-designing, or inventing from scratch.

Consider something that annoys you and that you can think of a solution for. [Remember the story of the girl who had to stop her cat following her to school each day.

2. Start an inventors or innovators log book to record your ideas, designs, market research, discussions with others, etc. Date your entries and show the development of your thinking, including ideas that you decide against.

3. Plan, model, test, produce your prototype.

4. Test your product on an audience for feedback.

5. Evaluate the product and make any improvements required.

6. Design a marketing campaign. Try to be innovative and amazing with this - blow your audience away! Use advertising tricks [as discussed in class and on previous blog posts] to lure your audience in to wanting to buy or use your product.

TV ads
Radio ads
Print ads in b/w or colour
Internet marketing
Can you think of other ways to promote your product or idea?

7. Present your entire project at the Matai Team Trade Fair in Wk 10 in the Gym. Plan ahead to have access to anthing you need to make your display a success. You will need to stand at a stall of some description to "sell" your idea to passersby. Parents, teachers and other classes will be invited.

See Mr Nunn's example for a minimum requirement.

Media Literacy

2009-08-24T14:34:00.003+12:00

What is media literacy? How does it relate to you young Woodmonstas? It may be amongst the most important areas of learning for your generation.
The following material is from the website "Dont' Buy It" ... [It's a really interesting interactive site with topics for you to reflect upon, like why bother buying designer clothes or trying to look like a super model.]

"What is Media Literacy?

Media literacy empowers people to be both critical thinkers and creative producers of an increasingly wide range of messages using image, language and sound. It is the skillful application of literacy skills to media and technology messages. As communication technologies transform society, they impact our understanding of ourselves, our communities and our diverse cultures, making media literacy an essential life skill for the 21st Century.
--Alliance for a Media Literate America

Media literacy goes beyond the idea of reading and writing. It requires media consumers to effectively analyze and evaluate the numerous media messages we encounter.

Media education can facilitate students' reflections on their media experiences and help them develop critical thinking skills. The classroom exercises proposed in this guide may support many different subject areas, including arts and language, mathematics, health and nutrition"

- http://pbskids.org/dontbuyit/

Access the site and check out the activities. It relates to our thematic learning on entrepreneurs etc because we will be advertising our innovations and inventions at our class trade fair this term.

Did Aliens Help Build the Pyramids?

2009-08-13T11:28:00.008+12:00

Is the image above evidence of ancient Mayan spacemen?
My granddad told me that aliens came from Sirius and helped Egyptians build the pyramids. Naturally I believed him. Others also suspect this may be true.

Read on to investigate the evidence. You need to be able to evaluate information online to see if you trust it. Just because it is online, or your teacher says it, doesn't mean its true.
Think for yourself and decide... have aliens visited us and shared knowledge or technology that helped our ancient cultures create amazing buildings aligned to the stars??? State and justify your opinion, giving clear reasons backed up by evidence.

Room5ians Rule blog has some posts on mitochondrial d.n.a. evidence for alien intervention.

Mitochondrial dna Is there genetic evidence of alien intervention?

An article in a Canadian "newspaper" online discusses alien human hybrids and alien dna evidence.

Kiwi Ingenuity

2009-08-06T11:50:00.002+12:00

Kiwis believe that they are clever, resourceful, ingenious people who come up with more than their fair share of useful inventions, innovations and entrepreneurial ideas.
List your discoveries here about who did what. I wonder who will come up with the most interesting or astounding people and successes...

Also read the article linked here

More maths homework sites

2009-08-04T15:04:00.003+12:00

These sites are designed to help some of you fill some gaps in your knowledge or strengthen your grasp of the skills and knowledge covered in class.

Take your pick from the activities and share your comments about which ones are best :-)

Rounding; Decimal Places and Significant Numbers

Finding Formulas for mental maths

Square Roots

Powers, Exponents and Roots

Enjoy! I am glad some of you have indicated that you will take the opportunity to practice at home.

Japanese

2009-08-03T15:25:00.003+12:00

Today we had some Japanese visitors and learned some basic Japanese language.
Can you write [with correct spelling] some of the phrases you learned today?
If you have questions about Japan ask them here, but be mindful of netiquette and good manners.

Telethon 2009

2009-08-03T10:28:00.004+12:00

Wow - When I was a kid we had Telethons and the whole country seemed to get involved. We were buoyed by a spirit of togetherness and felt positive about how we made a difference in a good cause. It was really exciting to say up late and watch our normally reserved television celebrities having fun and doing dares to earn more donations.
In light of our Enterprise Unit and learning about entrepreneurs, innovators and inventors, what could you do to make a difference to some disadvantaged Kiwi kids?
Check out the Telethon site online to get ideas or to donate.
Enjoy the Big Night In and make the most of the opportunity to make a difference and create your own positive childhood memories.

