Summer Learning Journey 2018-19 | Week 4 | Day 5

DAY 5: The Sky’s the Limit!

Activity 1: Environment Day - Beat Plastic Pollution [4 points]

Every year we celebrate World Environment Day in June. On World Environment Day we do what we can to protect our planet. This year the focus is on reducing the use of plastic bags and water bottles. Watch this Environment Day video to learn more about it!

What could you and your family do to protect the planet?

On your blog tell us three things that you could do to help save the planet.

1. Stop using plastic bags
2. Not using plastic bottles
3. Not wasting water - (eg: shower for about 4-5 minutes)

Activity 2: Adoption Day [4 points]

Not only can you help the planet by reducing, reusing and recycling, you can also help to save animals and plants by ‘adopting’ them. To ‘adopt’ an animal through the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), you need to visit their adopt a species page, read through the list of animals and choose one.

With the WWF, you don’t actually adopt the animal and bring it home! It’s a symbolic adoption. In this case you pay a fee ($55.00) and the money is used to provide food and care for your chosen animal. Visit the WWF site and take a look at the animals who are available for adoption. Choose your ‘top three’ animals from the website.

On your blog, list the three animals that you have chosen and then compare and contrast them. How are they similar? How are they different? At the bottom of you post, tell us which of the three animals you would most like to adopt..

1. Kangaroo
2. Amur Leopard
3. Koala

I would like to adopt a Koala because they are cute and really cool.

Activity 3: Concluding the Journey [10 points]

Sadly, the Summer Learning Journey has now come to an end. It is time to reflect on everything that you have learned about the environment and, particularly, about how you can protect and preserve it.

On your blog please tell us:

1. What is one thing that you learned from participating in the Summer Learning Journey programme this year?

That we can learn new facts and information about Earth.

2. What is one thing that surprised you?

That we would learn heaps of new information about endangered animals and more.

3. What is one thing that concerned or upset you?

It took more time to complete activities than the last 2017-18 Summer Learning Journey.

4. What is one thing that you (or your family) can do, moving forward, to help protect our natural environment?

Not using a lot of plastic items. Not using a lot of power/electricity.

Summer Learning Journey 2018-19 | Week 4 | Day 4

DAY 4: Making Promises

Activity 1: Campaigning for Conservation [4 points]

New Zealand is home to so many beautiful, unique and, sometimes, endangered animals and habitats. The Forest & Bird organisation is working really hard to protect vulnerable animals and places in NZ. They are doing everything that they can to raise money and to raise awareness so that everyone knows about these issues. These are called ‘campaigns.’ Check out the Forest & Bird campaigns site to learn more about them.

Imagine, that you have been hired by Forest & Bird New Zealand to work on one of their campaigns. It is your job to come up with a catchy slogan for the campaign. A slogan is a short phrase or sentence that is used to advertise something. Check out examples of common slogans and logos below.

    

On your blog, tell us which campaign you have chosen to support and provide us with a slogan for that campaign.

I have chosen the Forgotten Places campaign. So I have come up 'Let's Know It!'. I have chosen the slogan because we should know the forgotten places in New Zealand and try not falling it down (not cutting trees or deforestation, not threatening animals [predators], caring animals and birds living there etc.).

Activity 2: The Plastic Pledge [4 points]

Over the past few decades some of New Zealand’s beaches have become dumping grounds for waste and rubbish. Almost 80% of this waste is made up of plastic items. Yikes!

Some companies in New Zealand have heard about the problem and agreed to cut down on their use of plastic. Countdown supermarkets, for example, have announced that they will stop giving out plastic bags to customers.  What do you think of this idea? What do your friends and family think? Is it a good idea or not?

For this activity, please ask one member of your family and/or a friend what they think about Countdown’s decision to go ‘plastic bag free.’

On your blog, tell us what they think about Countdown’s decision to stop using plastic bags.

