Māori history & sexuality

What impression do you get about Māori history and sexuality from your chosen text?

From the text I have read I now have the impression that Māori people had different ideas about relationships than Europeans did.

This text has made me think about how people from different cultures can have different beliefs and ways of living.

What is something you found interesting about your chosen text?

I found that Māori people were more relaxed about relationships to be really interesting because it was different from what Europeans believed.

I was shocked to read that European explorers were surprised by Māori customs because they were very different from their own.

What stood out to me the most was how European ideas changed Māori life. This was because it showed how cultures can affect each other.

How does reading/hearing your chosen text change your view of Māori history and sexuality?

After reading my chosen text, my opinion has changed due to learning that Māori and Europeans had different beliefs about relationships.

Although informative, my opinion has changed because I did not know Māori had different customs before Europeans arrived.

What are some different attitudes and values related to sexuality that are talked about in the text?

Two attitudes and values that connect to what the text says about Māori beliefs about sexuality are that relationships were seen as normal and people were not judged as much.

Two attitudes and values that connect to what the text says about European beliefs about sexuality are that marriage was very important and there were stricter rules about relationships.

From what you have read, how might the Hauora of Māori have been impacted with the arrival of European settlers?

When the Europeans arrived in New Zealand the Hauora of Māori may have changed due to new beliefs and rules being introduced. This is because Māori had to adjust to a different way of life.

The Taha Hinengaro of Māori may have changed when the Europeans arrived due to people feeling confused or worried about the changes.

Although uncertain, the Hauora of Māori may have changed because some new things were helpful, but some traditional Māori customs were lost.

Egg Parachute Blog Post

Aim

In this experiment we were trying to figure out how long it takes for egg parachutes with designs to reach the ground. We were looking at the physics of air resistance and mass.

Method

First we thought about what our parachute should look like.

Then we got all the things we needed to make our parachute.

These things were:

* bag

* String

* Tape

* Cup

* Bubble Wrap

* Cotton

After we made our parachute we went outside. Dropped it.

We used a stop watch to time how long it took for the parachute to hit the ground.

Results

My egg was okay it did not break.

It took my egg 1.5 seconds to hit the ground.

Discussion

Some egg parachutes fell faster than others. This was because they were sizes, shapes and weights.. Also because of air resistance. The bigger parachutes made air resistance so they went slower. The heavier or smaller parachutes fell faster because the earth was pulling them down and there was not much air resistance.

There were two forces acting on the parachute. One was the earth pulling down. The other was air resistance pushing up. These forces were not equal when the parachute was going faster or slower while it was falling.

Conclusion

If I did this experiment again I would make my egg parachute bigger and lighter. This would make air resistance and slow down the egg more. Overall this experiment helped me understand how egg parachutes work and how forces affect things that are falling. I learned a lot, about egg parachutes and air resistance and mass.

Drawing in Pairs

Drawing in Pairs

Today in class we played a game called Drawing in Pairs.

The game was simple to set up  we sat back-to-back with a partner, each with our own paper and pencil. The reason we sat back-to-back was so we couldn’t see each other’s drawings.

One person drew a simple picture and had to describe it out loud without actually showing it. The other person had to listen carefully and try to recreate the drawing based only on the description. The goal was to see how close the second drawing was to the original just by using communication skills. Sometimes the drawer was allowed to ask questions, and sometimes they weren’t allowed to speak at all, which made it even more challenging!

This activity connected to all four areas of Hauora.

Taha tinana (physical wellbeing): I had to use my senses especially listening, looking, and using my hands to draw carefully.

Taha whānau (social wellbeing): The game helped me improve my communication and teamwork skills because I had to work closely with my partner and listen properly.

Taha hinengaro (mental and emotional wellbeing): I found it really funny when the drawings didn’t turn out how they were supposed to. It made the activity enjoyable and kept the mood positive.

Taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing): I showed respect by listening carefully and trying my best throughout the activity.