Questions raised during our Telethon discussion: [Feel free to discuss them in more depth here]

1. Should we fund raised for our kids here when there are kids in greater need elsewhere?
2. How do you feel about making a new Telethon song when there is an iconic Kiwi song already embedded in our national psyche?
3. What can you do to make a difference?
4. How much is enough to donate? Does every little bit count?
5. Are children today too selfish to fundraise for others?
6. Is there too much entertainment about now for a Telethon to be successful?
7. Will the recession be used as an excuse to not participate [- as it is already being used by our Prime Minister to ignore our upcoming anti-smacking referendum.]
8. Is poverty a fair enough excuse for not making the most of educational opportunities in NZ?
9. Should we fundraise for Mr Woody to help upgrade his car and house? ;-)

Cool Maths Games

2009-07-30T11:36:00.002+12:00

http://www.coolmath-games.com/

Check out this site for fun maths games like Lemonade Stand which encourages entrepreneurial skills.

And try out Maths is Fun for more online learning opportunities :-)

Entrepreneurs, Innovators or Inventors?

2009-07-29T14:31:00.002+12:00

Watch this Ted Talk relating to an amazing new device that emulates a type of "sixth sense".
:-)
Share your opinions here about the qualities of the people involved in designing and testing such a concept.

Term Three Theme - Innovators, Inventors and Entrepreneurs

2009-07-28T10:43:00.006+12:00

We are comparing, contrasting and studying Innovators, Inventors, and Entrepreneurs.
Our goal will be to become innovative, inventive and entrepreneurial.
This post and the next two will be relating to the three concepts listed above.
Let's begin by investigating INNOVATION:

Why have I chosen this image to represent an innovator? What is the unspoken message? Use your powers of inference and PPK to answer this question then read on...

Here are some potentially useful websites. Please analyse them and add any useful information to your own understanding of the term. Good luck!

Google's "defining engine"

WikiAnswers defines the term

An interview with an expert

YahooAnswers has people responding to questions

Ezine article on "Every Person is an Innovator"

Wiktionary has a very basic definition

Digital Storytelling

2009-07-22T19:14:00.006+12:00

You must have been miserable with me gone ;-)

[I hope your science fairs are ready. I hope all your sustainability arguments are done.]

I have been doing a digital storytelling workshop with special people. It was amazing! The stories they told were so moving everybody cried :-)
We can do digital storytelling in our class. Do YOU have a personal story to tell? Something honest and poignant that can be told in a few minutes with still images and a voice over/narration?
It may seem hard, but with help, it is easy. Your own stories flow from you once you start.
You can leave comments here with ideas if you like.
Some new friends touched my life this week and I hope we can all benefit from the experience.
See you tomorrow!

Holiday fun!

2009-07-10T10:09:00.004+12:00

What's everyone doing?
I'm off skiing in the South Island from Sunday.
How about you guys? I hope you're all having heaps of fun!

Good luck with your science fair entries. Bring them to school for checking BEFORE you glue info onto your board. I can give you advice on how to improve your work.

Those people who didn't hand in their written arguments before the end of term need to complete them before you return to school. Remember, you can post it on your blog in the sustainability section and leave me a comment here to alert me to it's existence. If you do that, you will be redeemed...

"Wolfgirl" [oh ye of Egyptian nomenclature] - You have a special extra assignment - ask your father what the details are - I have consulted with him to make sure he knows what you have to do. I'm talking about the wikipedia "plain English" review of your chosen novel.

Interesting topics to study

2009-07-02T11:33:00.000+12:00

Let me know about your interests. What would you like to study at school?
Once you have your "license to inquire" you can study virtually anything you want to.
Comment here to leave your ideas.

CLass PArty Friday 26th June

2009-06-24T14:59:00.003+12:00

This Friday the class has earned a day of celebration in honour of their hard work and good behaviour.
The party day will include extended PE, a dvd and shared lunch. Students may bring their PG or lower rated dvd selections to vote on with your permission. Each student needs to bring food or drink. Bringing their own cup to drink from would be in keeping with our sustainability theme. If you have picnic plates feel free to send them also.
We will try to encourage some organisation of what to bring so we don't get inundated with sugar.
Thank you for your support. Feel free to leave comments here confirming what you would prefer to bring in.

Amazing Nikola Tesla

2009-06-24T14:13:00.003+12:00

For brainiac kids who love to discover, invent, design, solve or maybe even... destroy!!!