In my opinion, I think that it was a good idea of stopping plastic bags because plastic bags can harm and damage the environment. By using reusable bags, you can use the bag for a long time rather than using heaps of plastic bags. In Countdown, you can buy a $1 Countdown reusable bag, which will save heaps of plastic bags. The good thing that Countdown is doing is that if the reusable bag wears out they can replace it for free! Countdown uses 350 million plastic bags for customers every year, (that's a lot) they think it is the right thing to do for the environment. Countdown just wants to save the planet. If everyone starts using reusable bags it can save the planet! It's a really good job that Countdown had stopped using plastic bags. I hope that other supermarkets can stop using plastic bags like Countdown.

Activity 3: Restricted Access [10 points]

While much of our programme has focused on New Zealand, it is important that we also consider the environment in other places as well. One of the most unusual and spectacular sites to visit outside of New Zealand is called Machu Picchu. It is an ancient city that was built high up in the mountains in the country of Peru in South America. You have to take a train and/or walk through a series of mountains and valleys to reach it.

    

Over the past few decades millions of tourists have made the trek to Machu Picchu. Unfortunately, this has damaged the area and the local government has decided to restrict the number of visitors to the site each year. This decision has upset a lot of tourists who really want to see Machu Picchu but aren’t allowed to go.

On your blog, tell us what you think about the government’s decision to restrict the number of tourists able to visit this special site. Is it fair? Be sure to tell us why you feel the way that you do.

In my opinion, it's not fair because it's a tourist attraction and heaps of people come here every day. Annually, around 1 million people come to visit Machu Picchu. The path of Machu Picchu is safe and people can easily go there. I think that the government should change the decision of allowing people to go there.

Summer Learning Journey 2018-19 | Week 4 | Day 3

DAY 3: Taking Action

Activity 1: Predator Free 2050 – A Call to Arms [4 points]

There is currently a huge drive to get rid of all predators from New Zealand. Predators are animals that, in some way, damage our natural environment. Many organisations are working hard to accomplish this goal.

Click on the links below to watch videos about three of the current projects operating to make New Zealand ‘Predator Free by 2050.’

Predator Free Video #1: Cacophony Project

Predator Free Video #2: Taranaki Mounga Project

Predator Free Video #3: Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP)

On your blog, tell us which one of the videos you liked the best and why.

I really liked the first video - Cacophony Project, because it catches predators, not the animals.

Activity 2: Protecting the Most Vulnerable - Fact or Fiction? [4 points]

Here in New Zealand we have a native dolphin, the Māui Dolphin, that is on the verge of extinction (disappearing forever). As of this year, there are only 63 Māui dolphins left and people predict that they will be extinct by 2033. Environmentalists are working hard to save the dolphin because it is such a special and unique animal. To learn more about the Māui Dolphin, please follow this link. Once you have learned more about the dolphin, it is time for you to share your learning with us.

On your blog, post three facts that you learned about the Māui Dolphin that are true. Then, using your imagination, create three more statements about Māui dolphins that are not true (i.e. false). Please don’t tell us which of your statements about Māui Dolphins are true and which are false. It will be the job of the students and staff who read your blog to figure it out.

1. Māui dolphin can see with sound.
2. Māui dolphins have the same fin shape as a common dolphin.
3. Māui dolphins live up to 20 years.
4. Māui dolphin communicates with clicks.
5. Māui dolphins are found on the North and South Islands.
6. Māui dolphins are endangered.

Activity 3: The Power of Ten [10 points]

Sir David Attenborough is a famous TV presenter from England who loves nature and the natural world. He has spent his career filming documentaries about the planet and working hard to protect it. In a recent interview, Sir David was asked to reflect on all that he had learned and to imagine that he had suddenly been given the power to save 10 animals and/or plants from extinction (disappearing forever).

