Summer Learning Journey day 5

Activity 2: Flying Cars

Let’s imagine that you’ve just learned to drive, and your family has decided to buy you a brand new car. You are allowed to choose from any of the following designs:

On your blog please tell us which of the three cars you would choose and why.

I would choose the one on the right because it looks really cool and fun to drive. it would also feel like I'm a spy. Plus I can skip all the traffic.

Summer Learning Journey day 4

Activity 1: Moana

In late 2016, the movie Moana was released by Disney. It’s a beautiful story about a young Polynesian girl from the fictional island of Motunui, who goes on a big adventure.

Watch the trailer for Moana and then write a summary of the movie on your blog. If you’ve seen the movie, you can include your favourite part! Tell us as much as you can about the movie. What is it about? Who are the main characters in the movie? What do they do in the movie? Where do they go?

Moana is a movie that is mainly water and sailing, the main characters neet to put the heart rock back. The main characters are Maui and Moana. In the movie Maui takes the heart of Tefeti and enflick darkness on the world as he was escaping he was hit down by a lava monster and loses his hook and the heart stone. Moana sails to find Maui, she finds maui and they sail across the sea to restore the heart of Tefeti. On the way they are attacked by others who want the stone, when they make it Tefeti was missing and she was a monster. They gave her back her heart stone and everything was restored.

Summer Learning Journey day 3

Activity 2: Migration

Over the past few decades, there has been a huge rise in the number of people coming to New Zealand to live and/or travel. I was one of those people! In fact, I moved with my family to New Zealand in 2010 and I am so glad that I did. It’s a pretty amazing place to call home! At the moment I live about 10 minutes from three stunning beaches and a beautiful national park.

Speaking of home, where do you live? On your blog, please post a picture of your hometown and provide a list of three things that tourists, like us, could do if we came to visit. What do you like most about your hometown? (Remember the guidelines for being Cybersmart, and never post your address online).

1. Go to Christchurch museum.
2. Go to the Christchurch botanical gardens.
3. Go to the margaret mahy playground.

Summer Learning Journey day 2

Activity 2: Sporting Heroes

In 2015, a kiwi golfer named Lydia Ko became the youngest woman in the world to reach the #1 ranking.  She was only 17 years old. Many people from here in New Zealand and overseas really admire her and think of her as a modern-day sporting hero. Who is your sporting hero? They can be a famous athlete, or even a member of your family or community. It’s completely up to you.

On your blog tell us about your sporting hero. Who are they? Why are they a hero? Include a photo of them in your blog post.

My sporting hero is Chris Lewis (sort of), he is my hero because he plays my favorite sport. I really like tennis because it's simple and easy to play. I like simple games because they aren't confusing. facts about Chris:

1. Chris Lewis is a former professional tennis player from New Zealand who reached the 1983 Wimbledon final as an unseeded player. He won three singles titles and achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 19 in April 1984.
2. He was born on the 9th March 1957. He was born in Auckland.

Summer Learning Journey day 1 (another day another week)

Activity 2: Lord of the Rings

Arguably one of the most famous movie trilogies of all time, The Lord of the Rings, was filmed in New Zealand. All three movies were directed by a New Zealander named Peter Jackson. The first movie was released in 2001, the second in 2002 and the third in 2003. The movies cost an estimated $300 million to produce!  

Imagine that instead of spending the money on the movies, Peter Jackson decided to give all of this money to you. Lucky you! On your blog, tell us what you would do with $300 million dollars. How would you spend it? It is a lot of money so please think carefully about it and spend it wisely :-)

If I had $300 million I would by lots of pokemon and any money I had left would go toward charity.

Summer Learning Journey day 5

Activity 1: Hiking Tongariro

In 1990, one of the largest national parks in New Zealand, Tongariro, was listed as a World Heritage Site. It is a truly spectacular place to visit! Thousands of people go to Tongariro every year and hike the Tongariro Crossing. Visit the Tongariro website to learn more about the one-day hike.

On your blog tell us what you would need to pack if you were going to hike the Tongariro Crossing. What should you bring with you? Write a list of at least 5 items.

Other than making sure that you have the right equipment, what else should you do before heading out on a big hike? Click here to learn how to stay safe while you’re hiking.

