Social Studies: Maori and European Population in New Zealand in the 19th Century

In Social Studies, we have been learning about the the 'Treaty of Waitangi' / Te Tiriti o Te Waitangi. We also have tasks to do which helps us to adapt more knowledge about the events that occurred. For this task, we had to make a multiline graph that showcase the population data of New Zealand from the 1830s to the 1900s. We also had to answer questions regarding the population drop of the Maori and the increasing population of Europeans. 

 The Population of Maori & Europeans from the 1830s to 1900s

What does the graph show us? The line graph shows us the dramatic change in the population of Maoris and Europeans in New Zealand. We can see that as years pass by, the Maori population was decreasing while the Europeans were rising up. 

Why do you think that number of Maoris decreased, and Europeans increased? The number of Maori declined due to the colonisation of Europeans in the country. Furthermore, the Maori were exposed to new diseases, such as measles, tuberculosis and influenza, which were introduced by the Pakeha settlers in New Zealand during the 19th century. Thereafter, the European population increased as more people discovered the land, a lot of people settled in New Zealand which they lived. 

Film Music Research: What is Film Music?

Film Music Research

What is Film Music?

Film Music is used in filmography to establish the settings of a scene; it creates the atmosphere, it is used to engage the audience, to reinforce narrative developments, last but not least, it provides meaning to the characters, such as their actions, enable the translations of their thoughts, and generates emotions. 

What is the role of a composer?

A composer is the one in charge of producing the music, particularly, arrangement and writing the music. They are the ones who put the parts together, they put the pieces together of various elements, melodies, harmonies, rhythm, dynamics, structure and sensibility to compromise a piece of music. 

Social Studies: The Kristallnacht Plan

TO ALL REGIONAL AND SUB-REGIONAL GESTAPO OFFICES

sent at 1:20AM, November 8, 1938

SUBJECT: MEASURES AGAINST THE JEWS THIS NIGHT 

That only such measures were to be taken that would not endanger German lives or property (e.g. the burning of synagogues was only to be carried out if there was no danger of the fire spreading to the surrounding district).  Businesses and residences of Jews may be damaged but not looted. Particular care is to be paid in business sections and surrounding streets. Non-Jewish businesses are to be protected from damage under all circumstances. Police are to seize all archives from synagogues and offices of community organizations, this refers to the material of historical significance. Archives are to be handed over to the SS. As soon as possible, officials are to arrest as many Jews especially wealthy ones - in all districts as can be accommodated in existing cells. For the time being, only healthy male Jews of not too advanced age are to be arrested.

Signed by Reinhard Heydrich, SS Gruppenfürer

How does evidence in this document show that “Kristallnacht” was planned in advance of the event actually happening?

The evidence written in the document is very clear, which means it really was their motive to destroy Jewish properties. As evidence, the sentence says “Businesses and residences of Jews may be damaged…”, this means that Jewish business and their homes are indeed supposed to be damaged. 30,000 Jewish men were sent to concentration camps and this was planned to happen, evidence found that “officials are to arrest as many Jews especially wealthy ones - in all districts as can be accommodated in existing cells. For the time being, only healthy male Jews of not too advanced age are to be arrested. The wealthy Jews, however, were separated from the ordinary and healthy Jews, they were put in cells rather than concentration camps. These are some proof that “Kristallnacht” was planned before the attack.

Social Studies: The Night of Broken Glass

 Kristallnacht

What is meant by the term “Kristallnacht”? Kristallnacht is translated to “Crystal Night” in German, also called “Night of Broken Glass” or “November Pogroms”, refers ironically to the little pieces of broken glass scattered everywhere in the streets after the riots occurred, when the German Nazis attacked the Jewish properties such as their houses, synagogues, owned business and shops, etc.

When did this event occur? The Kristallnacht occurred from the 9th of November to the 10th, 1938. The Crystal Night took place throughout Germany, Austria and some parts of Czechoslovakia. 