After thinking about the question, he listed these 10 species (animals/plants):

1. Black Lion Tamarin (pictured to the right)

2. Sumatran Rhino

3. Solenodon

4. Olm Salamander

5. Spatuletail Hummingbird

6. Darwin’s Frog

7. Sunda pangolin

8. Priam’s Birding Butterfly

9. Northern Quoll

10. Venus’s Flower Basket

Let’s imagine that you had the same power and that you could save 10 species (animals or plants) from extinction. Who would you save? If I had the choice I would probably save animals like the elephant, white tiger and rhinoceros because they are unique and have lived for centuries on earth. I would also like to save some of my favourite flowers including hydrangeas and calla lily flowers. What about you?

   

Left to right: White tiger, Hydrangeas, Calla Lily

On your blog, list 10 species (animals or plants) that you would protect from extinction. For each one, give a reason as to why you think it is important to protect.

1. Tiger - There are only 3,890 tigers in the wild.
2. Amur Leopard - Amur Leopards are critically endangered. There are more than 84 individuals.
3. Cross River Gorilla - Cross River Gorilla is critically endangered. There are around 200 to 300 individuals.
4. Javan Rhino - Javan Rhino is critically endangered. There is just only 58-68 Javan Rhinos left.
5. Sumatran Rhino - Sumatran Rhinos are critically endangered. There just only 80 left in the wild.
6. Sumatran Tiger - Sumatran Tiger is critically endangered. There is less than 400 Sumatran Tigers left.
7. Vaquita - Vaquita is the world's most rare marine mammal. It's so close to extinction. There is just only 30 individuals.
8. Sea Turtle - We need to save Sea Turtles because they are caught and used for meat, eggs, leather, shell and curios. There is just only 7 species of Sea Turtles left. We don't know how many Sea Turtles are left.
9. Saola - Which is a critically endangered, the population of Saola is decreasing. The population of Saola is unknown.
10. Asian Elephant - it is endangered but not critically endangered, there are fewer than 50,000 Asian Elephants left.

Summer Learning Journey 2018-19 | Week 4 | Day 2

DAY 2: Protecting Our Own

Activity 1: A Flying Fox [4 points]

New Zealand has some of the most beautiful forests in the world. Both New Zealanders and tourists, alike, enjoy walking through these forests. Unfortunately, constantly walking through forests can damage the plants and animals (flora and fauna) that live there. In an attempt to protect the local flora and fauna, an eco-tourism company in Rotorua came up with an idea. The Rotorua Canopy Tours Company designed a series of ziplines that sit above the forest canopy (top). People can ‘zip’ from one section of the forest to another, looking down on the beautiful natural areas below. To see what ziplining looks like, check out this video.

I have tried ziplining and I really enjoyed it, however, I must admit that I was pretty scared to try it at first. How would you feel if you had the chance to go ziplining in Rotorua?

On your blog, tell us how you would feel about going ziplining in Rotorua. Try to use some descriptive words (adjectives) and action words (verbs) in your post!.

Well, ziplining is fun. I have experienced ziplining in Karawau Bridge in Queenstown. It was really fun. So, I want to go there because it's a new experience and it would be fun. But, I would be nervous like when I went to Queenstown. So I would like to go ziplining in Rotorua. It would be amazing and cool!

Activity 2: A Protective Plant [4 points]

There are concerns about the water quality of some of the rivers, streams and oceans in and around New Zealand. Some people have suggested that we plant flowers and plants on the banks of our most polluted rivers to stop the spread of the pollution. Apparently, the plants can act as filters, absorbing some of the chemicals (pollutants) that are moving across the land, on their way to the river.

Planting can be a lot of fun! Have you ever planted a garden? Aronui and I are going to make our very own edible garden this year. We are going to plant a number of veggies, fruits and herbs, including mint, coriander, parsley, lemongrass, onions, tomatoes, beans, zucchinis, kumara and strawberries. Yum! If you could plant an edible garden what would you plant in it?

On your blog list 10 veggies, fruits, or herbs that you would plant in your garden.

