Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 3, Day 3 | Activity 2: Printing Prosthetics

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the third week for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The second week of this Summer Learning Journey is about Experiments & Gadgets: Science, Technology and Invention.

Activity 2: Printing Prosthetics [4 points]

In 1983 a man named Chuck Hull invented the first 3D printer. A 3D printer follows a design that has been created on a computer. The printer simply ‘prints out’ the design in layers, often using a material like plastic.

3D printing has changed the way we are designing and manufacturing (creating) all sorts of things. It is possible to 3D print parts for machines, buildings and even humans!

If you have ever broken an arm and needed a plaster cast you will know that they’re not much fun to wear - especially in summer! Here in New Zealand, a man named Jake Evill has designed a lighter 3D printed plaster cast that is strong, recyclable, waterproof, and ventilated (let’s air in). Check out his design here.

For this activity, we would like you to learn more about 3D printed prosthetics (artificial body parts, like hands or arms). Please watch this video about 3D printed prosthetics (artificial body parts, like hands or arms).

On your blog, tell your readers:

1. One thing you learnt from watching the video.
• Modern prosthetics can cost tens of thousands of dollars and kids quickly outgrow them.
2. One thing that surprised you when watching the video.
• People can be born without fingers, which is sad.

I hope you learnt something new and liked my post. Have a cool day!! Bye!!

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 3, Day 3 | Activity 1: Nanogirl

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the third week for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The second week of this Summer Learning Journey is about Experiments & Gadgets: Science, Technology and Invention.

DAY 3: INVENTIVE INVENTORS 

Activity 1: Nanogirl [4 points] 

Michelle Dickinson, AKA “Nanogirl”, is a nanotechnologist. That is an engineer or scientist who works with very small items called “molecules.” Michelle is famous for creating cool shows about science which she performs in schools around New Zealand. When she isn’t performing, she is working as a scientist in her own lab in Auckland. Over the years she has written two books and won many awards including the New Zealand Women of Influence in Innovation and Science Award and The New Zealand Order of Merit for her innovative work. 

Like Michelle, many people in New Zealand like to create nano-sized (tiny) things. Some people even like to build tiny houses.

For this activity, please visit the ‘Build Tiny New Zealand’ website and scroll to the bottom of the page where you will find a series of Video Tours of tiny houses. Watch any three videos on the site.

On your blog, tell us whether, or not, you would like to live in a tiny house one day. Please be sure to tell us why you feel the way that you do.

It just depends, because I do and I don't. Sometimes I want to and sometimes I don't. If I had company with someone, I could stay there for a week or two and I want to live in the Green Hill Farm Tiny House. 

Here is a tour of the Green Hill Farm Tiny House.

I hope you learnt something new and liked my post. Have a cool day!! Bye!!

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 3, Day 2 | Activity 3: Hidden Figures

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the third week for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The second week of this Summer Learning Journey is about Experiments & Gadgets: Science, Technology and Invention.

Activity 3: Hidden Figures [6 points] 

Ada Lovelace, born in 1815, is considered to be the ‘first computer programmer’, even though computers had not yet been invented. She was called a computer programmer because she worked out a series of algorithms (instructions) that a machine could use to compute (calculate) difficult maths questions.

Katherine Johnson was another brilliant mathematician who worked with NASA - the North American Space Association. NASA was responsible for sending rockets and people into space. It was Katherine’s job to check all of the calculations that the engineers and astronauts used when designing the spacecraft and flying them into space. In 2016, a movie was made about Katherine Johnson and the other women who worked at NASA during this time. It is called ‘Hidden Figures.’ In the movie, the women had to learn how to do basic coding when NASA started using computers.

Have you ever tried coding?

For this activity we would like you to give coding a try. If you try an activity and it is too easy, try a harder level!

On your blog, post a screenshot of your completed shape. Underneath the shape tell us what you thought of the coding app. Is it good? Why/why not?

It might take time to load the app.

This app is not completed.

I really like coding, it is really fun.

I hope you learnt something new and liked my post. Have a cool day!! Bye!!

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 2, Day 4 | Activity 1: Guiding Principles

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the second week for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The second week of this Summer Learning Journey is about I have a dream... - Politics and Activism.

