Activity 1: Giants Among Us [4 points]
New Zealand has a really special environment. Many of the plants and trees found in New Zealand are not found anywhere else in the world. These plants and trees are endemic to our country. In New Zealand, one of the largest and longest living endemic trees is the NZ Kauri tree. Kauri are mainly found in three regions of New Zealand: the Coromandel, Auckland and Northland. The largest Kauri tree in the country is in the Waipoua Forest in Northland. It is called Tāne Mahuta. Some people refer to it as the ‘Lord of the Forest.’
Thousands of people go to visit Tāne Mahuta every year. Would you like to be one of those people who got to see Tāne Mahuta in real life? Why or why not?
On your blog, tell us whether you would like to go and visit Tāne Mahuta one day. Be sure to tell us why you do (or do not) want to visit this endemic tree.
In my opinion, I think that I shouldn't visit Tāne Mahuta. One of the reasons is that Tāne Mahuta was threatened by kauri dieback, which is a fatal disease which has infected other kauri trees nearby.
During the drought in 2013, 10,000 litres of water, from a nearby stream had been diverted to Tāne Mahuta, which was showing signs of dehydration.
But on the other side, I would like to go to Tāne Mahuta because it is the most famous tree in New Zealand and I like to travel to places where I haven't been before.
Activity 2: Fabulous Ferns [4 points]
One of the most common plants found in New Zealand forests is the fern. It is a special, iconic symbol of New Zealand. You will find pictures of ferns on the jerseys of many famous sporting teams in New Zealand, including the New Zealand All Blacks.
Did you know that many of these teams also have the word ‘fern’ in their name? Use your best researching skills to find three New Zealand sporting teams who use the word ‘fern’ in their title.
On your blog list three sports teams that have the word ‘fern’ in their title. Beside each team’s name, post a picture of their uniform. Then, at the bottom of your blog post tell us which of the three uniforms you like best and why.
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| Silver Ferns - which is New Zealand's netball team. |
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| Black Ferns - which is New Zealand's women national rugby union team. |
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| White Ferns - which is New Zealand women's national cricket team |
In my opinion, I think that the White Fern's uniform looks the best because it is different to other team and sports uniforms. It stands out and it looks good.
Activity 3: Weird and Wonderful [10 points]
New Zealand is just one of many countries that has amazing plants and trees. In fact, the African desert is home to some pretty incredible plants, like the cactus. Some cacti are able to survive on as little as 3 millilitres (ml) of water a day. Wow!
Let’s imagine that you are given a cactus for your birthday. To keep it alive, you must give it 3 ml of water every day.
Over one full year, how much water will you need to give your cactus plant?
On your blog, tell us how to solve this maths problem. You can write your answer in words, use a Sketchpad image, or post a video explaining how you would figure it out. Be sure to give us your final answer in millilitres (ml).