 

 

Whare building

Build a Whare Tapa Whā
Explain what the activity was that you participated in

Today we played Build a Whare Tapa Whā. This game is based on the Māori health model developed by Sir Mason Durie. This model compares hauora (wellbeing) to a whare (house) with four walls. Each wall represents a different part of our wellbeing.

The way you play the game is by working in teams to build a “whare.” Each wall represents a different area of hauora (taha tinana, taha hinengaro, taha whānau, taha wairua). To build each wall, you have to complete physical or thinking challenges, like the hoops challenge. If your team works well together and completes the tasks, your whare becomes strong and balanced.

Some of the rules of this game are:

Everyone must participate and be included.

You must follow instructions for each challenge.

You have to work cooperatively as a team.

You cannot knock down other teams’ “whare.”

Fair play and respect are important at all times.

Which areas of hauora were affected?

The areas of hauora that were affected by participating in Build a Whare Tapa Whā were:

Taha tinana (physical wellbeing)

Taha hinengaro (mental and emotional wellbeing)

Taha whānau (social wellbeing)

Taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing)

How were the areas of your hauora affected?

My taha tinana was positively affected because I exercised my body in the hoops challenge, which improved my fitness and coordination.

My taha hinengaro was positively affected because I had to think carefully about strategies and communicate effectively with my team. This helped me stay focused and positive.

My taha whānau was positively affected because I collaborated with my classmates, supported others, and felt a sense of belonging with my group.

My taha wairua was positively affected because I felt proud of my team and connected with the meaning of the Whare Tapa Whā model, which is about Māori culture and values.

Applying Other Key Concepts

The key concept of PIS (Personal Identity and Self-Worth) was shown because it helped me feel confident and proud of what I did for my team. This increased my self-esteem.

The key concept of relationships was relevant because we needed to communicate respectfully and support one another.

There are also short-term effects, such as feeling tired after the activity, and long-term effects, like developing teamwork skills and understanding hauora concepts better.

Social Justice (Fairness, Inclusiveness, Non-Discrimination)

The social justice value of fairness was shown because everyone had an equal chance to take part in the challenges.

The value of inclusiveness was shown because no one was left out, and everyone contributed to the construction of the whare.

The value of non-discrimination was shown because everyone was treated with respect, no matter their level of ability.

Participation Reflection

I did participate in today’s activity. I gave my best in the challenges, supported my teammates, and remained actively involved throughout.

Hoops Challenge Reflection

I have been doing quite well in the hoops challenge.

The reasons for this are that I listened carefully, worked on my coordination, and stayed focused.

I can improve by speaking clearly to my teammates and moving confidently.

Definitions of Other Key Concepts

PIS (Personal Identity and Self-Worth): This refers to how you see yourself and how much value and confidence you have in who you are.

Social Justice: This refers to making sure that everyone is treated fairly, equally, and with respect, without discrimination.

Short-term and Long-term:

Short-term refers to something that happens soon and does not last long.

Long-term refers to something that happens over time and can have lasting effects.

Consequence: The result or outcome of an action or decision.

Here is a photo of my whare tapa whā

Nga mihi

Yazmin-Rose Johns

 

🍓Strawberry DNA Extraction🍓

🍓 Strawberry DNA Extraction – A Simple Look Inside Life
🧪 Aim of This Experiment

The purpose of this experiment was to successfully extract DNA from a strawberry so that we could observe genetic material with our own eyes. DNA is usually microscopic, but strawberries are great for this experiment because:

They are octoploids (they have 8 copies of each chromosome), which means they have lots of DNA!

They are soft and can easily be mashed.

It is easy and safe to do in a school lab.

This experiment will help us realize that DNA is real, tangible material, not just something we learn about in school.

🔬 Method of DNA Extraction
🥣 Step 1: Mash the Strawberry

Put one strawberry in a zip-lock bag.

Take out the air and seal the bag.

Mash the strawberry gently for 2-3 minutes until it is a smooth paste.

Why?
Mashing the strawberry breaks open the cell walls and cell membranes, spilling out the contents.