DAY 4: INDIGENOUS RIGHTS

Activity 1: Guiding Principles [4 points] 

Hōne Heke was a rangatira (chief) of Ngapuhi iwi in Northland. He was a strong and fearless warrior, and also an intelligent leader who fought for Māori rights during the British colonisation of Aotearoa, New Zealand. He was baptised a Christian in 1835 and had much respect for the missionaries that came to New Zealand. Hōne Heke supported Te Tiriti o Waitangi - the Treaty of Waitangi - and was the first rangatira to sign it in 1840. 

However he soon realised that under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Māori rangatira were losing their authority (power). In protest, he cut down the flagpole that flew the British flag at Kororareka (Russell) four times. He must have been very frustrated and angry. 

Sometimes when we feel strongly (frustrated, angry, happy, excited, in awe…) we find it hard to put our feelings into words. Many cultures have sayings, proverbs or metaphors that can help people to explain their feelings or describe specific things. In Te Reo Māori, some people may use a whakataukī.

For this activity, read through the seven whakataukī (proverbs or metaphors). Choose one that has meaning for you. Create a poster that features the whakataukī and be sure to include at least one image (a drawing or photograph) on the poster that represents the whakataukī that you chose.

I hope you learnt something new and liked my post. Have a cool day!! Bye!!

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 3, Day 1 | Activity 3: Apple vs Microsoft

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the third week for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

Activity 3: Apple vs Microsoft [6 points]

Bill Gates and Steve Jobs are two big names in the field of digital technology. Bill Gates is the founder of Microsoft while Steve Jobs was a co-founder of Apple. Both men are very creative and inventive. In fact, Steve Jobs invented the Apple computer, iPod, iPhone, and iPad. Sadly, he passed away in 2011.

Bill Gates, on the other hand, invented Microsoft software, like Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office. He is now one of the richest people in the world, and with his wife, Melinda, has created a charity called The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Both men worked in the same field (digital technology) and were seen as competitors or rivals. They are not the only rivals in the world. In fact, some of the most famous rivalries occur between sports teams. One example is the rivalry between the All Blacks and the Wallabies rugby teams.

For this activity we would like you to use your best researching skills to find three more examples of common rivalries. They can be in the sports world or not - it’s totally up to you!

On your blog, describe the three rivalries that you have found. Who is involved? To gain the full 6 points for this activity, please provide a picture for each rivalry. The picture should represent the rivalry.



Because I like Cricket, I am going to present about Cricket. One of the biggest rivals of Cricket the India-Pakistan rivalry. This rivalry started in 1947 and it still continues.

Another rivalry is from Cricket. The Ashes or the Australia-England rivalry started when Cricket started. Those two teams were the first teams to join cricket. From 1877, the rivalry still continues.


I hope you learnt something new and liked my post. Have a cool day!! Bye!!

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 3, Day 1 | Activity 2: Influencers

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the third week for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

Activity 2: Influencers [4 points]

YouTube is a video sharing website, where people can watch, create, share and comment on videos (a bit like when you Learn, Create and Share at school). YouTube was created in 2005 by three men - Chad Hurley, Steve Chen and Jawed Karim who later sold it to Google for $1.65 billion dollars!

Did you know that anyone can have their own YouTube channel? People who create videos and post them on YouTube are called ‘YouTubers’. Youtubers post videos on a huge range of topics from music to make-up, fitness to cooking, etc.

Most YouTubers create their own Youtube channel. People can subscribe to their channels and follow their videos. Do you watch or subscribe to any YouTube channels? If so, who are your favourite YouTubers? In New Zealand, there are many Youtubers, including Kiwi beauty YouTuber Miria Flavell and guitar guru, Nat Pua.

For this activity please imagine that you had the chance to create your own YouTube channel. What would it be about? What kinds of videos would you create and post? On your blog, write a description of the YouTube channel you would like to create.

For this activity please imagine that you had the chance to create your own YouTube channel. What would it be about? What kinds of videos would you create and post?

On your blog, write a description of the YouTube channel you would like to create.


I would create a YouTube channel about math tutorials because I like maths and like to teach others. If I want to create another YouTube channel, I would post about Space and Science, because I like space too.


I hope you learnt something new and liked my post. Have a cool day!! Bye!!

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 3, Day 1 | Activity 1: The World Wide Web

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the third week for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The second week of this Summer Learning Journey is about Experiments and Gadgets - Science, Technology and Invention.

DAY 1: DRIVING DIGITAL INNOVATION

Activity 1: The World Wide Web [4 points] 

You may not have heard of Tim Berners-Lee but this man completely changed the world for us when he invented the World Wide Web (otherwise known as the ‘www’). All of the information on the internet is stored and accessed on the web. 

