Tag: Social Studies

Waitangi || Social Studies ( Titan )

Hello everyone, welcome to my first blog of 2026. Today I had social studies, and I have this wonderful teacher, Mrs Canton. My class BoT (9E) is learning about the Treaty of Waitangi, which is a very important agreement signed in 1840 between Māori chiefs and the British Crown. For my task, I had to explain three ways the celebration of Waitangi Day has changed or stayed the same over time. Over the years, some people have celebrated it more as a national holiday, while others use it as a time to remember problems and disagreements about the Treaty. In this blog, I will be sharing the task I had to complete.

Task –

Explain three ways the celebration of Waitangi Day has changed or/and stayed the same over time.

 

The First Waitangi Day (1934)
The first Waitangi Day celebration was in February 1934. It happened at two main places, the Treaty House grounds and near Te Tii marae. About 10,000 Māori attended, and the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, gave a speech calling the Treaty a sacred compact and talking about unity between Māori and Pākehā. He used the words He iwi tahi tātou (Now we are one people).

3 Ways the Celebration Changed

  1. From unity focus to also including protest and debate
  2. From one main meaning to many different meanings
  3. From a local event at Waitangi to a national day

 

3 Ways the Celebration Stayed the Same

  1. Waitangi is still the key place for ceremonies.
  2. The day focuses on the relationship between Māori and Pākehā.
  3. Māori culture remains central to the day.

Thanks for reading my first blog of this year,

I hope you found it informative,

Shreeya

Afghanistan to Aotearoa and Skiing in Afghanistan || Social Studies / Literacy

Hello everyone, and welcome back to my blog. Over the past two weeks, I have been working on a task about refugees. But before I tell you what I’ve learnt, let’s start with a basic question: What exactly is a refugee?

A refugee is a person who has been forced to leave their country because of war, violence, persecution, or a fear of harm. Refugees cannot safely return home and seek protection in another country. They leave everything behind to find safety, often facing many challenges along the way.

For my task, I really wanted to challenge myself, so I chose the ‘Titan’ level task. My first step was to read two  passages: ‘Afghanistan to Aotearoa’ and ‘Skiing in Afghanistan.’ After reading these, I completed a follow-up activity that helped deepen my understanding. One of the tasks was that I had to summarise passages by focusing on the who, what, when, why, where, and how of each article, and then craft a brief sentence highlighting the key information I gathered.

Next, my task was to create an informative piece of peel paragraph writing that included ‘From Afghanistan to Aotearoa’ and ‘Skiing in Afghanistan.’

These tasks and articles have taught me a lot about the challenges refugees face and the journeys they undertake.

 

Here is a question that I have to answer as part of one of my tasks.

What challenges do people face when they become refugees?

When people become refugees, they often face a range of daunting challenges that can deeply affect their lives and well-being. They may be forced to leave behind their homes, possessions, and even loved ones, thrust into unfamiliar environments where language barriers and cultural differences can make integration difficult. Access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, shelter, and healthcare is often limited, and refugees may experience trauma from both the events that caused them to flee and the uncertainty of their new situation. Discrimination, lack of legal protection, and difficulties finding employment or education opportunities further complicate their ability to rebuild their lives.

Some challenges they can also face are:

  • Loss of home and personal belongings
  • Difficulty accessing basic needs (food, water, shelter)
  • Language and cultural barriers
  • Emotional and psychological trauma
  • Limited job and education opportunities
  • Social discrimination and isolation
  • Uncertain legal status or lack of protection

Thanks, that’s all for my blog post today.

Shreeya

Chinese New Zealanders || Social Studies

Hello everyone, welcome back to my blog.

For the last two weeks of this term (weeks 1 and 2), I have been learning about Chinese New Zealanders. To start it off, we first had to choose either Ace Pro or Legend of Titan. I picked Titan, knowing that I could do it.

In my social studies class, my tasks were to:
1. Watch a video of Chinese teenagers talking about coming to Aotearoa.
2. Read about Chinese New Zealanders.
3. Complete our follow-up tasks related to the article (Step 2).

We also had to watch a video on how to write a PEEL paragraph. Then, we made a copy of two documents: one document discussed why parents should set a bedtime for their kids, and the second one compared the experience of coming to New Zealand in the past to now in 2025.

After completing both activities, we had to blog about our work.

In this blog post, I will be sharing my social studies work. I will explain what PEEL is and answer the question: Why do people decide to immigrate to Aotearoa?