1. Lots of food.
2. Lots of water.
3. Good shoes.
4. Something to sit on while you have a break.
5. Plus something that's important patience.

1. Plan your trip: Seek local knowledge and plan the route you will take and the amount of time you can reasonably expect it to take.
2. Tell someone: Tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned.Telling somebody is about the Outdoors Intentions process (external si: : the way that visitors leave information with others about their intended trip into the outdoors and return time.
3. Be aware of the weather: New Zealand’s weather can be highly changeable. Check the forecast and expect weather changes. As well being aware of the weather you need be avalanche alert as they can occur in any season. You need to understand the risks before you visit avalanche-prone country.
4. Know your limits: Challenge yourself within your physical limits and experience.
5. Take sufficient supplies: Make sure you have enough food, clothing, equipment and emergency rations for the worst-case scenario. Take an appropriate means of communication.

Summer Learning Journey day 4

Activity 1: Hairy Maclary

One of the most famous children’s stories to ever come out of New Zealand, Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy, was written by a kiwi woman named Lynley Dodd. The book was originally published in 1983. It is now sold in dozens of countries around the world. It features a small dog named Hairy.

On your blog, use the following sentence starter from the original book to finish the story.

“Out of the gate and off for a walk went Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy…”

To earn full points, your story should have, at least, 8-10 sentences.

Out of the gate and off for a walk went Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy. Hairy Maclary walked down to the shop and stepped inside. Hairy Maclary got a bone and walked down the street. All of Hairy Maclary's Friends walked after him down the road. Hairy Maclary and all his friends walked down to the river where the saw Zachary Quack. They walked past Zachary and round the bend to find themselves at a dead end. Hairy Maclary walked back round the bend, past the river, up the road, past the shop and back in the gate for a nap. Hairy Maclary had a great day which ended with a big long nap.

Summer Learning Journey day 3

Activity 1: Ready to Roll

In the 1970s one of the most common television programmes was called ‘Ready to Roll.’ It was broadcast on Saturday afternoons and hosted by a man named Roger Gascoigne. During the show, Roger would introduce music videos and then play them for the TV audience. He also invited famous people to come onto the show and perform songs that were currently popular.  

Watch the following three clips that were shown on the Ready to Roll programme:

Golden Harvest

Ray Columbus and the Invaders

New Zealand Underdogs

When you have finished, rank the clips in order from your most favourite (#1) to your least favourite (#3). Post your rankings on your blog.

1. Ray Columbus and the Invaders
2. New Zealand Underdogs
3. Golden Harvest

I liked Ray Columbus and the Invaders because I liked the lyrics better than the rest.

Summer Learning Journey day 2

Activity 1: The Dawn of Television

In the 1960s there was a great deal of change in New Zealand. Technology was evolving and the television was introduced for the first time into New Zealand homes in the 1960s. Popular programmes included Town and Around and C’mon.  Television remains popular to this day.

What is your favourite television show at the moment? On your blog tell us about your favourite television show. What is it about? Who are the main characters? What channel is it on?

My favourite TV show is Pokémon which is on the channel: TV2. Pokémon is a show about creatures called Pokémon who live with humans. Some Pokemon are aressive, some neutral and some are humans companions. The main characters are a human named Ash and has partner Pikachu.

Summer Learning Journey day 1 (Another next week)

In the 1950s, things settled down in New Zealand. There were no international wars or intense, national conflicts. Many kiwis were able to settle down, get married, buy a home and start a family.

Activity 1: Meat and Three Veg

It was common for women in the 1950s to stay home with their children and raise their family. They were called ‘housewives.’ Many housewives followed a simple rule when they prepared the evening meal: the ‘meat and three veg’ rule. This meant that they prepared dinners that included three different vegetables and a type of meat (eg. beef, lamb, or chicken).

On your blog tell us if you think that the ‘meat and three veg’ rule is a good one. Do you like the rule? Would you enjoy eating a typical 1950s dinner? Why or why not?

I think the meat and three veg rule is a good idea because you get what you need to grow big and strong. I like the rule it is good but I like other things that aren't on the plate. For example: Hot chips, spaghetti and macaroni.

Summer Learning Journey day 5

Activity 1: VE Day!