TimBL, as he is known, also created the first ever website. We all spend a lot of time looking at websites, don’t we? One of my favourite websites is the Te Ara site. I use it when I am creating lessons for students or working on assignments for school. Are there websites that are particularly helpful for your learning?

For this activity please take screenshots of four different websites that you find helpful for your learning. They can be websites that you use in class or websites that you use on your own at home. Present the screenshots as a poster or put them into a presentation.

I hope you learnt something new and liked my post. Have a cool day!! Bye!!

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 2, Day 2 | Activity 2: School Strike for Climate

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the second week for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The second week of this Summer Learning Journey is about I have a dream... - Politics and Activism.

Activity 2: School Strike for Climate [4 points] 

You may have heard people talking about an issue called ‘Climate change’. Climate change refers to an increase in the temperature of our planet. Warmer temperatures can cause natural disasters (floods, storms, droughts, bushfires, hurricanes, etc), rising sea levels, and the extinction (disappearance) of plants and animals.

Many people in New Zealand (and overseas) are worried about climate change, including Greta Thunberg, a 16 year old girl from Sweden. She believes that climate change is not only real, but that it is a “crisis”. She is upset that adults, particularly governments and powerful people, are not taking climate change seriously. In 2018 she began protesting outside the Swedish government buildings every Friday instead of going to school. She inspired the School Strike for Climate protests and, in 2019, spoke to the United Nations about her concerns. Not everyone, however, is convinced that climate change is really happening.

For this activity, we would like you to explore the School Strike for Climate Australia website.

On your blog, list three facts (things) that you learned, and include a photograph of something that you are doing around home to help the environment.

1. They are trying for 100% renewable energy generation & exports by 2030.
2. They are doing a strike with 15,000 students from 30 November.
3. Greta Thunberg founded the School Strike for Climate on 20 August 2018.

I hope you learnt something new and liked my post. Have a cool day!! Bye!!

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 2, Day 3 | Activity 3: Belle of the Ball

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the second week for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The second week of this Summer Learning Journey is about I have a dream... - Politics and Activism.

Activity 3: Belle of the Ball [6 points] 

Emma Watson is a movie star who started acting in films when she was just nine years old. You might recognise her as Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter films or ‘Belle’ from the Disney adaptation of Beauty and the Beast.

When Emma is not acting, she spends a lot of time giving speeches and advocating for the rights of women and girls. In 2014 she launched the HeForShe campaign which encourages men and boys to actively support women and girls by speaking out about gender equality - the idea that males (men) and females (women) have the same rights. Emma is also an avid reader who started her own worldwide book club!

Let’s imagine that Emma has just emailed you and asked for your help. She needs a recommendation for a great book for her book club. She also needs you to prepare a short review of the book to share
with her readers.

For this activity, choose a book that you like and write a short review of it. In the review, tell us what the book is about and what you like about it.

 On your blog, share your book review with a photo or illustration (drawing) of the book.


Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Author: Roald Dahl

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Credit: https://www.bookdepository.com/

I think that I really liked the book and how the author wrote it. This a book about Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. The most famous chocolate factory in the world. It is where no one has been or seen the factory before. Charlie lived in a small wooden house in the edge of a great town. One day, in the newspaper, Willy Wonka had allowed five children to go to the chocolate factory. Willy Wonka had hidden five golden tickets in the ordinary wrapping of chocolate. Charlie was one of the five children to go to the chocolate factory.


I hope you want to read the book and liked my post. Have a cool day!! Bye!!

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 2, Day 5 | Activity 3: Choose your own

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the second week for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The second week of this Summer Learning Journey is about I have a dream... - Politics and Activism.

Activity 3: Choose your own

You have now made it to the end of Week 2 and have earned the chance to choose your very own politician or activist who you think has changed the world. There are no right or wrong choices for this activity, so find someone who interests you and tell us about them on your blog. It could be someone from your family, church, community and/or someone famous who you admire. 

Here are some starting points in case you get stuck:

Bill English

Xi Jinping

Pania Newton

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Willie Apiata

Jane Fonda

Here is my work, about Sir Martin Luther King Jr.

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 2, Day 3 | Activity 2: The Right to an Education

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the second week for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The second week of this Summer Learning Journey is about I have a dream... - Politics and Activism.