Nikola Tesla invented amazing things like electric cars, devices to defeat frost and even a DEATH RAY but have you ever heard of him? You may say "no" until I remind you of the Tesla Coil. He should be more famous, but was he kept silent by those who had reason to suppress his amazing inventions???
Read about him and find out more about this incredible man.

Kids teach teachers!

2009-06-19T08:47:00.003+12:00

Yesterday we had video clips from Woodmonstas giving a brief intro to blogging for writers. The kids were definitely the stars of the show, with the audience loving the openness and enthusiasm of the young writers involved.
I would love to upload them all but we foolishly named ourselves [my fault] so for cybersafety reasons we can't upload all the vids.
Let's see who made the cut....

Grammar Gorilla and Spelling with Shakespeare

2009-06-17T10:49:00.005+12:00

http://www.chompchomp.com/

Here are some links to online resources to help you strengthen your spelling and grammar skills.
I have employed some guy called Bill Shakes and a Gorilla to help you...

http://www.northwood.org.uk/literacy.htm

http://www.funbrain.com/grammar/

Level 4 Language stuff - English Online Speaking, Writing, Presenting

English Online Features of Narrative writing

English Online: Exploring language

Become a character

Guide to Grammar and Writing

Literacy Progressions

MysteryMan's Sports Report

2009-06-17T10:18:00.005+12:00

This is MysteryMan's avatar to represent himself as a blogger. You may recognize it as the Chiefs logo.

Check out Mysteryman's review of the All Black test match versus France. He has provided a quality piece of journalistic writing for you to enjoy and learn from.

[- coloured words represent hyperlinks to related sites.]

Former Room5ian studies resources...

2009-06-15T14:25:00.002+12:00

See what former Room5ians Hamiltron thinks about plastics and wood as resources.
Check out his research blog:

http://demand101.blogspot.com/

Using your brain while reading

2009-06-15T13:52:00.001+12:00

Is your brain engaged in your reading and writing activities? Woodmonsta brains are - they do all these things when reading actively....

Summarize: Every once in awhile, you should stop, look at a portion of text you just read, and try to summarize the content in your own words. This is a good way to test your understanding of the material.

Make Predictions: To keep your brain fully engaged in the text, you should make predictions about what you think might happen next based on what you already know. It's always fun to see if your predictions are accurate.

Formulate Opinions: We have opinions on everything from the weather to politics. When you are reading, allow yourself to form opinions about the characters, the plot, the style of the writing, etc.

Make Connections: A good way to understand something that is new and unfamiliar to you is to connect it to something you already know or have experienced. Can you connect the text you are reading to a personal experience? Does it remind you of something else you've read or seen?

Ask Questions: Don't expect that you are going to understand everything in the reading with complete clarity the first time through. What don't you understand? What confuses you? What words are unclear to you?

Analyze the Author's Craft: As you are reading, you may notice certain things about the writer's style. Is there a lot of description? Is there too little description? Is the reading easy to follow or difficult in some way? Does the author use a lot of literary devices like similes and metaphors? Do you understand how and why the author is using such devices?

Reflect/React/Comment: What do you notice? What surprises you? How do you feel about what you are reading? What do you think about what you are reading?

Look for Patterns/Repetitions: What do you notice about the way the text is structured? Do you notice some kind of pattern? Is there some element in the text that is repeated? What is important about this pattern or these repetitions? How does the structure contribute to the overall meaning?

[- as described in Angela Maiers blog]

http://www.angelamaiers.com/2008/02/active-reading.html

And thoughts on actively engaging with a txt:

http://psuwritingcenter.blogspot.com/2007/09/talking-to-books.html

SIFE Survey for worm farmers

2009-06-14T13:59:00.004+12:00

Survey Monkey is a cool way to do online surveys.
Here is one from our friends at S.I.F.E.
It's part of our learning regarding worm farming as a business.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Dq0U1_2f5gCjYpwHy9AbY_2bWw_3d_3d

Solo Taxonomy

2009-06-12T14:07:00.005+12:00

We are learning how to understanding our learning processes, where we are at, what we need to know and how we are going to get there, by referring to the SOLO taxonomy.
Once we have had time to get to know the method, we will be able to describe and monitor our own learning journey [excuse the JohnMitchelism] using terms from the SOLO taxonomy.
This will encourage our metacognition and help us to be self-directed, life-long learners...
Can you relate your blogging or class tasks to different levels on the taxonomy?

Which place matters most?

2009-06-12T13:54:00.007+12:00

Check out our Clustrmap image.
Can you name some interesting and obscure countries we have had visits from?