How many synagogues did the programme claim were burned? After the violence ended, heaps of properties were burned down and destroyed, rioters have claimed to have burned down and destroyed approximately 267 synagogues. 

How many Jews were claimed to have died as a result of this event? Destruction of Jewish territories and properties resulted in an early report that 91 Jews had been murdered. Kristallnacht was viewed many as the final solution (Jewish genocide) of executing Jews from the lands, including the murder of over 6 million Jews during The Holocaust.

How many were said to have been sent to concentration camps? During and after the bloody and chaotic night, over 7,000 Jewish businesses were destroyed and have been damaged. It was reported that about 30,000 Jewish men were arrested and were brought into concentration camps.

What was the reaction of the German people to this event? There have been a lot of reactions regarding the Kristallnacht event. Large numbers of people had benefited from the attack, they were able to collect goods thrown out onto the streets. Teachers brought students to see sites of smouldering synagogues, students gave nasty remarks, belittling and humiliating Jews. Germans believed that the Nazis viewed Jews as a "Misfortune" and that they should be put in their "place". On the other hand, some were "ashamed" to be a German, and were debated about the violence against people and the destruction of properties and territories of Jews. 

Resources: 

• https://www.britannica.com/event/Kristallnacht
• https://www.history.com/topics/holocaust/kristallnacht
• https://www.ushmm.org/information/exhibitions/online-exhibitions/special-focus/kristallnacht/synagogues/how-was-kristallnacht-carried-out/map-synagogues-destroyed-during-kristallnach
• thttps://www.ushmm.org/information/exhibitions/online-exhibitions/
• special-focus/kristallnacht/synagogues
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristallnacht
• https://time.com/5449578/kristallnacht-lessons-bystanders/

Pink Shirt Day!!!

 Today is "Pink Shirt Day", 21/05/21. 

Pink Shirt Day is a day celebrated annually across the world, to acknowledge this day, people wear pink shirts that symbolises power in order to stand together and speak up against bullying. 

Pink shirt day originated back in 2007 in Canada, when two students stood up together against homophobic bullying after another student was harassed after wearing pink. 

The Starfish Poem

 In Social Studies, we had a task to do as a class, each one of us had to read two lines from a poem called, "The Starfish Poem". After that, we had to blog about its message trying to come across. 

THE  STARFISH  POEM

Once upon a time there was a wise man 

who used to go to the ocean 

to do his writing. 

He had a habit of walking 

on the beach 

before he began his work. 

One day he was walking along 

the shore. 

As he looked down the beach, 

he saw a human 

figure moving like a dancer. 

He smiled to himself to think 

of someone who would 

dance to the day. 

So he began to walk faster 

to catch up. 

As he got closer, he saw 

that it was a young man 

and the young man wasn't dancing, 

but instead he was reaching 

down to the shore, 

picking up something 

and very gently throwing it 

into the ocean. 

As he got closer he called out, 

"Good morning! What are you doing?" 

The young man paused, 

looked up and replied, 

"Throwing starfish in the ocean." 

"I guess I should have asked, 

why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?" 

"The sun is up and the tide is going out. 

And if I don't throw them in they'll die." 

"But, young man, don't you realize that 

there are miles and miles of beach 

and starfish all along it. 

You can't possibly make a difference!" 

The young man listened politely. 

Then bent down, picked up another starfish 

and threw it into the sea, 

past the breaking waves and said- 

"It made a difference for that one."

Meaning & Evidence:

In my opinion, the meaning of this poem is about even making small action can make a big difference. The reason why this is what I thought of is that the line said "If I don't throw them in, they'll die". The sun is going up and the tide will go down, which means, the water levels will go down and the starfishes will die because there's no water where they were at. So the guy, who was throwing them had to do it, or else, they'll die. By throwing them, where there's water, the starfished will live longer. 