Activity 2: The Right to an Education [4 points]

Malala Yousafzai is a woman who was born and raised in Pakistan. In 2012, she was shot and wounded when traveling home on the bus from school. At the time, girls (and women) living in Pakistan were not encouraged, or even allowed, to go to school. It is widely believed that Malala was attacked because she (and her father) did not agree with this idea and they felt that women had the right to an education. 

Once Malala recovered from her injuries she continued to advocate (fight) for the rights of all women to receive an education. For this work, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 - the youngest person to ever receive this prestigious prize. You can read more of her story here. 

As well as giving speeches in front of many very important and influential people, Malala has written books about her own life. She has also written a book for children called Malala’s Magic Pencil.


For this activity, we would like you to write a short story. The story can be about anything that you wish but to receive full points it must be at least 10 sentences long!


Here is my story that I have written.



There was a boy named Ben. He likes finding things. There was a pavement leading to a cave named The Red Cave. Ben went inside to look around. 

There he found a ladder sinking in a well. He saw something shining under the water. Ben thought to find out what was happening, so he jumped in. As he went closer, the shine became rising. Ben said, “What even is that?” There was an underground secret pathway. Ben had his torch and went further, suddenly with a surprise he saw coins. He was happy with joy. Ben woke up in joy.


I hope you learnt something new and liked my post. Have a cool day!! Bye!!

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 2, Day 3 | Activity 1: The Right to Vote

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the second week for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The second week of this Summer Learning Journey is about, I have a dream... - Politics and Activism.

DAY 3: WOMEN’S RIGHTS 

Activity 1: The Right to Vote [4 points]

Kate Sheppard was a very famous and important New Zealander. In the late 1800s, she fought for women to have the right to vote in elections. She did this by creating petitions (lists with the names of people who supported her), running public meetings, writing letters to the newspaper, and talking to politicians. 

As a result of her hard work, women in New Zealand (NZ) were first granted the right to vote in 1893. This made NZ the first country in the world to give women the right to vote. We call this right ‘women’s suffrage’. 

In honour of Kate Sheppard’s work, the NZ government has put her image on the current $10 note.

For this activity, let’s imagine that the government decides to create a new $10 bank note and replace Kate with a picture of a different New Zealand woman. 

On your blog, tell us who you think the government should put on the new $10 note. Please provide us with a picture of this amazing woman and a short explanation of why you have selected her as Kate Sheppard’s replacement.

Jenny Shipley

I think Jenny Shipley should replace Kate Sheppard because she was New Zealand's first woman prime minister, and the only women to have led the National Party.


I hope you learnt something new and liked my post. Have a cool day!! Bye!!

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 2, Day 4 | Activity 2: Celebrating Diversity

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the second week for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The second week of this Summer Learning Journey is about I have a dream... - Politics and Activism.

Activity 2: Celebrating Diversity [4 points] 

There are between 370 and 500 million Indigenous Peoples currently living in 90 countries around the world. Together, they represent over 5000 different cultures and speak 4000 different languages. That is pretty amazing ‘eh?! I wish that I could speak 4000 languages!

Indigenous People is the term used to describe the people who were the first inhabitants of a land. In Aotearoa, Māori are Indigenous. Indigenous people have rich and vibrant cultures that make the world such a fascinating, varied and enriching place to live.

For this activity we are going to become more familiar with some of these amazing indigenous communities. Please click on the links below to learn more about these fascinating groups.

Ainu People

Australian Aboriginal People

The Inuit People

Papuan People

The Maya People

Once you have finished learning about these groups, please choose the two that interest you the most.

On your blog tell us the names of the two groups that you chose and then tell us at least two interesting facts about each group. To earn full points, you must provide two facts about both groups - 4 facts in total.


I have chosen the Australian Aboriginal People and The Maya People.


Aboriginal Australians

Aboriginal Australians could be one of the oldest people living outside of Asia. They have been living for over 50,000 years. Today, there are 250 distinct language groups spread throughout Australia.

Credit: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/people/reference/aboriginal-australians/


The Maya People 

Maya Mask
By Wolfgang Sauber, licenced under cc by-sa 2.0

More than 6 million Maya currently live in Mesoamerica. They speak more than 30 Mayan languages Maya has always been keen observing of the skies keeping track on the movements of the sun.


I hope you learnt something new and like my post. Have a cool day!! Bye!!

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 1, Day 3 | Activity 3: Achieving our Dreams

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the third day for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The first week of this Summer Learning Journey is about Physical Limits - Sport and Exploration.