🧂 Step 2: Add Extraction Solution

Pour the extraction solution (water, dish soap, and salt) into the mashed strawberry.

Mix gently for 1-2 minutes.

Why?

The dish soap breaks down the cell and nuclear membranes.

The salt helps to clump the DNA together by neutralizing its charge.

🧃 Step 3: Filter the Mixture

 

Pour the mixture through a coffee filter into a clear cup or beaker.

Let the liquid (filtrate) collect below.

Why?
Filtering the mixture removes solid parts like seeds and pulp, leaving the DNA in the liquid solution.

Step 4: Add Cold Alcohol

Slowly pour cold ethanol or isopropyl alcohol down the side of the cup.

Do not mix.

Look for a white, stringy substance forming between the layers.

Use a stick to spool the DNA.

Why?
DNA does not dissolve in cold alcohol, so it precipitates (comes out of solution) and appears as white strands.

💬 Discussion
✅ Two Things I Learnt From This Experiment

DNA is a physical substance.
Before this experiment, DNA appeared abstract. Observing it as a white, stringy material made it seem real and tangible.

Simple household items can uncover complex biology.
Household items such as dish soap and salt can break down cells and help isolate something as valuable as DNA.

🌍 Three Real-Life Applications of DNA Extraction

Forensic Science
DNA is extracted from blood, hair, or saliva to aid in crime-solving and the identification of suspects.

Medical Research
Physicians extract DNA to test for genetic disorders, inherited conditions, and certain cancers.

Agriculture and Food Science
Scientists extract DNA to:

Breeding disease-resistant crops

Identifying genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

Enhancing plant breeding programs

🧠 Conclusion

This experiment has proved that DNA is found in all living organisms and that it is possible to extract it using simple scientific methods. By bursting open cells and separating their contents, we can reveal the code of life that determines the properties of a strawberry – and all living things.

A strawberry, for example, is so small, yet it contains the code of life within it! 🍓

Fitness and Nutrition

What is the definition of fitness?

Physical fitness is one’s ability to execute daily activities with optimal performance, endurance, and strength with the management of sickness, tiredness, and stress and reduced sedentary behaviour.

 

what are 4 facts about nutrients?

four facts about nutrients

They are vital for health:

Proper nutrition is linked to a stronger immune system, healthy growth and development, and less of a risk of developing really bad sicknesses like heart disease and certain cancers like bowel cancer, liver/gallbladder cancer and kidney cancer. 

Food labels and sources matter:
The Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods gives you important information about the nutrients they contain. It is generally best to get your nutrients from a diverse diet of whole foods, as extra cannot replace the complex mix found in food.
 Nutrients are broadly categorised:

There are carbohydrates, protein, and fat that provide the bulk of your energy and building blocks, and vitamins and minerals that are needed for your body to work properly. 

Nutrient needs are essential:

The body needs certain nutrients, like protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals, to do basic tasks, and it cannot produce enough of them on its own, so they must come from food. 

How does vaping harm our Taha Tinana?

Lung irritation and damage:

Inhaling anything other than clean air causing a swelling response in the lungs. The chemicals in vape aerosol can upset the airways, leading to symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath and even a risk of a heart attack. 

Based on the diet you chose, what are 2 things you learnt?

The Western diet is bad for nutrition because it is high in processed foods, refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and salt, while being low in essential nutrients like fibre, vitamins, and minerals. This combination increases the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive impairments.

Give an example of what you could eat in each situation and the best time to eat the meal;

HIIT or Team Sport Activity:
I would eat chicken, rice, and some veggies or maybe a banana smoothie with oats. It gives me lots of energy for running around. I’d eat it about 2 hours before I play so I don’t get a sore stomach.

First Meal of the Day (Before School):
For breakfast, I’d have toast with peanut butter and a piece of fruit, or cereal with milk. I’d eat it not long after I wake up so I can focus better at school and not feel tired.

Low Intensity Exercise (Walk or Yoga):
If I’m just going for a walk or doing yoga, I’d have something light like a smoothie or yogurt with berries. I’d eat it maybe half an hour before or after because I don’t need heaps of energy.

