RELFECT

On Thursday we took a few minutes to REFLECT on what we have learnt over that last few weeks. In our STEM groups we completed a Reflect Sheet.  We thought about what we were trying to do. We were trying to make colourful, strong, durable bird feeders made from recycled materials.  Then we discussed what we needed to do next.

PLANNING OUR BIRD-FEEDERS

On Wednesday we drew up out plans for our Bird Feeders.  We had some criteria about what a good diagram should include.  We needed to draw our bird feeder and label it.  We also had to list all the materials we would need to make it.  Here are a couple of photos of us busy working on our plans and then two designs by Zena and Aaron.

        

        

         

REPORTING BACK

On Thursday we each had a very important job to do.  We had to report back to our team about what we had learnt in our workshops on Wednesday.  This is called the Jig-Saw approach.  It means that we each hold pieces of information that when we report back to the class, we can share with the group and then we have all the pieces of information we need to move forward with the making of our bird feeders.

BIRD FEEDER WORKSHOPS

Today we opted into workshops that would help us build GREAT bird feeders.  We were able to choose from a Strength Workshop, Durability Workshop or a What Do Birds Like to Eat Workshop.

In the Birds Workshop, we threw some bread and bird seed to the birds to see what they liked to eat the best.  Our hypothesis (our prediction) was that the more birds would eat one type of food than the other.

In the other workshops we tested the different materials to find out which ones were stronger and more durable.  Knowing this will help us decide which materials to use to make our bird feeders.

In the Birds Workshop, we decided that we would know which food birds liked, by feeding them some different foods to eat.  We brainstormed ideas of what we know birds eat and came up with two types of food - bread and birdseed.  We thought we would spread the food in two different areas on the court so we could clearly see which food they liked best.  There was a definite winner!  Check out the photos...

 Here we are sprinkling bread crumbs on the ground...

Two birds came to eat the bird seed...

But look how many birds came to eat the bread!!!

We have a winner!

The birds like bread the best!

CHECK OUT OUR BIRD FEEDER SLIDESHOW - WHICH ONE DO YOU THINK WOULD BE BEST?

WONDER

Yesterday we WONDERED how many birds are flying around our school.  So we went out and surveyed them,  We found out that in our Piako 2 Playground and outside the front of Piako 2 we saw no birds on the ground.  But over by where we eat lunch by Piako 1, we saw quite a few birds eating our lunch crumbs!  Aidan came to the conclusion that we will not need to put our bird feeders over by Piako 1 because the birds already have something to eat.  Clever thinking Aidan!

We found out that most birds we saw were up in the sky.  We decided we'd need to hang our bird feeders up high.

Next we brainstormed all our ideas about how we could help the birds.  We thought about who we could get to help us and we thought about WHY we should help the birds.  Savannah S came up with a great thought.  She said that unless we help them, there is no one else who can.  What insightful thinking Savannah.

KALAS' MIHI

Here is Kalas delivering his Mihi.  

Ka Pai Kalas.

You did an awesome job.

OUR PLAYGROUND RE-OPENING & BLESSING

Piako Rua had a wonderful day today celebrating the Re-opening and Blessing of our new and improved playground. 

This was the ACT part of our Inquiry.

We were delighted to have Pa Jack, Mrs Peck, Ms Harnett, Mrs Mercer and Papa Nathan come and help us celebrate.

We were super busy in the morning doing a quick practice and then getting all the food prepared.

Everyone helped.

We made fairy bread, fruit kebabs and popcorn.  Thank you to Sophie M's Mum for making the delicious brownie and to Aaron's Mum who made a yummy sultana cake for the children and adults too.

At half past ten on the dot, we started our Blessing with the Pou Mihi. 

Jackson led this very well.

Then Pa Jack stood and welcomed everyone. 

We sang a song to tautoko what Pa Jack had said,  (That means we agree with him).

Next Kalas said his mihi.  This explained where he is from and who his family are and to which tribe be belongs.  The teachers all said Kalas did an amazing job and they were so proud of him.

Ethan, Aaron, Miya, Aeva, Mikayla and Zoha (the rest of our Candylanders) all shared different aspects of our learning.

After they had finished speaking, we sang another song to tautoko them.

Next it was time for the Blessing of the playground by Pa Jack and Mrs Peck cut the ribbon.

Hooray!

Then the manuhiri were served kaputi (morning tea) first.  This Maori protocol.  We waited patiently and then we were allowed to have some morning tea too.

After that we tested out our brand new playground!

We had a blast!

INQUIRY WORKSHOPS

Yesterday we split into groups to think further about some of our ideas for the playground.  Each of our teachers is taking a workshop focusing on a different aspect. We will spend two afternoons with each teacher and then move on to the next one.   Mrs Ruawai is helping us learn to be Firewise, Miss G is helping us to learn to be Sunsmart, Mrs Lunn is teaching us some new games to play and Miss Crowther is doing Cycle Safety with us on the new track. 

INQUIRY

Mrs Peck wrote us a letter. 

She thinks our playground is a bit boring and so she

has asked us if we would like to make it better.  

We have to be careful with what activities and games we 

play in our playground but 

Mrs Peck has emphasised that we need to be safe.

We need to be mindful (that means think about)

 keeping the pre-schoolers that come in the morning safe.  

We also need to keep ourselves safe so we need to 

know how to get out of the playground if there is a fire, 

and to make sure we don’t get sunburnt.  

We have a bit of thinking to do.

In our home-rooms we brainstormed all our 

ideas about what we equipment 

we could get to go in the playground and how to 

keep ourselves and our siblings safe.

Then we shared our ideas with the other home-rooms. 

We thought of some cool ideas!

Mrs Ruawai wants a coke waterfall and Alex W wants

a spa pool!

We might need a bigger budget if we are getting those

things!

Mrs