Kai – Social Studies

Hello everyone, welcome back to my blog. This week, my class has been learning about kai, which means food in Māori culture. We read stories and articles exploring the fascinating history and various aspects of kai, which I found incredibly interesting.

 

What is Kai?Kai Waho | Maori Cuisine, Cultural & Wilderness Experience

Kai refers to food in the Māori language, and it’s not just about what we eat, it’s a significant part of Māori culture and identity. Kai surrounds traditional foods such as kumara (sweet potato), fish, bird, and native plants that have been gathered for generations. It reflects the connection to the land and sea, highlighting the importance of sustainability and respect for nature in Māori customs.

 

How Do Māori Cook Their Kai?

Let's Cook Some Maori “Kai“. New Zealand's indigenous people — the… | by Slobodan Plavsic | New Zealand thoughts | Medium

 

Māori have unique cooking methods that are deeply rooted in their traditions. One popular method is cooking food in an earth oven called a hangi. In a hangi, a pit is dug in the ground, heated with hot stones, and then covered with food wrapped in leaves. This method ensures that the food is steamed and infused with the flavours of the earth, creating a delicious and unique taste.

 

Interesting Aspects of Kai in Māori Culture

What I find particularly interesting about kai in Māori culture is the emphasis on community and sharing. When a meal is prepared, gathering family and friends to enjoy the kai together is common. This act of sharing food symbolises love, respect, and the bonds between people. Additionally, many traditional recipes have been passed down through generations, preserving not only the flavours but also the stories and traditions that come with them.

 

Reflection

During my concentration on these activities and the reading of the articles, I discovered new information that expanded my understanding significantly. I enjoyed the tasks presented, finding them both challenging and rewarding. The level I chose was comfortable as I chose the stage legend, which made the learning process all the more engaging.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my learning about kai has opened my eyes to the rich cultural significance of food in Māori society. It’s not just about nutrition, it’s about community, history, and connection to the earth. I’m excited to continue exploring this topic and sharing what I learn with you all. Below, I’ve included my information poster about what I’ve learned about Kai.

Task

Thanks for reading

Shreeya

Energy in a catapult – Science Class

Hello everyone, and welcome back to my blog. Today, we continued learning about energy. In this class, we were focusing on how rubber bands can store and release energy when launched. Our exciting project involved building catapults using various materials like popsicle sticks, spoons, and rubber bands, allowing us to see these energy principles in action. Each design choice affected how far and powerfully our catapults could launch objects, highlighting the fascinating interplay between potential and kinetic energy. I encourage you to try this fun experiment at home. It’s a great way to combine creativity with learning. I can’t wait to hear about your experiences and the impressive designs you come up with.

Aim: To make a catapult that uses electric and kinetic energy.

Materials:

  • Popcical Stick (7)
  • Rubber bands (at least 5)
  • Spoon (1)
  • Cotton ball (If you don’t have any available, you can make a small ball by crumbling some paper.)
  • Small open area (One square meter will do it. It should be a sturdy flat surface, such as a table or floor.)
  • Optional: Markers to decorate your popsicle sticks.

Steps

1. Prepare the Base: Take 6 popsicle sticks and stack them horizontally on top of each other. Ensure they are aligned properly for stability.

2. Secure the Sides: Use rubber bands to secure both ends of the stacked sticks. Wrap the rubber bands tightly around the ends to hold the sticks firmly in place.

3. Add the Arm: Take another popsicle stick and place it vertically on top of the stack, making sure it’s centred. This will serve as the arm of your catapult.

4. Cross-Lock It: Use two rubber bands to create an ‘X’ shape around the vertical stick and the horizontal stack. This will add extra support and stability to your catapult arm.

5. Attach the Spoon: Position a plastic spoon in the middle of the vertical stick. Ensure the bowl of the spoon is facing upwards.

6. Secure the Spoon: Use a rubber band to attach the spoon securely to the stick. Wrap the band around the spoon’s handle and the catapult arm for stability.