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch - News Article

For the extension work in Social Studies, we had to make our own new article outlining the problem in the Pacific Ocean. Also, we had to meet the requirements like including the causes and effects of the Great  Pacific Garbage Patch, an explanation of the problem and a good headline.

Key Words: 

• Environmental catastrophe
• Plastic particles 
• Plastic soup 
• Ingest 
• Accumulate

Wananga: Reflection - "All that glitters is not gold"

"All that glitters is not gold", one of Shakespeare famous quote but, what does it mean? what is the message is he trying to get across? (question) 

1595 when Shakespeare used the phrase "All that glitters is not gold" in his famous play "The Merchant of Venice". What this phrase is trying to tell us is sometimes everything we see might look good on the surface but when we take a deeper look and examine it closely, it might not turn out the way we thought it' would be. I personally think that everyone is experiencing this or have already experienced it or will experience it. 

English: Sensory Language - The Chocolate Cake

In our lesson during English, we continued doing tasks regarding creative writing. In my previous post, I explained the 3 Language Features that were unfamiliar to me, I explained its definition, I gave an example and how it affects a person's writing, how it's important in a story. 

Now, we're going to be learning about "Sensory Language" used in writings and stories. So what is "Sensory Language?" and what are the examples? 

Sensory language is adjectives for our 5 senses which are our hearing senses, taste, touch, smell and see. It effectively used in writings as it enhances it and gives a description of a certain noun. It helps the reader to imagine and visualise a scene in a text. 

This is the work I made using Canva as well as an example of what Sensory Language is. 

I have now understood the purpose and effects of using sensory language in a writing. This will help me in the future with essays, writings, stories or maybe even career. 

Language Features - English

 In English, we started doing work about our creative writing. We learnt about language features, the reason why we learnt about this was that creative writing has language features in them. Language features such as personification, alliteration, onomatopoeia, anaphora, smile, metaphors, allusion, etc. 

For this lesson, we had to choose 3 language features that we are not very familiar with, with those 3 language features, we need to explain its definition, give an example and how it affects ones writing or story. 

The language features I have chosen were "Anaphora", "Allusion" and "Alliteration". I used canva to create my poster. This poster shows my learning, how I can reflect and how it will help me with my English, especially writing. 

I really like how my work turned out, I think I've explained everything in details, the words are very clear to read and understand and it's colourful and decorated nicely.

Physical or/and Chemical Change: What would happen to Zinc Oxide when you heat it up?? - Science

What would happen to Zinc Oxide (ZnO) when you heat it up??

Today in Science, we will be doing an experiment where we will heat "Zinc Oxide" in scientific terms, "ZnO". We will be investigating and finding out which of the chemical change or physical change category it belongs to.

Equipment/Materials: 

• Sample of ZnO (Zinc Oxide)
• Heat source 
• Scales
• Heatproof container
• Tongs
• Heatproof mat

Hypothesis:

In my opinion, as we heat the zinc oxide, the colour will turn black and will cause to light a fire. If we were to compare this to another object, I would compare it to a cigarette. When you light a cigarette, the filter would burn and turn into ash, the type of reaction would happen to the zinc oxide so I think it will be a result of a chemical change due to the change of its colour and heat is absorbed. 

Method/Steps: 

1. Get a sample of ZnO in an evaporating dish.
2. Weigh the ZnO + the container and record its weight.
3. Heat container with the ZnO on a hot plate.
4. Observe any changes. 
5. Take off heat and place it on the heatproof mat.
6. Wait for it to cool down before observing.
7. Re weigh it.

Result: 

From what we've observed, we saw that the colour changed to yellow but it was not clearly visible. 55 was the weight of the evaporating dish and the powder was 2 grams before. After reweighing it, nothing changed to its weight but the colour changed back to white. 