Activity 3: Achieving our Dreams [6 points]

The Silver Ferns are New Zealand’s professional netball team. They are based in Auckland and play against teams from all over the world. Next year they are due to compete in the first ever Netball Nations cup competition in England.

In order to earn a place on the team, each of the players had to prove that they were one of the best netball players in the country. They have all had to work very hard, sacrifice many things, and show dedication and determination throughout their careers. In many cases, they have also had a lot of support from others - their family, friends, teachers, coaches. This support has allowed them to pursue their dreams and to, ultimately, do a job that they love.


For this activity, choose a friend or family member and ask them what their dream job would be. Please then brainstorm six ways in which you could support them in achieving their dream job.

On your blog, present your ideas as a poster or infographic.


I have created a mindmup to present my ideas. I hope you like it.

I hope you learnt something new and like my post. Have a cool day!! Bye!!

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 2, Day 1 | Activity 2: Rights and Wrongs

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the second week for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The second week of this Summer Learning Journey is about I have a dream... - Politics and Activism.

Activity 2: Rights and Wrongs [4 points]

Dr Jessa Rogers (Metuamate) is an Aboriginal Australian and a leader in indigenous education. She grew up in Queensland, Australia, and when she had a baby while she was still at school, it seemed like her education would suffer. However, Jessa not only completed her high school education, but she went on to University and completed several degrees, including a PhD which means she is called Dr Rogers!

Dr Jessa Rogers became the first school principal (and youngest Aboriginal principal in Australia) of the Cape York Girl Academy, a school in far north Queensland for young indigenous mums and their babies. For her work on improving indigenous education in Australia, she won the NAIDOC Youth of the Year award in 2010, has gone on to win many more awards and write several books.

Dr Rogers is a proud member of the Wiradjuri people, an Indigenous community in Australia, and has a strong connection to New Zealand. In fact, her husband is affiliated with two iwi in New Zealand - Ngāti Kauwhata, Ngāti Raukawa, and he is also of Cook Island and Tahitian decent. Jessa is currently working at the University of Canberra as an assistant professor.

For this activity, we would like you to calculate Jessa’s age when she won the NAIDOC Youth of the Year award. She was born on 7 April 1985 and she received the award on 9 July 2010. Please provide the answer to this question in years, months and days (eg. 20 years, 6 months and 2 days).

On your blog, please post both your final answer and an explanation of how you solved this maths problem. You could write your explanation, or use screencastify to record yourself explaining how you solved it.

I hope you learnt something new and like my post. Have a cool day!! Bye!!

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 1, Day 3 | Activity 2: Defying the Odds

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the third day for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The first week of this Summer Learning Journey is about Physical Limits - Sport and Exploration.

Activity 2: Defying the Odds [4 points]

LeBron James is one of the most famous professional basketball players in the world. He currently plays in the NBA (National Basketball Association) for the Los Angeles Lakers. He has won numerous awards over the years, helping his teams win many important games.

Steven Adams also plays in the NBA, but unlike LeBron, Steven comes from Rotorua, New Zealand and is the half-brother of Olympic gold medalist Valerie Adams. That’s a pretty cool family connection, isn’t it?! Steven Adams currently lives in the United States and plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team.

Despite being born in different countries, these two incredible basketballers have a number of similarities. Both men came from humble beginnings. Neither of their families had a lot of money, and neither man grew up with a father at home. Even though they faced challenges, they were able to overcome them. Both men are examples of what is possible when you work hard and believe in yourself.


For this activity, we would like you to imagine that you had the chance to interview LeBron James, Steven Adams or another basketball player of your choice.

On your blog, tell us who you would interview and then provide a list of five questions that you would like to ask your chosen player.



I have chosen Steph Curry as my Interviewee.

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 1, Day 5 | Activity 1: National Treasure

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the fifth day for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The first week of this Summer Learning Journey is about Physical Limits - Sport and Exploration.

DAY 5: AGAINST THE ODDS

Activity 1: National Treasure [4 points]

Sophie Pascoe is a New Zealand para-swimmer. This means she is a competitive swimmer with a physical disability. Very sadly, Sophie was run over by a lawn mower when she was only 2 years old. She had to have the bottom of her left leg amputated. However, despite this terrible accident, she was determined to become a competitive swimmer.