While you're investigating the planet, consider which parts are most significant in terms of the planet's ecology. I mean name three countries that are most significant in terms of environmental impact. You can't be wrong if you justify your answer.

Also, check out this cool site relating to ecology and conservation:
http://ecology.com/

I think you'll really like this one and it has green tips for you:
http://www.itstheplanetdidiot.com/

Feel free to do reviews of websites I share on your own blogs.

Brazil - what do you know?

2009-06-11T12:15:00.004+12:00

What can you tell me about Brazil? Crikey - it's huge for starters!!!
Is there something big and green that is majorly important to our world environment in Brazil? Tell me about your discoveries... [it does link to our studies on the environment.]
What is the history? Language? Why is it different to all the other countries in South and Central America?
Enjoy learning - maybe someone from Brazil will share some thoughts with us on our blog too. :-)
I hope to go there one day.

Creative Writing

2009-06-11T11:12:00.004+12:00

If you are a keen creative writer, you might like to try writing an imaginary diary of your experiences on Matainui. As you design and construct your village with your fellow villagers you could create a story to go along with it.
This is optional but is a really good opportunity for keen writers to explore and share their talents online to a genuine audience and to receive constructive feedback from a community of writers that we will develop.
:-)

Also, Here is a link to a village game to investigate

Village is SimCity for the Third World

Instead of being mayor, be an entrepreneur. Build and run companies that transform lives. Village is a series of online and downloadable games that immerse the player into the role of an entrepreneur building companies to bring prosperity to the villages of the Third World.

["Village is SimCity for the Third World. Instead of being mayor, be an entrepreneur. Build and run companies that transform lives. Village is a series of online and downloadable games that immerse the player into the role of an entrepreneur building companies to bring prosperity to the villages of the Third World."]

Enjoy :-)

Making a personal difference

2009-06-11T10:07:00.005+12:00

As a result of our inquiry into sustainability and how we make an impact on the Earth with every choice we make, I would like you to do the following:

1. Make a commitment to reduce your ecological footprint in three ways.
2. Create a "footprint diary" on your sustainability blog.
3. Monitor your progress honestly - don't feel bad if you find it difficult - just do your best.
4. Evaluate your choices weekly and estimate which of your three is the most effective.

So make some suggestions here as to what you may try and why. Then start your "diary" on your sustainable blog.

We'll see who has made the biggest difference to the Earth in Week ten.

Worm Farming

2009-06-10T14:42:00.006+12:00

Can you please discuss here your understanding of the concept of worm farming, how it relates to our class, our school, our environment and what level of involvement you could personally achieve. If you are keen to be a worm expert, make a post about it on your personal blog.
I will select the most intelligent, dedicated, well-informed, persistent students to be involved.
:-)

Check out the links below:

They worm farm in Northland

Environment Waikato

What exciting opportunities exist to help us make progress with our school's ecological footprint, our impact on the Earth, that Environment Waikato could help us with.

What other environmentally friendly ideas have you got for the school?

School is what we make it

2009-06-05T14:49:00.005+12:00

How about we come up with a list of positives about our special class so we can feel good about ourselves. If a parent came up with a positive comment that would be extra special.
:-)

Try some more maths

2009-06-04T09:44:00.002+12:00

Here are two more websites with useful, fun, maths activities:

[Tell us which ones you found at the appropriate level]

http://www.aaamath.com/

http://www.mathplayground.com/games.html

What a load of Rubbish!

2009-06-02T19:50:00.003+12:00

Wow - our school is creating a lot of waste, recycling nothing and being very naughty. It is NOT SUSTAINABLE!!!
Our planet needs some help from brilliant young leaders of tomorrow, like yourselves.
The young people [compared to me] who visited you today from S.I.F.E. were incredible folk. They were giving up their time to get across an important message to you all during their very busy uni exam study week. They do it because they CARE.
I was delighted at how positive you were about their message. Well done to those contributed sensibly to their discussion.
Can you remember what you learnt?
What shall we as a class do to help? Remember - don't make a commitment to something you don't intend to stick to...

Ski Trip Cancelled

2009-06-02T17:31:00.004+12:00

The ski trip has been cancelled this year due to lack of interest.
[grumble grumble]
Please inform your lovely parents tomorrow night's meeting is cancelled.
[Grumble grumble]

The image is from last year's incredibly cool ski trip to Whakapapa.

Percentages

2009-05-28T18:17:00.003+12:00

Try out some fun percentage revision homework...