Conclusion:

There was a big difference between my hypothesis and the experiment result. My hypothesis was it will cause a fire and the colour will change to black but from the experiment itself, the colour did change but it wasn't black, it was yellow. It did not cause a fire but I was surprised when it changed back to its real colour which was white. From this, we know that it was a physical change because the colour changed back to its original colour. This is one of the sign or reason why it's a physical change because it can be done reversed.

The Ultimate Budgeting Guide!!! - Business Studies

Hello ladies and gentlemen, today, I will briefly explain everything about budgeting. Yes, that's right, this is about budgeting, unlike my previous blogpost about budgeting, that was about the key points. This is the 'guide', which tells you more about other information. 

This budgeting guide will give you knowledge and guide to budgeting, it consists of a definition of the three main types of budgeting. Not only that, but it also has information about the elements in budgeting, such as variable expenses, discretionary expenses, and fixed expenses and their definitions and examples. 

This blogpost will help you understand and enlighten you about budgeting, especially if you won't know how to or if you want to improve your budgeting skills and knowledge.  

I've always and still am having a hard time budgeting, I would ask myself, "Should I buy this? Will this be worth it?. Those kinds of questions, of course, even though I don't have a job and I rely on my parents and don't have to do work at the moment. I still need to be cautious about the things I spent the money my parents provided me with on. Learning about budgeting in 'Business Studies' has helped me improve my budgeting. And I'm pleased with my work because it shows all the things I have learnt about budgeting and I can explain and give an outlook of my learning and experiences to everyone. 

Have you also experienced those things at some point in your life? If so, did you have those same questions in your head? 

Lighting and Colour used in the film 'Coraline' - Film Study - Hurumanu - English

What are we learning? In film study, we learnt about the 'Lighting and Colour' that were used in Coraline. We had to write one paragraph in one of the scenes in Coraline, explaining the lighting and colour that were used in that scene. The purpose of those colours; why the director did that on purpose and the effects and impacts on the viewer. 

How does this work show my learning? This shows my learning because I have understood the director's purpose when using the colours and try to match with the scene.

What am I wondering as a result of this learning? I wonder how the next topic about Coraline constrast the others.

This is the scene where Coraline met the ‘other mother’ for the first time. In this scene, the other mother is holding a pastel green bowl, there are a bunch of yellow flowers on a pot. The colour that was used in this scene is pastel and vibrant orange. As you can see, they used the colours in the background; the cupboard, walls, oven and window rails. When using these colours, you feel warm and fuzzy, it manipulates us into thinking that the intentions are good and innocent.

They used the middle long shot, I can tell it was a middle long shot because the object is showing relation to the background/surroundings. It gives a connection to the audience with what is happening in the scene. The director used this location to show the audience the homey and cosy place in a house, which is the kitchen including the dining area. Where all the family members come together to eat and discuss. 

As the film goes on to where the ‘other mother’ shows her true colours, Coraline finally realised that she, Beldam, was a monster. She found out that every nice thing that the other mother has done for her was all the trap. It was her plan to trap Coraline inside the ‘dark world’, in the dark world, everyone had black button eyes, which is very creepy and odd. In this scene, the neon purple worked well with the navy blue colours on the ceiling and dark red on the cabinets. There were also green, white and orange highlights on both Coraline and the other mother which made the scene even more intense and gave the viewers a scare. 

This is the scene where the other mother has fully transformed into a hideous monster. They used green shades on this scene, especially on the other mother’s characters. It is petrifying because of the colours they used, it’s amazing how they were able to match the colours in scenes like these. It gave the audience wonder, if the protagonist, Coraline, will surrender and give up her eyes and soul or finds a way to escape. 

I would like feedback on my work so that I'll know what my next steps are.

The Respiratory System - Hurumanu - Science

In Science, we are currently learning about the 'Respiratory System', its function and why we need the organs that relate to it. 

Questions: 

Which two gasses are the respiratory system trying to move to? 

Into the body - Oxygen

Out of the body - Carbon Dioxide 

Why do we need oxygen in our body? We need oxygen because it burns the fuels in our body which are the sugar and fatty acids. It then creates energy which our body needs in order to function. 