7. Catapult Complete: Your catapult is now assembled and ready for action! Enjoy launching small objects safely.

Thanks for reading,

Shreeya

Energy – Science Class

Hello, welcome back to my blog. Today in science, we were learning about energy. In this blog post, you will get an understanding of energy. Today I learnt new things which I really enjoyed, I loved learning about the kinetic Energy and potential energy. Enjoy!

 

What is energy?

Energy is the ability to do work. This means the ability to make something move against a force. Energy is not a physical thing, it is carried and passed from one object to another.

Unit

Energy is measured in joules (J).

 

Renewable Energy –

  • Sun
  • Water/Hydro
  • Wind
  • Waves

Non-Renewable Energy –

  • Oil
  • Coal
  • Gas

Where do we get energy from

  •  The sun
  • All plants
  • Fossil fuels and food

How does energy behave?                      

Energy can be energy, but it cannot ever be…                         

  • Used up
  • Created or destroyed

Energy can be…

  • Stored
  • Transferred from objects
  • Adeed to an object
  • Taken away from an object
  • Changed into another form

Energy comes in two forms

Potential energy: Energy stored in an object – it is not yet active

Kinetic energy: Energy of a moving object

Food energy is only released when it is eaten

 

Energy Changes

Examples –

  • Making toast ( electrical to heat )
  • Riding a bike ( chemical to kinetic )
  • Wind farm ( kinetic to electrical)

My Examples –

– Kinetic Energy:

  • Motion energy
  • Radiant Energy
  • Sound Energy

– Potential Energy:

  • Chemical Energy
  • Nuclear Energy
  • Gravitational potential energy

Thanks for reading my blog post. I hope you understood what I was learning about today in science.

Thanks,

Shreeya

First Day of Drama – Drama Class

Hey everyone, welcome back to my blog. Today in drama class, we had a task where we explored the concept of manaakitanga, along with different types of drama and games. I really enjoyed learning about these topics, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts with you. I hope you find my insights helpful and that they give you a clearer picture of what we’ve been learning in class.

What do people do in drama?

In drama, they act out stories and bring characters to life. This can include performing scenes from scripts, improvising, and exploring different emotions. They also work with other actors to create something special, using their voices, bodies, and imaginations.

What is drama?

Drama is a type of storytelling that is performed by actors on stage. It can be funny, serious, or even a little bit of both. Drama allows us to explore different situations and feelings through performances, helping us understand ourselves and others better.

What is Manākitanga?

Manākitanga is a Māori word that means hospitality and kindness. It’s all about how we treat people with respect and care. When we practice Manākitanga, we make others feel welcome and valued, whether that’s in our everyday lives or in group activities like drama.

How to use Manākitanga in drama?

To use Manākitanga in drama, we can:

1. Be Supportive: Encourage each other and help fellow actors feel comfortable on stage.
2. Listen Well: Pay attention to others’ ideas and contributions during rehearsals.
3. Be Respectful: Treat everyone with kindness, valuing their backgrounds and experiences.
4. Work Together: Collaborate on creating the performance, sharing responsibilities and celebrating everyone’s uniqueness.
5. Share Kindness: Spread positivity, whether it’s through words of encouragement or by helping each other improve.

Why games?

 – They help groups to work together for a shared goal 

– They encourage a sense of playfulness and creativity 

– They are physical and interactive 

– They appeal to kinesthetically inclined learners 

– They develop communication skills 

– They boost confidence 

– They foster presentation and performance skills 

– They help people learn in ways that are enjoyable and memorable 

– They promote a playful atmosphere where there is no concept of failure

Thanks for reading my blog post

Shreeya

Burj Khalifa – Social Studies

Hello everyone. Welcome back to my blog. This week in social studies, for a couple of periods, we had an exciting project where we learned about different manmade landmarks from around the world. There were so many incredible options to choose from, but the one that truly fascinated me was the Burj Khalifa.

Standing tall in the heart of Dubai, the Burj Khalifa is not just any building, it’s the tallest structure in the world. At a height of 828 meters, it’s an architectural wonder that symbolises modern engineering and innovation.