After six long years of fighting, World War II finally came to an end in 1945. The entire country was ecstatic and parties were thrown all over New Zealand to celebrate VE Day (Victory in Europe). Imagine that you were living in New Zealand in 1945 and you had to plan a VE day party at your house. Who would you invite? What would you do to celebrate?

On your blog, tell us all about your (imaginary) VE party. If it was me, I would invite all of my closest friends and family over to my house for a big barbecue. We would eat hamburgers and play basketball in the driveway. Some of us would probably walk to the local beach to play soccer on the beach and to go for a swim (if the weather was warm enough)!

If I had a VE party I would invite all my friends from primary school to have a spot of lunch. Stuff like: Pizza, sandwiches and fruit. Then head someplace to play some games like an arcade so it won't be weather dependant.

Activity 2: Making a Fashion Statement

In the years following World War II, things slowly returned to normal in New Zealand. Soldiers returned home and settled back into regular life; and national sporting teams, like the New Zealand cricket team, got back together and started playing matches again. In the late 1940s, men and women would go to watch these events, men wearing hats and suits and women wearing dresses, hats, and gloves.

Compare the pictures of common clothing from the late 1940s to what you wear now (i.e. in 2017). Are they similar or are they quite different?

They are very different and everybody has different looks.

On your blog tell us which of the two styles you prefer and why. The pictures above were taken over 65 years ago! What do you think people will be wearing 65 years from now?

I would prefer the one on the left because they all look slightly different rather than really similar.

I think 65 years from now people are going to be wearing electronic boots that allow them to walk on holographic paths. Shirts that carry wifi for your devices and pants that let you float. Gloves that work like credit cards and a pokeball belt to hold your Pokémon in their pokeballs.

Summer Learning Journey day 4

At the end of the 1930s, the world has been shaken once more by the start of another World War (WWII). World War Two started on the 1st of September, 1939 when an army from Germany invaded a country called Poland. Two days later, England and France declared war on Germany and WWII began.

Activity 1: An Eventful Experience

WWII was made up of many battles and events. Follow this link to read more about the timeline of WWII.

Choose two key events and find out some more information about what happened on those days. On your blog, write a short summary of two events, including the names of people involved and where the event happened.

• September 5, 1939: South Africa declares war on Germany.
• April 9, 1940: Germany invades Denmark and Norway

Activity 2:  A Call to Arms

Over the course of WWII, approximately 140,000 New Zealanders were sent overseas to serve in the war. Many were sent to fight in huge battles, including the Battle of the Atlantic that lasted for 2064 days (over 5 years)! The Battle of the Atlantic came to an end in 1943, in large part due to the heroic efforts of people like Lloyd Trigg, a pilot from New Zealand. He was awarded a special medal from the New Zealand Government for his bravery. It is called a Victoria Cross (‘VC’ for short). A total of 22 New Zealanders have been awarded VCs.

Click on this link to find a list of VC winners. Choose one from the Second World War, and read about him. On your blog tell us about him. Who was he? What did he do to earn a Victoria Cross medal?

Lloyd Trigg: Lloyd Trigg is the only serviceman to have been awarded the VC on the ‘recommendation’ of an enemy. After undertaking pilot training in Canada he was seconded to the RAF and posted to Coastal Command, flying anti-submarine patrols from West Africa. During an operational sortie on 11 August 1943, Trigg sighted U-468 on the surface. Despite being hit repeatedly by anti-aircraft fire, Trigg pressed home his attack and fatally damaged the German submarine with depth charges. His crippled Liberator then crashed into the sea with the loss of all eight crew. German survivors praised Trigg’s courage after they were picked up by an Allied ship. Their evidence was instrumental in the New Zealander being awarded a posthumous VC.

Summer Learning Journey day 3

Unfortunately, the wealth and success of the 1920s did not continue into the 1930s. Instead, the stock market in America crashed on Tuesday 29 October 1929. When this happened, people lost a lot of money and much of the world sunk into a deep, financial depression. The 1930s is often referred to as the ‘Great Depression.’

Activity 1: Dealing with Stress

In New Zealand, many people lost their jobs during this decade. Experts predict that as much as 30% of the population was unemployed. It was a very stressful time for families.