Sophie has won numerous New Zealand and world para-swimming titles, including nine Olympic gold medals. She has also won the Halberg Award for Disabled Sportsperson of the Year three times. Sophie is a great example of a New Zealander who did not let her disability stop her from achieving her dreams. She is truly a ‘National Treasure’. A national treasure is someone or something that is very important to a country.

For this activity, we would like to learn more about the things that are important to you.

On your blog, please share three things that you treasure and say why they are treasures to you.

1. Family - My family is important because they are our closest one.
2. Friends - Friends are important because they are the ones which support you.
3. Culture - Culture is important because they are our values, faith and belief.

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 1, Day 4 | Activity 2: What's in a Name?

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the fourth day for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The first week of this Summer Learning Journey is about Physical Limits - Sport and Exploration.

Activity 2: What’s in a Name? [4 points]

Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest boxers of all time. He started boxing when he was 12 years old and went on to become the World Heavyweight Champion numerous times in the 1960s and 1970s.

Muhammad Ali was an African American man born with the name Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. When he was a young man, however, he became a Muslim and converted to Islam. When he converted, he changed his name to Muhammad Ali. During his life, Ali gave a lot of time and money to various charities. He also helped to feed more than 22 million people across the world who didn’t have enough food. Despite all of his charitable work, Muhammad Ali is still best known for his agressive boxing style, his confident personality and his inspirational quotes.

Changing your name is a big deal! If you were to change your name, what would you change it to?


For this activity, imagine that you were allowed to change your name to anything that you wanted.

On your blog, tell us what you would change your name to and why you would choose that name.


There are two names that I have chosen.

1. Virat

2. Messi


Virat is a good name because it is from an Indian cricketer, who is currently the captain of the Indian Cricket Team. He is one of the best batsmen in the current generation.

Next is Messi, Messi is the last name but I would choose Messi. He is one of the best footballers. He plays for FC Barcelona and Argentina national football team.

Messi
Credit: https://www.goal.com/

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 1, Day 2 | Activity 2: One Small Step for Man

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the second day for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The first week of this Summer Learning Journey is about Physical Limits - Sport and Exploration.

Activity 2: One Small Step for Man [4 points]

Neil Armstrong was an American astronaut and engineer. In 1969, Neil and his team of astronauts flew to the moon in a spacecraft called Apollo 11. When they arrived, Neil got out of the spacecraft and walked on the moon. He is the first person in history to walk on the moon! As Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, he famously said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

As you can imagine, landing on the moon is a very dangerous task. Many things can go wrong, and a number of astronauts have died attempting to land on the moon. Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins (the three astronauts on Apollo 11) must have been extremely brave.


For this activity, let’s imagine that you were Neil Armstrong. On your blog, write a short poem describing how you felt when you first set foot on the moon.

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 1, Day 5 | Activity 3: Own Choice

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the fifth day for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The first week of this Summer Learning Journey is about Physical Limits - Sport and Exploration.

Activity 3: Own Choice [6 points]

You have now made it to the end of Week 1 and have the chance to choose your very own sportsperson or explorer who you think has changed the world. There are no right or wrong choices for this activity, so find someone who interests you and tell us about them on your blog. It could be someone from your family, church, community or someone famous who you admire. Here are some starting points in case you get stuck.

Jessica Watson

Tanielu Tele’a

Sachin Tendulkar

Ann Bancroft

Kelly Slater

Tamatea

Laura Dekker


For this activity, please choose one person (a changemaker) and read all about them.

On your blog, provide us with:

1. The name of the person
2. A description of the work they do/have done 
3. An explanation of how they/their work has had an impact on the lives of others

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 1, Day 3 | Activity 1: Rugby Superstars

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the third day for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The first week of this Summer Learning Journey is about Physical Limits - Sport and Exploration.

DAY 3: TEAM PLAYERS

Activity 1: Rugby Superstars [4 points]

Jonah Lomu was a rugby superstar. He was the youngest ever All Black, selected at just 19 years of age. He went on to have an amazing career that included 63 caps (international games) and 37 tries. Jonah was Tongan, but spent most of his childhood in Mangere, South Auckland. He started out playing touch rugby and rugby league but changed over to rugby union and quickly made a name for himself. He was very tall, strong and fast.

Richie McCaw is another example of a famous rugby player. He was the captain of the All Blacks between 2004 and 2015. Like Jonah Lomu, he had an outstanding international career in rugby union and had many achievements. In fact, he was the most capped All Black captain, most capped test rugby player and World Rugby Player of the Year in 2006, 2009, and 2010. He has been given a Halberg Award and made a member of the Order of New Zealand. As well as being an outstanding player, Richie McCaw was also a strong leader and captain.