As I researched this remarkable skyscraper, I discovered interesting facts that made me appreciate it even more. For instance, it took six years to build, from 2004 to 2010, and it involved thousands of workers from different countries. The design of the building was inspired by Islamic architecture, and it features a unique triple-lobed footprint, which resembles a desert flower.

One of the coolest things about the Burj Khalifa is its observation deck on the 148th floor. This deck is the highest in the world, offering stunning scenic views of the city and beyond. Imagine standing up there and looking out at the sprawling desert and the Arabian Gulf.

Not only does the Burj Khalifa serve as a tourist attraction, but it also houses luxury apartments, offices, and even a hotel. The building is a testament to what human creativity and determination can achieve. It’s a symbol of progress and inspiration for future generations.

 

Task –

Our task was to research a landmark and add some detail to it.

 

Reflection –

I thought this activity was fun and interesting to know about. Not only do we get to know more about a specific manmade landmark, but we can also research some interesting facts. The only difficult thing for me is to find a proper and trusted site to take the information from, because not all information is true!

Thanks for reading,

Shreeya

Salsa Dance – Dance Class

Hello everyone, welcome back to my blog. Today, I will be discussing salsa dance, what it is, its origins, and various customs associated with it, etc. In today’s dance class, we watched a video featuring different dances from various cultures, which was fascinating to see. From those options, I have chosen to focus on the salsa dance style.

What is Salsa? –

Beginners Basic Steps to Learn Salsa Dance — Steemit

Salsa is an energetic and lively dance style that combines a variety of rhythms and movements. It’s often performed in pairs, where one person leads and the other follows. Salsa dancing is characterised by quick footwork, smooth turns, and expressive body movements. One of the coolest things about Salsa is that it’s not just a dance, it’s a feeling. Dancers often showcase their personalities through the dance, adding their own spins and flair, which makes it a really fun and enjoyable experience.

 

Where is it from? –

The Caribbean Islands - World Tribune

Salsa has its roots in the Caribbean, particularly Cuba, but it has also been heavily influenced by other cultures, including African, Spanish, and even American jazz. The dance took shape in the vibrant streets of Havana in the early to mid-20th century. Over the years, it spread to other parts of Latin America and even to the United States, especially in cities like New York and Miami, where it evolved further.

 

How was Salsa dance made? –

The creation of Salsa dance developed over time as different musical genres influenced one another. Originally, Cuban son, mambo, and cha-cha were popular dance styles in Cuba. As these styles mixed with elements of jazz and other sounds in New York during the 1970s, the rhythm and dance of Salsa emerged. It was also during this time that Salsa music became popular, featuring a blend of catchy melodies, percussive elements, and vibrant horns. Dancers started to create new steps and formations, resulting in the dynamic and expressive style of Salsa we see today.

 

History of it –

The history of Salsa is rich and diverse, reflecting the cultural melting pot from which it originated. In the early 1900s, many Afro-Cuban and Spanish musicians began to blend traditional Cuban music with jazz, which was becoming popular in the U.S. This fusion of styles laid the groundwork for what would later become Salsa music. The rhythm and beats caught on quickly, leading to the birth of Salsa dance as dancers began to move and interpret the lively music.

 

As the genre gained popularity, Salsa dance evolved through various social movements and influences. In the 1960s and 1970s, it became a significant part of Latino culture, especially for communities in New York City. Social dance clubs thrived, where people of all ages would gather to dance the night away, creating a sense of community and celebrating cultural heritage. Salsa festivals and competitions began to pop up, showcasing incredible talent and helping to spread the love for this dance even further.

Costume –

Salsa Dance Costumes:

For Women: –

Dresses: Form-fitting and colourful, often featuring ruffles, sequins, or fringe for movement.

Skirts: Paired with fitted tops, usually short to allow for ease of movement.

Footwear: High-heeled dance shoes that provide support and style.

Accessories: Jewelry and hairpieces to enhance the outfit.

For Men: –

Shirts: Fitted, breathable fabric shirts, short or long-sleeved.