Long Distance Run (10km+):
If I had to do a long run, I’d eat porridge with banana and honey, or pasta the night before. Then maybe toast with jam before I go. I’d eat a big meal a few hours before and a snack right before, then something with protein after to help me recover.

 

The Boat Incident

Your task is to write a short story:
You were on a cruise with friends but your ship hit a hidden rock and sank. Your life-boat has seven survivors in it but can realistically only take four because of room and supplies. Rescue is a week away – at least. Write a story about how only four people survive. Were the three murdered? Did they sacrifice themselves? Did it happen at once or over a few tales? Is this a mystery story, a horror, a comedy of errors… or a romance?
Quick Plan
Names of 4 survivors.
Names of 3 victims.
How each victim dies.

 

On the 25th of August, 1917, seven close friends—Bob, Karen, Louise, Albert, Edith, Billy, and John—set off from New York City in a minivan, full of excitement for their upcoming adventure. They were heading to board a grand cruise ship called The Atlantic Star, which was bound for Europe. The journey began smoothly, with the group enjoying music, laughter, and ocean sunsets, completely unaware of the disaster that awaited them.
Disaster struck on the third night at 4:37am when a German U-boat launched a surprise torpedo at the ship. The explosion tore through the hull, throwing passengers into chaos. As the ship sank quickly, the seven friends managed to escape together onto a small emergency raft boat. But the ocean was merciless. Albert was fatally injured by falling debris while helping a stranger board the raft. Edith, terrified and exhausted, slipped into the water and drowned during the night. Billy gave up his spot to an injured woman and was lost to the waves.
By morning, only four remained: Bob, who clung tightly to the side of the raft all night; Karen, who wrapped herself in soaked blankets to keep warm; Louise, who kept everyone calm with her strength and steady voice; and John, who helped keep the raft steady through the storm. Though they survived, they would carry the memories—and the weight of their friends’ sacrifices—with them forever.

Vanitas Painting

Choose one or two objects and research their symbolic meaning in Vanitas paintings.

I have chosen to research the Rotten Fruit and the Jewellery or Clothing. 

 

Rotten fruit:

Rotten fruit have a meaning on Ageing and the passing of time. Mature fruits mean fertility and wealth, due to the abundance of being able to let fruit go rotten. Different fruits have different connotations, such as apples, tomatoes, grapes, peaches and pears meaning the fall of man, whereas apples and peaches, as well as figs and plums have erotic symbolism.

 

Jewellery or Clothing

Jewellery or Clothing have a meaning on the temporal nature of beauty, and the sin of narcissism. The symbolise the transience of the beauty of the body and the nature of wisdom in human life. Earthly riches are important in life, but soon mean little once life is over. They also tell of the traditions and cultures of life at the time of the painting, placing the work in a clear sense of history.

Sheep Heart Dissection- Biology

🫀 Heart Dissection Blog – By Yazmin

Observation:
Today, we dissected a sheep heart to learn more about how the human heart works, since sheep hearts are very similar to ours. The heart felt firm and muscular. It had many chambers, tubes, and stringy bits inside.

Question:
How many vein and artery holes are there, and what are the stringy “things” inside the heart?

Hypothesis:
I think the stringy things help control blood flow and keep the heart valves in place. The holes are probably where the blood enters and leaves the heart.

Experiment:
When we looked at the heart closely, we found four main holes – two for veins and two for arteries. These included:

  • Pulmonary artery

  • Aorta

  • Vena cava

  • Pulmonary vein

Inside the heart, we found stringy white cords. These are called chordae tendineae, and they connect the heart valves to the walls of the heart. They looked like little ropes and felt tough and stretchy.

Analysis:
The chordae tendineae are super important because they help keep the heart valves from flipping backward when the heart pumps. This makes sure blood flows in the right direction.

Conclusion:
The dissection helped me understand how the heart works, and how each part plays a role in keeping blood flowing properly. It was cool (and a little gross) to see how strong and detailed the heart is.