Complex sentence homework

2009-05-28T18:13:00.001+12:00

Not too hard for you though :-)
Try it...

language homework

2009-05-28T18:12:00.000+12:00

Questionaut

2009-05-28T18:05:00.003+12:00

This is a cool game - check it out :-)

QUESTIONAUT

Beautiful graphics too

Maths = Jobs

2009-05-28T10:09:00.003+12:00

"Pig farmers need maths too"

Enjoy your maths lessons because they will get you jobs!

:-)

Here is the proof...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/games/maths/index.shtml

To blog or not to blog

2009-05-27T17:58:00.003+12:00

Should Room 18 students be allowed to blog? Should Room 19 be able to use it's fabulous wiki? Is it of benefit to you?
The Ministry of Education believe we are doing a good job but also think maybe we shouldn't be allowed because we are too young.
What do you think?
Check out who is first on their TKI website blogroll...

http://softwareforlearning.tki.org.nz/Managing-Software/Social-Software

Incredible social science learning

2009-05-27T12:54:00.004+12:00

Click on the "tiny url" http://tinyurl.com/orkncq

to access a really neat ppt that has 60+ slides with a weblink on each taking us to interactive learning sites [games] relating to sustainability, globalisation, etc.

Try out the games and leave comments here stating which ones were fun, useful and why you recommend them in relation to our studies.

:-)

MyAbodo

2009-05-27T10:01:00.003+12:00

See the bottom of the page to see My Abodo - it is the sustainable house I designed in a rural community in MyAbodo land. It's easy, fun and teaches you about sustainable choices.
When you design your own Myabodo house, register it and say you live in "Hamilheaven". [See if you can do cooler houses than Miss Freeman's class.]

Join me in MyAbodo

Learning all the time...

2009-05-25T19:10:00.004+12:00

Learning is so cool. The Internet rocks!
I have wondered for some time about the terms "The 1st World" and "The 3rd World".
I vaguely understood that we were part of The 1st World along with Australia, the U.S.A., Britain, etc. And I conceived of The 3rd World as being less well developed nations like some of the countries in Africa, Asia and the Americas. However, I hadn't heard of a 2nd World and wondered who that might include if it did exist.
Well, today I found out thanks to Wikipedia. Read on for a simple explanation:

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"The three worlds as they were separated during the Cold War era, each with its respective allies. First World: the United States and its allies. Second World: the Soviet Union and its allies. Third World: Non-aligned and neutral countries.

The terms First World, Second World, and Third World were used to divide nations into three broad categories. The three terms did not arise simultaneously. After World War II, people began to speak of the NATO and Warsaw Pact countries as two major blocs, often using such terms as the "Western Bloc" and the "Eastern Bloc". The two "worlds" were not numbered. It was eventually pointed out that there were a great many countries that fit into neither category, and in 1952 French demographer Alfred Sauvy coined the term "Third World" to describe this latter group; retroactively, the first two groups came to be known as the "First World" and "Second World".

Some countries did not fit into these partitions, including Switzerland, Sweden, and the Republic of Ireland, who chose to be neutral. Finland was under the Soviet Union's sphere of influence but was not communist, nor was it a member of the Warsaw Pact. Yugoslavia adopted a policy of neutrality, and was a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement. Austria was under the United States' sphere of influence, but in 1955 the country became a fully independent republic under the condition that it remain neutral. Turkey and Greece both joined NATO in 1952, but are not predominantly in Western Europe. Spain did not join NATO until 1982, towards the end of the Cold War and after the death of the authoritarian dictator Francisco Franco.

As many developing countries have industrialized, the term Fourth World has been coined to refer to countries that remain predominantly agricultural or nomadic and lack industrial infrastructure. However, such coinage can create confusion because Fourth World is used by scholars to refer to stateless nations (such as indigenous nations in the Americas). Countries that were previously considered developing countries but now have a more developed economy are grouped under the term Newly-industrialized countries or NIC."

- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_World

The Story of Stuff

2009-05-25T14:47:00.004+12:00

This outstanding web-based resource tells us all about the real environmental and social costs of our wasteful society...

http://www.storyofstuff.com/

The Seas of Plastic

2009-05-25T11:22:00.003+12:00

As a consequence of our throwaway society, where we waste so many resources, there is a disgusting and unacceptable level of pollution growing in our oceans.
The video by Captain Charles Moore from "TED" is about this disturbing phenomenon...

Homework Motuora Style

2009-05-22T18:41:00.001+12:00

Homework from the South ISland:

http://img.skitch.com/20090522-11gh6s8s6dfj6huqejh745xhr2.jpg

Science Fair advice

2009-05-22T12:27:00.003+12:00

Check out the Moturoa class blog post on science fair.