Pants: Tailored pants that allow for easy movement.

Footwear: Specialised low-heeled dance shoes for comfort and grip. Salsa costumes are vibrant and expressive, reflecting the lively spirit of the dance while ensuring comfort and mobility on the dance floor!

Videos –

 

Over time, Salsa has continued to adapt, incorporating new styles and influences while maintaining its roots. Today, you can find multiple styles of Salsa, including Cuban Salsa (also known as Casino), LA-style, and New York-style, each with its unique flair. Salsa remains a popular dance worldwide, bringing people together to share the joy of movement and music.

Thanks for reading

Shreeya

Dentistry – Science Class

Hello everyone, welcome to my blog about Dentistry. In this blog post, I will be writing what I did for science class today.

Dental Forensics or the Teeth can Tell

Forensic dentists assist in crime solving by studying teeth and teeth impressions. Dental records are often used to identify people. Because teeth are one of the hardest substances in the human body, they are frequently well preserved. Dental x-rays or records showing fillings, position of teeth, etc., can help forensic dentists find a match of teeth to the individual. Eighty percent of the time, teeth are used to identify unknown victims.

Aim: To analyse the impressions made by teeth.

Equipment:

  1. Styrofoam
  2. Scissors
  3. Pen/Pencil

Steps:

  1. Take the wedge of the styrofoam plate and place it in your mouth between your teeth
  2. But down on the styrofoam plate
  3. Remove them from your mouth
  4. Label one side the top and the other side the bottom teeth
  5. Study the teeth impressions

Findings:

Top Teeth – 6

Bottom Teeth – 7

What other characteristics of the impressions do you notice? One missing, it flat from the bottom and from the top.

Top Teeth Impressions: They are spaced out, there is one gap on the styrofoam, but not in my teeth in my mouth.

Compare the top teeth impressions to the bottom: The top teeth are more spread out than the bottom

Bottom Teeth impressions: There are 7 teeth at the bottom, and they are flat.

Are there teeth missing, spaces. chips, etc.?: I don’t have any missing teeth but in the styrfoam there is a space missing in the top part but not at the bottom.

 

Questions:

  1. How many teeth does an adult have? – 32 teeth
  2. How many teeth does a child have? – 20 baby teeth
  3. Why are teeth used for forensic records? – It is used to identify a deceased victim in forensic examinations.
  4. What are 3 things that forensic dentists use teeth for? – Estimate the age, analyse bite marks, identification of human remains.
  5. When were dental records first used? – 1962 during the Salem Witch Trials

Thanks for reading,

Shreeya

Final Blog Post – Dance Class

Hello everyone, welcome back to my blog. I’m excited to share my final post about dance for 2025. After considering my options, I decided to go with the Legend level because I believe it fits where I am right now. In this post, I want to explore the concept of manaakitanga, discuss the role of dance in musicals, share some fun experiences, and reflect on what I’ve learned throughout this journey. I hope you find my last blog post enjoyable and informative.

 

What is Manaakitanga?

Manaakitanga is a Maori concept that emphasizes hospitality, kindness, and respect for others. It’s about taking care of each other and ensuring everyone feels welcome and valued. In the context of dance, manaakitanga can be expressed through teamwork and support among dancers, encouraging an environment where everyone feels safe to express themselves. It’s important to show respect to our peers and teachers, and to create a space where everyone can thrive.

 

How Can We Use Manaakitanga in Dance?

In dance, we can use manaakitanga by helping each other improve and celebrating our individual strengths. This might mean giving constructive feedback, offering encouragement during rehearsals, or simply being kind to one another. By fostering a supportive atmosphere, we create a community that uplifts everyone involved. Whether it’s during practice or performances, showing respect for our fellow dancers helps us all shine brighter together.

 

Dance in musicals

Dance in musicals is a vibrant and essential element that brings stories to life and enhances emotional expression. It combines movement, music, and acting to create engaging performances that captivate audiences. In musicals, dance serves not only as entertainment but also as a means of storytelling, helping characters convey their feelings and motivations. From lively choreography in upbeat numbers to graceful movements in more emotional scenes, dance adds a dynamic layer to the production, making it memorable and enjoyable for everyone watching.