Sadly, many of us still experience stress in our lives to this day. When I feel stressed I try to go for a walk or pop into my local gym for a quick workout. Exercise makes me feel better. What about you?

I like to read a book or watch videos on my computer.

On your blog, please tell us what you do when you want to relax or de-stress. Do you read a favourite book, watch a favourite television show or talk to someone special?  What are your tips for dealing with stress?

When I want to relax I lie on the floor or on the couch and read a book or watch YouTube and netflix on my computer. If I want to relax on a hot day I eat an icecream as well.

Activity 2: Offering a Helping Hand

During this period, people struggled to find work both here at home and overseas. It was a really tough time for people living in the Great Plains of the United States because they were hit with a huge drought that lasted for most of the decade. Many crops were damaged and farmers were not able to make enough money to feed their families.

Imagine that you were alive in the 1930s. What could you have done to help these families? On your blog, list three different ways that you could raise funds for families to help them buy food and clothing. Be as creative as you can with your fundraising ideas!

• Lemonade stand.
• Sell baked goods.
• Garage sale.

Summer Learning Journey day 2

Activity 1: Popular Culture – The Silent Movie

The 1920s saw a massive surge in the number of people going to the movies. Huge new cinemas were built in both Auckland (The Civic Theatre) and Dunedin (Empire De Luxe).  The most popular type of movies showing at local NZ cinemas were ‘silent’ films. Gold Rush and The Lion's Cage are examples of iconic silent films. They feature a famous actor named Charlie Chaplin.

Watch the trailer for Gold Rush or The Lion's Cage. On your blog, tell us what you think the movie is about. There are no words spoken movie so you will need to pay careful attention to what the actors are doing! Do you think you would enjoy watching a silent film? Why/Why not?

Gold Rush: Restricted.

The Lion's Cage: A guy is running from something and runs into the lion's cage. He gets trapped and trys not to wake the lion. When he got out he speed up a pole.

I would not like to watch a silent film because it would be quiet except if there was music.

Activity 2: Art Deco

In the 1920s a new artistic movement emerged in New Zealand (and around the world). It was called ‘Art Deco.’ The picture to the right is a classic example of an ‘Art Deco’ piece. Take a close look at the painting. Do you like it?

On your blog, give the painting a rating out of 5 stars (1 star = terrible painting, 2 stars = pretty bad painting, 3 stars = okay painting, 4 stars = good painting and 5 stars = amazing painting). After you’ve rated the painting out of 5, tell us why you gave it that rating.

Right: Self Portrait By Tamara de Lempicka

2 stars; because I don't like art and I don't like this picture.

Summer Learning Journey day 1 (next week)

Activity 1: St Joseph’s Cathedral

At the turn of the century, there was a great deal of construction happening in New Zealand. Many of the new British settlers wanted to build homes and community meeting places, such as churches. One of the largest buildings to be constructed during this period was St Joseph’s Cathedral in Dunedin.

St Joseph’s Cathedral is just one of hundreds of beautiful cathedrals around the world.

Use your search engine to find a picture of another famous cathedral. Post a picture of the cathedral on your blog. Underneath the picture tell us: the name of the cathedral, where the cathedral is located, when it was built, and how long it took to build.

Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell Rd Auckland, it was finished being built in 2016, it took 173 years to build from when the land was bought (it was over 100 years before building started).

Activity 2: The Right to Vote

At the turn of the century, New Zealand elected its first ever government. Richard John Seddon served as the leader of the Liberal Party from 1893-1906. Prior to 1893, only men were legally allowed to vote. This all changed in the late 1800s when a woman named Kate Sheppard lead a suffragist movement in New Zealand calling for a change in law. Her hard work finally paid off when the Electoral Act was passed into law on 19 September 1893, giving women the right to vote. New Zealand was the first country to give all women the right to vote. There were still countries in the world (e.g. Saudi Arabia) who, until recently, did not allow women to vote.

On your blog tell us what you think about the fact that women were not allowed to vote in Saudi Arabia until 2015. Is it fair? Why or why not?

I don't believe it is fair since a lot of other countries had decided to let women vote. If they did it would be alot fairer for the women since most women in other countries are allowed to vote. But that's my opinion other people have different opinions.