What do each of these features do to help us breathe:

Feature:	Breathing In:	Breathing Out:
Diaphragm	Contracts and flattens	Relaxes
Intercostal muscles/ Rib cage	Contracts	Relax or deflate
Lungs	Lungs expand	Lungs get smaller
Chest	Chest enlarges	E.g. Chest falls

The Qualities of a Good Leader

 Last week during wananga time, all the year 9's were gathered in a room, there we talked about 'The Qualities of a Good Leader' or 'What Makes a Good Leader?'. 

The teachers shared a google slideshow presentation, each one of us had to have one slide where we brainstorm ideas of the qualities then after that we had to make screencastify, explaining those qualifications in details. 

The reason why we discussed this topic was too boost our self-esteem and confidence with our individual strengths and qualities. To help ourselves to keep learning, strive and motivated in order to grow. It also helps us build a strong relationship with our peers and a bigger group. Leadership helps attain discipline and inspiration to others. 

What qualities does a good leader have? 

(These are my ideas) 

• Mindful and aware
• Listen to the voices of others 
• Empathetic 
• Integrity and honesty
• Self-managed
• Committed
• Respectful
• Smart 
• Resilience
• Humility 
• Courageousness 
• Collaboration
• Innovated
• Positive
• Confidence
• Loyalty 
• Dependability 
• Inclusive
• Brave
• Takes responsibilities 
• You need to be able to lead your team
• Justice 
• Understanding 
• Communication 
• Take action
• Give and take advice 

This is the screencastify I recorded at school, I've explained everything in details and I'm satisfied with the quality of work I have done.  I apologise for the bad quality of the video but I'm sure that you can still understand what I'm trying to say and point out. 

This is what my slide looks like. 

   Let's take a look at leaders and their leadership skills and qualities. 

For instance, Jacinda Ardern, the PM (Prime Minister) of New Zealand. One of the reasons why she is a good leader because she can demonstrate empathy as a leader, which is an effective way to connect with your people and employees. Showing that she cares for her people's wellbeing give others an inspiration to think of others as well. 

Another example of a good leader is Greta Thunberg, a Swedish environmental activist who delivered an inspiring speech regarding climate change. From watching her speech, she gave out the word "leader" because she was honest and confident in her opinion. She used her voice to influence others, to give an idea of what humanity has done to the environment such as human-made pollution. 

Lastly, Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu known as "Mother Teresa", a saint, is a good inspiration to everyone, especially among young people because she is compassionate and resilient. Others entitled her as a "hero" because of her willingness to risk her own health to care for others. She has helped millions of people worldwide, she did everything to improve the lives of others, she deserves the title of "hero" because not only she improved the people's lives but also her act of selflessness and dedication towards the poor. 

Heart and Circulatory System - Hurumanu - Science

This week, in Science, we are going to be learning about the different parts of the heart and its function. 

What is the difference between Oxygenated Blood and Deoxygenated Blood? Oxygenated blood carries oxygen from the while deoxygenated blood carries more carbon dioxide. 

Fill in the blanks using the words: LEFT, RIGHT, BODY, LUNGS

The __left_____ side of the heart pumps Oxygenated Blood to the __body______. 

The _right______ side of the heart pumps Deoxygenated Blood to the __lungs______.

Explain what the three blood vessels do:

Arteries- They are responsible for carrying blood away from the heart.

Veins- Veins carry blood back to the heart

Capillaries- They are tiny blood vessels

What is the purpose of the circulatory system? Why is it important?

The circulatory system is important because it is responsible for delivering nutrients and oxygen to all the cells in the body. The circulatory system consists of the heart, blood vessels, lungs, arteries and veins running through the entire body. 

Heart Attack Questions:

What causes a heart attack? Heart attacks occur when one of your arteries is blocked by plaque, making it difficult for the oxygen to come in the body. 