Enjoy this blog! I hope you find it informative and learn something new today.

 

What is PEEL?

P: Point
  • It introduces the topic of the paragraph and states the main idea or argument clearly and concisely. 
E: Evidence/Example
  • This can include facts, statistics, quotes, or specific examples to prove the point. 
E: Explanation
  • It demonstrates your understanding and shows the reasoning behind your argument. 
L: Link
  • It either summarises the point, connects it back to the essay’s thesis, or provides a smooth transition to the next paragraph. 

 

Social Studies

This is my social studies task – Copy of Titan

 

Question

Why do people decide to immigrate to Aotearoa?

People decide to immigrate to Aotearoa for various reasons, but a common reason is the pursuit of better economic opportunities. New Zealand has a strong economy with a demand for skilled workers in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and agriculture, attracting immigrants looking for stable employment. Additionally, the country offers a high quality of life, including a robust healthcare system, excellent education, and a safe environment, which appeals to families seeking a better future for their children. Cultural diversity is also a significant draw, as Aotearoa embraces multiculturalism, allowing immigrants to maintain their traditions while integrating into society. Furthermore, many individuals relocate to escape political instability, persecution, or adverse living conditions in their home countries, finding in New Zealand a welcoming and peaceful environment. Overall, the combination of economic prospects, quality of life, and cultural acceptance makes Aotearoa an attractive destination for many immigrants.

 

That’s all for my blog

Thanks,

Shreeya

Protest and Change || Social Studies

Hello everyone, and welcome back to my blog. I’m excited to share what my class, AlT, has been learning about over the past week. We’ve been exploring the concept of protesting. For those unfamiliar with it, protesting is a public demonstration that expresses dissent or objection to specific policies, actions, or social issues. It’s a way for people to come together, often in a designated location, to advocate for change and increase awareness about the matters that matter to them.

Our recent task was particularly engaging and involved creating a poster that highlights a specific type of protest. We were required to outline what this protest is, why people choose this method, and whether it’s effective, essentially, does it truly work?

Protesting can take many forms, from peaceful marches and rallies to more unconventional methods like sit-ins or online advocacy. Each type serves a unique purpose and can resonate differently based on the audience. Through this project, we’ve not only learned about the mechanics of protests but also about their historical significance and their impact on society.

 

My Poster Task

Thanks for reading,

Shreeya

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

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

Have you ever been to the West Coast? – Social Studies Class

Hola everyone, welcome back to my blog. Today, I’m excited to share what my class has been up to recently. We’ve been diving into our pepeha and exploring some remarkable regions in Aotearoa, New Zealand. For our latest project, I chose to focus on the captivating West Coast and trust me, it was so much fun to learn about.

To start my research, I created a blooket, a super engaging quiz format. I gathered tons of information about the West Coast, including its stunning landscapes, unique climate, and even some fascinating facts about the local wildlife. After I put the quiz together, I shared it with my teacher, and guess what? Today, my classmates got to play it. It was fun watching everyone get involved and enjoyed answering the questions. I had a great time making it, and it felt awesome to see my friends and classmates having fun while learning.

In addition to the blooket, I also worked on a Canva presentation to showcase what I’d learned. I organized slides that covered key topics, like population stats, the region’s spectacular weather patterns, some cool cultural insights and more. It was so rewarding to see my hard work come together in a visually appealing way.

If any of you have had the chance to visit the West Coast, I’d love to hear about your experiences. What did you enjoy most about the region? Please drop your thoughts in the comments, I’m eager to learn from your insights and maybe even get inspired for future projects.

Task

 

 

Thanks for reading, and I can’t wait to share more with you soon.

Shreeya

Pepeha – Social Studies Class

Kia Ora everyone, and welcome back. Today in social studies class, we learnt about the concept of pepeha, an important part of our cultural identity. It was a rewarding experience to learn about the elements that make up a pepeha, which connects us to our land and our community. I found it particularly enjoyable because I was already familiar with my pepeha, which made everything feel a bit easier. It felt empowering to be able to confidently pronounce my awa (river) and maunga (mountain).

What’s a Pepeha? –

So, what exactly is a pepeha? A pepeha is a traditional Māori introduction that helps individuals express their identity and lineage. It usually includes the speaker’s name, the names of significant landmarks such as mountains (maunga) and rivers (awa), and often references their iwi (tribe) or hapū (sub-tribe). By sharing our pepeha, we connect with others, honor our roots, and foster a sense of belonging within our community. It’s a beautiful way to convey who we are and where we come from.