For many people, players like Jonah Lomu and Richie McCaw are superheroes with extra special ‘superpowers.’

For this activity, let’s imagine that you could be a superhero for a day. What three superpowers would you most like to have?

1. Speed
2. Time machine - going back and forward time
3. Teleportation

Superpower (Ability)
Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superpower_(ability)

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 1, Day 2 | Activity 3: Miracle on the Hudson

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the second day for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The first week of this Summer Learning Journey is about Physical Limits - Sport and Exploration.

Activity 3: Miracle on the Hudson [6 points]

Mr Chesley Sullenberger, or “Sully” as he was known, was an airline captain (pilot) for about 30 years. In 2009, he became world-famous when he landed his aeroplane in the middle of the Hudson River in New York City. He was forced to make an emergency landing when both of the engines in his aeroplane lost power. Amazingly, all 155 people on board the A320 plane survived the landing. This incredible event became known as the ‘Miracle on the Hudson.’ 

You can watch a video about it here. 

Although Sully must have been scared when the engines lost power, he didn’t show it. Instead, he stayed calm and saved the lives of everyone on board. What a brave man!

For this activity, we would like to hear about a time when you, or someone you know, was brave like Sully.


This story is about me about a few years ago in Gold Coast. I was in Warner Bros Movie World and finding a ride to go on. There I met the Superman Escape, which is a thrill ride getting speed from 0-100 kph in 2 seconds. It was a short ride, but really fast.

So I am scared of heights and fast rides. But I was brave and went on the Superman Escape ride. It was really scary but fun at the same time. It was a really good experience. So that was the time where I felt brave.

Superman Escape
Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siKw60INs0Y

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 1, Day 5 | Activity 2: Swimming to Safety

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the fifth day for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The first week of this Summer Learning Journey is about Physical Limits - Sport and Exploration.

Activity 2: Swimming to Safety [4 points]

Yusra Mardini is a teenage girl who was born in Syria, a war-torn country in the Middle East. She left Syria in 2015 to get away from the constant fighting and became a refugee. During her journey to reach safety in a new country, the engine on the boat she was travelling in broke down and Yusra, her sister and two others jumped out of the boat and swam to get help. Her heroic actions saved twenty people’s lives.

Yusra now lives in Germany. In 2016 she was named as part of the Refugee Olympic Team and she swam for this team in the last summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She is now training for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

For this activity, listen to the podcast of Yusra Mardini, or read her story on her personal website.

On your blog, retell the story of this amazing young woman from Syria.


Yusra Mardini, a refugee, an Olympic athlete and a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador born in Syria. She was a member of the Refugee Olympic Athletes Team. Yura Mardini was appointed as the youngest ever UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador in April 2017. Yura fled from Syria to the Turkish coast in 2015 and boarded a small dinghy (boat) full of refugees.

Yusra Mardini
Credit: https://twitter.com/yusramardini

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 1, Day 4 | Activity 1: Making a Racket

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the fourth day for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The first week of this Summer Learning Journey is about Physical Limits - Sport and Exploration.

DAY 4: INDIVIDUAL PURSUITS

Activity 1: Making a Racket [4 points]

Billie Jean King, Venus Williams, and Serena Williams are three exceptional, female tennis players. They are not only outstanding athletes and some of the best tennis players in the world, but they have fought for women to be recognised as equals to men in the game of tennis. Billie Jean King famously beat a male tennis player, Bobby Riggs, in 1973, to prove to the public that women could compete at any level in tennis.

Billie Jean King was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and was recently awarded the BBC Sports Personality of the Year - Lifetime Achievement Award.


For this activity, watch these videos about Serena and Venus Williams.

On your blog, tell us three things that you learned from watching these videos, as well as one thing you would still like to know.



What I learnt

• In 2017, Serena Williams was the highest paid women in athletes and Venus Williams was the fifth.
• Serena Williams made $84m (USD) less than Rodger Federer.
• In 2005, Venus Williams won Wimbledon in what was the longest women 

Serena and Venus Williams
Credit: https://www.forbes.com/

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 1, Day 2 | Activity 1: Flying Solo

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the second post and day for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The first week of this Summer Learning Journey is about Physical Limits - Sport and Exploration.