What are 2 medications which can help with a heart attack? How do they help? Aspirin and nitroglycerin 

What are 2 medical procedures doctors may do after a heart attack? High tech cardiac suite and insert a metal and polymer stent

Name 3 things which lower the risk for heart attacks. 

• Fibres from food
• Good diet 
• Exercise

Circuits - Science - HUrumanu

Series Circuits - In the "Series Circuit", there is only one path for the current to take. The diagram above shows a battery (consisting of 2 cells) connected to 2 cells wired in series. If one of the bulbs in the circuit fails (blows), then the circuit will be open and current will stop flowing.

1. How many amps in the circuit? 6 amps

2. How many amps at A and A2? 3 amps

3. How many amps at 2, 3, 4? 10 amps

-

Parallel Circuits - In a "Parallel Circuit", the current has more than one way of moving around the circuit. If one of the bulbs fails (blows), the other one will still have a current through it and will still glow. 

1. A1 and A2 have two amps because the 4 amps are halved = 7 amps

A1 = 3 amps

A2 = 4 amps

2. 3A + A2 + A1 = 6 amps 

A1= 3 amps

A2= 3 amps

3. A1 = 1 amps 

A2 = 4 Amps

A3 = 12 Amps 

Creative Manufacturing - Twist Drill Bits

In CMM, you have to research about the drill bits, in a google doc or google slide, you have to put in all the information you've found and the features of a twist drill bits.

I've made mine in a google slide, I've put down information, features, photos with labels on my presentation.

My Year 9 Goal Settings

We've been doing our goal setting for almost two weeks, to show to our parents (when it's time for teacher and parents meeting) our goals and what we would like to work/improve on. What our learning strengths are, our next steps and what we're currently working on.

I want to work on my confidence since I'm not really confident with my work nor speaking in front of an audience, it makes me stressed out and my mind goes blank but I am trying to be better at it, it will need time and effort and patience, well sometimes, I also get stage fright.

I want to manage my emotions and feelings, I don't want them to get ahead of me and distract me from my learning.

I want to identify problems and think of the possible solutions, It's hard for me to sometimes identify problems because I think a lot of what the outcome would be

I want to think outside the square, I don't really think differently, I stay on the safer side, if I were to do something that I think I won't be able to finish or work on, I stick to my original plan. I want to be able to step out of my comfort zone and take the challenges. 

I admit I'm not a person who helps others when they're having a difficult time, If you're like me it's fine but maybe try to help, if they don't have someone who can lean on, be that person, be the one who they can run to when they have a problem, I want to be someone who is able to help people. 

Because helping people is a good deed, helping someone makes you feel good about yourself because you know that they're going to be a better person because of you.

Badminton Competition 🏸

This is a blogpost about the Badminton Competition I was in last Monday and Tuesday. In those two days, we had to get to school really early because we had to leave at 8:30. We versed different year 7 and 8's schools. After we get there we had to get our shoes checked if they had a "non-marking" sole, or a gum soled shoes since it's a high-quality badminton centre. The competition was held in

"Zhu Badminton Centre". 

Some of us had their own badminton racket and the rest borrowed from the school. I found it really challenging because the opponents were really skilled, well trained and really good. On Monday, I don't think I did well, I don't think that did my 100% best, I was really nervous because I didn't know how the other schools play. 

Each of us had turns umpiring the game, there was this tall chair for umpiring. The next day, I woke up and my body was aching. It's normal since it was a sport and we had to move a lot and we competed for the whole day. I guess I kind of like having a rest from school. 

Tuesday, I gave my 100% best, I thought that I needed to work harder, for me, my team and school. I realised that that wasn't good enough, I realised that I can play better than I did on Monday, and I did. Tuesday was our last day as well, they also gave out prizes, the girl's team placed 1st, the boy's team had a draw and the mixed, team I was in, got 3rd place. I was satisfied with the score my team got but it'd be better if we place 1st.