Task –

Today’s task was quite straightforward yet engaging. We started by watching a music video, which really set the tone for our creative work. Once we finished the video, we moved on to creating our pepeha online. This was a significant step, as it allowed us to express our identities and connections to the land.

After drafting our pepeha, we emailed the final version to ourselves for easy access later. The real fun began when we transformed our pepeha into a visual representation where I used Google Drawings. I took this opportunity to highlight and personalize my pepeha by incorporating meaningful images that reflect my heritage. I added pictures of the beautiful rivers and majestic mountains, as well as a specific location in New Zealand that holds a special place in my heart. Crafting this visual pepeha not only helped me connect more deeply with my roots but also made the entire process more enjoyable and creative.  (Create your own Pepeha) <- Click

Here is the video along with my Pepeha

What’s FACKTS? – Social Studies Class

Hello everyone, and welcome back to my blog. I hope you all have been doing well. Over the past few days, my class as been learning about a topic in our social studies class that I can’t wait to share with you all. Last Friday and again in Wednesday’s session, we explored the concept of FACKTS. Now, you might be wondering what FACKTS is and why it’s important, especially when it comes to mapping and understanding geography.

FACKTS is an acronym that helps us remember key components that are essential when interpreting maps, and these elements are crucial in our ability to analyze and discuss geographical information accurately. Each letter stands for a specific term and contributes to our overall understanding of mapping. I’ll break down what each part represents and why it’s helpful for anyone interested in geography or just wanting to get a better grasp on maps and their usage later.

We did a class talk and started to do the activities that were set by our teacher. We either had to pick, Ace, Pro, Legend or Titan. Last year we did this eact same activity and I clearly remembered what to do so I picked Titan. This activity of FACKTS gave me a refreshment of what it was. I knew what I was doing so I quickly started and already finished.

If any of you already know what FACKTS stands for, please share your thoughts in the comments below. Your thoughts are always welcome, and I’d love to see what you all think. Meanwhile, I’ll proceed to explain what FACKTS are and how they can improve our understanding of mapping.

DLO –

I just made a DLO to explain what FACKTS is all about. If you don’t know what FACKTS stands for or know about, don’t worry, this DLO breaks it down so you know what it is. It has info and is meant to help you understand why FACKTS is important for mapping.

Click to view

DLO Mapping using FACKTS

Video –

 

Task –

 

Reflection and Conclusion –

I found this task to be quite manageable, as I was already familiar with the necessary steps and requirements. It’s always best when you can confidently do a task, knowing you have the background knowledge to guide you through.

In this blog post, I aimed to share my understanding and provide valuable information that could benefit readers by engaging them. Finally, I appreciate your time in reading this post, and I genuinely hope it has provided you with useful information that you can apply to your learning of mapping.

Thanks,

Shreeya

Have you experienced an earthquake? – Social Studies

Exploring Earthquakes in New Zealand

Hello everyone, and welcome back to my blog.

This week in Social Studies, we’ve been learning about earthquakes in New Zealand, specifically the Christchurch earthquake. I found it fascinating to learn about the impact of this occasion, and I wanted to share what I’ve learned with you.

We started by using a PDF explaining what type the earthquake happened and where, also we watched a video that gave us a peek of what Christchurch was like before and after the earthquake. After that, we explored a fact file about the Christchurch earthquake, which was really informative.

One of the most interesting activities was creating earthquake safety tips. I used Canva to design my tips, which taught me the importance of being prepared for natural disasters. We also worked on some before and after activities, where I got to see how Christchurch changed after the earthquake. It was eye-opening to see how the city rebuilt and recovered over time.

Another activity I really enjoyed was the GeoNet activity. It was a simple yet fun way to learn more about earthquake data and how it’s tracked in New Zealand. We also read facts about the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, which deepened my understanding of the event.

Overall, I found the activities easy to follow and fun to complete. I hope you enjoy reading about what I’ve learned and that it gives you a better understanding of the Christchurch earthquake and the importance of earthquake preparation.

Links and Task

Conclusion

Learning about the Christchurch earthquake has been very interesting. It’s a reminder of how powerful nature can be and how important it is to stay prepared for natural disasters. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge from the activities, and I now feel more informed about the impact of earthquakes and the steps we can take to stay safe. I’m excited to continue learning more about natural events and how we can protect ourselves and our communities.

Thanks for visiting my blog, and I can’t wait to share more of my learning experiences with you soon.

Bye,

Shreeya