The science of fire and colour

Last week, Room 15 explored how different materials burn different colours. We also played around with 'homemade lava lamps' again by working with density.

Bully free week art display!

Be the change you want to see in the world!

Rainbow milk!

Today, room 15 had a go at making rainbow milk using milk and detergent. We learned all about how detergent and dishwashing liquids loosen up and eat through fats in the milk to spread the colours. We tested both slim and full milk to test the different reactions. Check out some of the reactions we got!

More science!

We had a visit from Jeremy Buckley (Quincey Buckley's Dad) today.  He is very enthusiastic about science and has loads of knowledge.  He shared a few science REDOX experiments with us...

Methylene Blue

Steam

Elephant's Toothpaste

Fire

Redox (shorthand for reduction/oxidation) describes all chemical reactions in which atoms have their oxidation number(oxidation state) changed.

The term redox comes from the two concepts of reduction and oxidation. It can be explained in simple terms:

• Oxidation describes the loss of electrons by a molecule, atom or ion
• Reduction describes the gain of electrons by a molecule, atom or ion

Which gains and loses electrons can be easily memorised by the abbreviation OIL RIG, which stands for, "Oxidation Is Loss," or losing electrons, and "Reduction Is Gain," or gaining electrons.

But there are exceptions.

Kereru Syndicate Waiata

Each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon the Kereru syndicate join together to sing waiata.  The singing of waiata supports the teaching and learning of te reo Māori. This week we have been learning A haka ma and AEIOU, the actions too!

A haka ma

Song with words - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9081U86Ylf4

AEIOU

Song with words - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arDuWZyXN2M

Song with actions - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7mA--uVgwI

Red Cross Journey!

Yesterday morning we had visit from Inge De Leeuw, the Community Fundraising Coordinator in the Wellington/Wairarapa region for the New Zealand Red Cross.  She came to talk to the Kereru syndicate about the 'Red Cross Journey'.  

The Red Cross Journey is an online fundraising event. From 8th May, every step our class takes during a normal day will be counted towards our target.  Here is a link to Room 15s fundraising page:
https://www.redcrossjourney.org.nz/fundraisers/Room15RedCrossJourneyPage/red-cross-journey-mirza-schools

For more information you can visit the Red Cross Journey website:
https://www.redcrossjourney.org.nz/

What's cooler than being cool? Ice cold. (alright x 8)

We had a visit from Jocelyn Turnbull, Cameron John's Mum, on Monday.  Jocelyn works as a Radio Carbon Science Leader at GNS Science.  She came to share some fascinating stuff about dry ice and liquid nitrogen.  It was cool!...excuse the pun.

The MAD Scientist meets a REAL Scientist

Mad Scientist!

MAD Scientist

We had a visit from the 'MAD Scientist'  (Mr. Norman) today as part of our Science LAUNCH.  He did the 'Elephant Toothpaste' experiment.  IT WAS COOL!

Final camp reminders

Kia ora koutou!

With the Kereru syndicate camp closely approaching, please ensure you are checking your emails for any last minute updates and things to check. We're looking forward to having an excellent camp!

Dear Parents and caregivers

Just a few final reminders for camp before we leave on Monday 26th March:

If your child has medicine to be taken to camp it must be given to your child’s teacher on the Monday morning in a named plastic bag with clear instructions for how it must be administered. Asthma inhalers must be kept with your child at all times, but shown to the teacher so we are sure your child has remembered them.  If your child’s medical needs have changed PLEASE contact the classroom teacher as soon as possible. 

All students should be paid for or you should have contacted the school office to arrange payment in instalments. The camp fee is $290.

Ensure that your child has organized and packed their own bag so they know where to find things.  A tramping pack or ‘big soft canvas’ type bag is best.  All gear should fit into the bag, including the sleeping bag and pillow.  Suitcases will not be suitable for this camp. 

Lost property at the end of camp is always a major issue. Please, as much as possible, ensure the gear your child brings to camp is clearly named.  It would also be a good idea to add a couple of extra plastic bags for wet or dirty clothing.

It is important that for the students to bring a bedroll (for those sleeping in tents) for extra comfort.  It can get quite damp and cold on the tent plastic floor sheet.

The students are to bring a packed lunch on MONDAY.

The container of baking (Year 6s only) can be taken to the library as soon as you arrive at school on the Monday morning. Named containers will be returned.  It is helpful to use ice cream containers that don’t need returning as we do recycle the containers back at school. 

PLEASE ENSURE THERE ARE NO NUTS CONTAINED IN BAKING DUE TO PEANUT ALLERGIES (AND OTHER NUT ALLERGIES) OR IF THERE IS CAN YOU PLEASE CLEARLY LABEL.

A gentle reminder that students are not to bring toys, cell phones, any electronic devices or food to camp. A soft toy however is welcome.  

We want the children to eat the food at camp rather than fill up on sweets. Special food for dietary needs is an exception. Please see your class teacher for its storage while at camp. Students will not be hungry as there is plenty of ‘good food’. 

MONDAY MORNING: The students are able to arrive at school from 7.30am on Monday morning (and should be at school no later than 8am).  Our buses will leave at 8.30am.  On arrival to school the students are to put their bag behind a ‘class cone’, which will be set up outside the library.  If it is wet (raining) we will set up in the hall.  After this has been done the students are to go to their classroom.

THURSDAY: We hope to leave the camp on Thursday at 1pm and should arrive back to school by approximately 3pm. 

Thank you for your support.

Deane McKay

(Kereru Associate Principal)

Wahine Inquiry taster

Kia ora whanau,

You may have noticed that the blog posts as of late have been sparse. That is because the Kereru syndicate have been fully swallowed up by our Wahine inquiry. We've been shooting videos, making boats and decorating display boards all in preparation for the Muritai Museum in the coming weeks. Below is a taster of what to expect from Room 15 in the museum. Keep an eye out on Seesaw for your child's artefacts and inquiry work from this term!

These artefacts and many more will be available for you to see during the learning conversations after we get back from camp. Nga mihi.

Room 15 class photo

Room 15 had their class photo today, let's hope the official one looks better then these ones!

Act of kindness snowball fight!

Last week, Room 15 had an 'act of kindness' snowball fight. We wrote down a compliment and an act of kindness for someone to do on a piece of paper and then threw these at one another.

Sketches!

As part of our art focus this term, Room 15 has been doing some observational sketching. We're already making huge progress

 We started with sketches of the Wahine memorial...

And now we've started sketching things around school...

Plus it's been pretty cool getting to work outside!

As you can see, we're getting pretty good!

Wahine Walk

The Kereru syndicate went for an awesome walk to the Wahine memorial today to launch us into our hands of time inquiry. Thanks a lot for all the parents who came to help out. The students had a go at sketching the foremast and the surrounding area. Watch this space to see how they did!