1. Cherries
2. Apricots
3. Almonds
4. Pears
5. Strawberries
6. Watermelons
7. Grapes
8. Apples
9. Pineapples
10. Kiwifruits

Activity 3: A House is Not a Home [10 points]

New Zealand is home to some unique wildlife that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. While we work very hard to protect our natural habitats so, too, do people living and working in other countries. One of the oldest international wildlife conservation organisations is called ‘Fauna & Flora International’ (FFI). They support a number of projects around the world, including those working to protect Lansan trees in the Caribbean, fruit forests in Tajikistan, and national reserves in Mozambique. Read about each of these projects and choose the one that interests you the most.

On your blog, tell us which project you find most interesting and why.

I really liked the Lansan trees, because it learnt me new facts and information about the Lansan trees like,

• It is traditionally used as religious ceremonies and to ward off mosquitoes. 
• Lansan trees are fragile and prone to infection when damaged.
• It has lost 60% of their range in the Eastern Caribbean due to deforestation and overexploitation.

Summer Learning Journey 2018-19 | Week 4 | Day 1

WEEK 4: Protect and Preserve

Over the past three weeks we have been learning about our amazing environment(s). There are so many incredible plants, animals, and natural wonders to enjoy here on earth. If we want to keep enjoying them, however, we need to be careful and thoughtful about what we do and how we act.

This week we are going to talk about what we can do to protect, preserve, and sustain our natural world. We are going to become ‘nature ninjas!’

DAY 1: Preserving the Past

Activity 1: World of Wearable (WOW) Art [4 points]

If we want to protect our natural world, we must be thoughtful about what we make, how we make it and how we dispose of it (throw it away). At the moment, the waste in New Zealand is separated into two main categories: 1. Recycled items (eg. bottles, cans, paper) and, 2. Non-recycled items (rubbish). Most of the rubbish is collected by rubbish trucks and taken to a rubbish tip (landfill) where it is dumped and never used again. Much of the recycled material is to taken to a place where it is sorted, separated and sent out to be used again.

The idea of reusing materials was taken to a whole new level by a woman named Dame Suzie Moncrieff who, thirty years ago, created an event in New Zealand called the ‘World of WearableArt’ (WOW). WOW takes place in Wellington (and in other cities) every year. Artists from around the world create outfits made entirely from recycled materials.

Let’s imagine that you were invited to this year’s WOW awards and you were able to interview the creator.

On your blog, list five interview questions that you would like to ask Dame Suzie Moncrieff.

1. What is the best outfit that you have seen that represents New Zealand?
2. Why did you create the event 'WOW'?
3. Who inspired you creating 'WOW'?
4. How was your time when you created the event 'WOW'?
5. If you want to make a outfit, what would it be?

Activity 2: Guardians of the Sea [4 points]

One of the largest rivers in New Zealand is called the Waikato River. It is found in the central part of the North Island of New Zealand. The river (awa) was given the name ‘Waikato’ (meaning flowing water) by a group of men and women from the Tainui iwi who, legend has it, travelled down the Waikato years ago and settled in the area. According to Māori legend, the Waikato River has hundreds of taniwha (mythical water spirits) living in it, guarding the sea.

Unfortunately, the Waikato River has become polluted in recent years and is, sometimes, closed to the public. This is very upsetting for many people, especially for those who believe that taniwha live in the river. Please click here to read about taniwha and watch this short video about taniwha.

Once you have finished learning about taniwha go to your blog.

On your blog tell us whether, or not, you believe that taniwha exist. Be sure to explain to us why you feel this way.

In my opinion, I think that Taniwha might exist. Well, I had searched up about Taniwha and there was an article from Stuff. According to teara.govt.nz, the Taniwha lives in caves and dark lakes. Many Taniwha look like reptiles, had wings and ate people. Some Taniwha can change their shape, which can move between different forms. In the video from tvnz.co.nz, it shows that there are mysterious bubbles in Waikato River by Martin Smith which is a local. According to livescience.com, 95% of the world's ocean and 99% of the ocean floor has not been explored. So, this means that there is a possibility that taniwha's might exist. I might think that taniwha's are one of the creatures of Earth. What is your opinion?