DAY 2: UP IN THE AIR

Activity 1: Flying Solo [4 points]

Jean Batten was a famous aviator (pilot) who was born in Rotorua, New Zealand in 1909. In the 1930s she made several record-breaking solo flights (on her own) across the world. In fact, she was the first person to fly solo from England to New Zealand - a huge achievement! She also flew a number of long solo flights between England and Australia/Brazil. When she flew, she always took a silk dress with her so that she could look beautiful at the parties she attended upon her arrival.

Amelia Earhart was an American aviator who lived at about the same time as Jean Batten. Like Jean, she also flew solo. In fact, she was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She flew all the way from Canada to Northern Ireland on her own without stopping. In 1937, Amelia Earhart attempted to circumnavigate (go right around) the world. Unfortunately, the flight ended in tragedy when she disappeared near Howland Island, about halfway between Australia and Hawaii. She was never found. 

For this activity, compare and contrast these two aviators. You could use venn diagram. 

On your blog, share your comparison between the two women and be sure to include at least three similarities and three differences between these two aviators.

I have chosen Jean Batten and Amelia Earhart

I hope you like my post. Comment down below if you've learnt something new!! Have a cool day!! Bye!!

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 1, Day 1 | Activity 3: Scaling New Heights

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the first day for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The first week of this Summer Learning Journey is about Physical Limits - Sport and Exploration.


Activity 3: Scaling New Heights [6 points]

In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and his sherpa (guide), Tenzing Norgay, were the first people to reach the summit of Mt Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. 

At the time, Edmund Hillary was an apiarist (beekeeper) from Auckland, New Zealand. During the summer he worked as a beekeeper, and during the winter, he climbed mountains. Becoming the first person to summit Everest was not easy. In fact, Edmund Hillary attempted (tried) to climb to the top of Mt Everest three times before he succeeded. He was determined to reach the top! 

While this famous explorer and climber is mostly remembered for being the first person to reach the summit of Mt Everest, he has also made a huge impact on the world through his charity work. In 1960, Sir Edmund Hillary set up the Himalayan Trust to bring education, healthcare and safe drinking water to the people of Nepal - the country where Mt Everest is located.

For this activity, please select a charity that you are interested in. You may choose your own or use one from our list (below). Read about the charity.

List of Possible Charities:

SPCA

Auckland City Mission

Air Rescue

OXFAM

On your blog, write a short explanation of what the charity does.

I have created an infographic to present my work. I have chosen SPCA because of the work they to care for the animals. Thanks for SPCA to provide the information. I hope you like it.

Summer Learning Journey 2019-20 | Week 1, Day 1 | Activity 2: Discovering Aotearoa

Welcome to another post on my blog. This is the first day for the Summer Learning Journey 2019-20. If you don't know, the Summer Learning Journey is a holiday programme where we do blog posts over the summer holidays. This is because we don't drop down in our reading and writing. Because over the holidays, we have so much fun and not do any reading or writing, so we drop down in our scores.

The first week of this Summer Learning Journey is about Physical Limits - Sport and Exploration.

Activity 2: Discovering Aotearoa [4 points]

Many people believe that Kupe was the first explorer to discover Aotearoa, New Zealand in about 1300. He navigated his way by waka to Aotearoa from Hawaiki using traditional Polynesian navigation techniques - just like Nainoa Thompson (from Activity 1) did much later on. Legend says that he followed a great octopus all the way to Aotearoa/New Zealand and finally destroyed it in Cook Strait (the water between the North and South Islands). 

Many years later, a Dutch explorer from The Netherlands, Abel Tasman, was exploring the Pacific Ocean when he came across New Zealand. He thought that he was the first person to ‘discover’ the country (despite the fact that Māori already lived in New Zealand!) and made the claim in 1642 that he had ‘discovered’ a new land. His exploration of New Zealand inspired many other European explorers to follow his lead and travel to Oceania. 

Kupe and Abel Tasman were two different men from two very different backgrounds (cultures) who shared a common interest - exploration.

For this activity, we would like you to think about your own experiences and your own cultural background. Where does your family come from? Do they come from Europe like Abel Tasman, Polynesia like Kupe, or somewhere else?

My family is from India.

Flag of India
Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_India.svg#/media/File:Flag_of_India.svg

About India: It has the second-highest population, 1,372,640,525 (1.3 billion). 



I hope you like my post. Comment down below if you've learnt something new!! Have a cool day!! Bye!!