What I Learned –

Throughout this dance journey, I discovered an overload of fun and exciting things. One of the most memorable experiences was playing games like the detective game and participating in “thethar sports,” which were great for bonding with my team. I also learned about different dance styles, which expanded my understanding of movement and expression. Additionally, I gained insights into the various elements of performance, such as costumes, wigs, shoes, and the backstage area. Understanding these components has made me appreciate the hard work that goes into putting together a production. One of the most enjoyable exercises we did was the Waka Waka. In this activity, a group of four of us tried to mimic some dancers on a screen. Although my team didn’t quite get it right, the boys in the group managed to pull it off. It was hilarious and taught us to have fun even when things don’t go as planned. I also developed skills in cat dances, which involved learning different movements specific to feline themes. It was both fascinating and enjoyable. Each new dance we practiced opened my mind to different forms of expression and creativity. As I wrap up this blog, I want to thank everyone who has been part of my dance journey. Dancing has taught me so much about teamwork, creativity, and the importance of kindness. I hope you enjoyed reading my posts this year, and I look forward to what the next chapter holds.

 

2nd task –

  1. Find 3 video examples of a dance style and insert it on your blog.
  2.  Choose a dancer of a dance style/genre.  Present your research on a poster in canva and include illustrations or pictures.

 

  1.  Ballet

 

2.

Thanks for reading

Bye,

Shreeya

The Case of the Barefoot Burglar – Science Class

Kia Ora everyone, welcome back to my blog. Today in science we were solving a crime scene which included 4 suspects and a place. It was very fun finding the different clues using forensic science, as what I mean we used their height, fingerprints, footprints, teeth if they bit something and more. It was very interesting and fun to lear about . In this blog post as a class each one of us had to write down our answers of who it was. Here is my evidence.

Link to task

Evidence:

Now, let me share my thoughts on who I think the culprit is based on the evidence we found.

I believe Dan the Man is the main suspect in this case. Here’s why: his fingerprints perfectly match those found at the scene, and he is the only one with whorl fingerprints, which is pretty unique. Dan claims that he was out in the woods gnawing on wood to practice his survival skills, which sounds a bit suspicious to me. When they found him, he was wearing a wool general’s uniform that had some holes in it, hinting at his unusual activities.

 

Not to mention, his teeth look kind of like a beaver. His wife said she can never keep baking soda in the house because Dan is obsessed with using it to get rid of the mothball smell from his clothes. He even stuffs his pockets with it. Plus, she mentioned that her giant chocolate kisses keep disappearing from the candy cupboard.

I think it’s pretty clear that Dan the Man is our suspect. What do you all think? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for reading, this is all I had to talk about

Shreeya

Footprints – Science Class

Kia Ora everyone, welcome back to my blog. I’m really excited to share today’s topic with you all. In our science class, we’re diving into the fascinating world of forensic science, particularly focusing on footprints and how they can play a crucial role in solving crimes. This subject is super relevant in today’s world where understanding evidence is key to justice.

As we wrap up this term, I think it’s a perfect time to explore this subject in depth. Forensic science isn’t just about what you see in TV shows and movies, it involves a lot of scientific principles and methods. Today, in this blog post, we’re going to structure our discussion like scientists do, using the scientific method.

Footprints

To determine the height of a criminal the feet can be used.

15% of a criminal’s height is the size of their feet.

 

Scientific Method:

Aim: To use forensic science techniques to measure the height of a criminal.

Materials: 

1. Paper

2. Pencil/Pen

3. Ruler

4. Scissors

5. Glue Stick

Steps:

  1. Take off your shot and place it in the middle of the paper
  2. Grab a pencil and trace around your shoe making the border of it
  3. Cut it out and measure your foot in (cm)
  4. Then go on your calculator and type this (your loot length÷.15) then click enter
  5. You will find out your height (enjoy).

 

Thank you for reading my blog.

Thanks,

Shreeya