Activity 3: The Sky in Shanghai [10 points]

One day I would really like to travel to China. It is a country with a rich history, vibrant cities, tasty food, and fascinating architecture (buildings). Unfortunately, some of the largest Chinese cities have high rates of air pollution. The air pollution in Beijing, one of the largest cities in China, can get so bad that roads are closed, flights are cancelled and events are postponed while they wait for the smog in the air to clear. The terrible pollution is also having fatal (deadly) effects as, approximately, 1.1 million people in China died last year from air pollution-related causes. The Chinese government is very concerned and they have introduced a number of strategies (ideas) to reduce the pollution levels. Imagine that you were asked to travel to Beijing. How would you feel?

              

On your blog, write a poem that describes your feelings about travelling to Beijing, China.

Beijing, the capital of China
Everyone is annoyed and sad because of air pollution
It is killing 1.1 million people each year
Just terrible, events postponed or cancelled, roads closed and flights cancelled.
It is 60 times more smog than Vancouver
Never come again
Go away

Summer Learning Journey 2018-19 | Week 3 | Day 5

DAY 5: Here to Stay

Activity 1: Persistent Pollution [4 points]

In 2016, the World Health Organisation announced that Timaru, a small town in the South Island of New Zealand, had the highest recorded levels of air pollution in New Zealand. Some of this pollution was caused by natural events (eg. fires) but most of it was produced (made) by humans.

Watch this short video on air pollution. It will tell you more about natural and human causes of pollution.

On your blog, share three new things that you learned about air pollution from this video.

1. Climate change increases smog, rises in mould, more in pollen.
2. Smog is one type of air pollution which makes visibility less. Smog is divided into two parts, Sulfurous and Photochemical.
3. One type of air pollution is toxic pollutants, which makes health problems and environmental effects.

Activity 2: Changing Climates [4 points]

Over the past decade, the climate in New Zealand (and around the world) has been changing. In fact, the climate has been getting warmer and warmer. While many of us like warm weather, climate change is not good news. Higher temperatures can cause glaciers to melt (leading to flooding) and increase the amount of rain that falls.

Here in New Zealand, we have noticed the change. In fact, we sometimes have torrential (huge) rain storms causing flooding, landslides and road closures. When it starts to rain really hard, Aronui and I usually hide out in our lounge and play games like Yahtzee, Monopoly and Uno. If it rains all day, we will also spend some time reading, watching movies and baking.

What about you? What do you like to do on a rainy day?  

On your blog, tell us about five things that you like to do when it is too rainy to go outside.

1. Play board games
2. Watch TV
3. Play games
4. Watch some videos
5. Do some of my badges - Maths and Science

Activity 3: Let It Rain [10 points]

Over the past few decades, we have seen an increase in the amount of rain that falls here in New Zealand. We are lucky, however, that most of the rain that falls is regular rainwater and not polluted acid rain. Acid rain is rain that has bad chemicals (pollutants) in it. When acid rain hits the ground it can enter the water system, killing plants and animals. Click here to learn more about acid rain.

Let’s imagine that New Zealand was hit by a massive acid rain storm. Acidic rain fell for three days and three nights. When the rain fell, you stayed inside with your friends and family. When it stopped, however, you and your family decided to go for a walk outside. You opened the door and...

On your blog, write a short story about what happened when you opened the door and walked outside after the acid rain storm. To earn full points, you must write a story that is 8 – 10 sentences long.


Finally, the acid rainstorm had ended, I was happy, but sad at the same time because it harms the animals and plants. We had decided to go outside for a walk with our family and friends. I had opened the door and there were some drops falling just one step ahead of me. I decided not to go outside. I just wanted a nice warm sunny day, rather than a bad stormy day. We played board games, watched TV and did more fun indoor activities. We hoped that it would be a sunny day as soon as possible.

For the rest of the week, the sun wasn't coming up, we wanted the sun to come and go outside for a walk. After a few days later, the sun had come out, we were celebrating and wanted to go outside for a walk at the park. It was a fun time, and we hoped that the acid rainstorm will never come again.