I am a student at in Uru Mānuka. In 2020 I was a year 9 and in 2021 I will be a year 10. This is a place where I will be able to share my learning with you. Please note....some work won't be edited - just my first drafts, so there may be some surface errors. I would love your feedback, comments, thoughts and ideas.
Aim: To see if there are any cars that drive above the set speed limit outside of school [HHS]
Method:
Measure the distance between 2 power poles = 50m
Time how long it takes a car to travel this distance.
Collect 10 times.
Calculate speed in m/s - convert to km/hr
Are there any speeders?
Person/ s needed:
"Flag Person" indicates when a car passes their pole
"Timer Person" starts when a car passes their pole and stops when indicated by "Flag Person".
"Writer Person" writes down the times
Speed
Car 1
Car 2
Car 3
Car 4
Car 5
Car 6
Car 7
Car 8
Car 9
Car 10
Average
Time (s)
04.69
3.59
4.50
4.40
5.40
4.15
6.09
3.77
3.43
5.02
4.504
m s-1
0.6
13.9
11.1
11.3
9.25
12
13.2
14.5
9.96
8.21
11.402
km hr-1
38.1
50
39.90
33.3
43.2
29.5
47.5
52.2
35.8
40.9
46.01
Conclusion: With the speed limit of 50kmph there was a singular car in the 10 measured to have gone above the speed limit. Though the tolerance could perhaps not acknowledge such with only 2kmph above the set speed. Through the investigation, we have discovered that the average speed of a car going past the school is around 46.01kmph or simply 46kmph which is under the speed limit. With the exception of 1, all were going at a relatively slow speed--in technicality, the vehicle which got 52 kmph was indeed speeding but not to an extent in which a worry would surface. Improving our measuring method could perhaps make the investigation more accurate, such as recording more vehicles and being more certain with the timing. Increasing the diversity of the cars could help this as well; bigger cars, older models, newer models and the likes. Using proper equipment will improve the individual accuracy of testing a car also. Other methods may include speed cameras, light detection, etc.
Green Peace--an international organisation dedicating work to preserve endangered species of animals. The 'Green Peace' helps prevent abuse of environments, increasing environmental awareness, at times confronting corporations as well as bodies of governments. The organisation was founded in the year of 1971 in British Colombia in opposition to the U.S. nuclear testing at Amchitka Island in Alaska. Quickly gathering support from many other ecologically-minded individuals who agrees to the goals and views of the said organisation. From such a point, it has begun to muster aid from many; helping to mobilize the public's opinion.
Since the creation of the organisation, it has set countless campaigns in response to the practices which puts the environment as well as certain species in danger. Seeking the protection of seals and whales from hunting, ceasing the discard of toxic wastes into the ocean; bringing an end to the usage of parts of the sea as nuclear testing sites. Through the decades of campaigns, missions and goals they have had several successes with their changes. the organisation has created many great impacts on many nations that alone many governments were not able to achieve.
Examples include as quoted: 2016:
2011: After the release of Greenpeace’s Dirty Laundry report, major clothing brands commit to eliminating discharges of hazardous chemicals from across their entire supply chains and products within 10 years.
After decades of campaign work, 85% of the forested area of the Great Bear Rainforest in B.C. is protected from industrial logging.
2016: After three years of tireless legal action, Clyde River Inuit – with the support of Greenpeace Canada – stopped seismic blasting – a dangerous oil exploration project that threatens the Canadian Arctic.
Continuing on the protection of the environment 'Green Peace' campaigns to end the flow of single-use plastic in our oceans. Confronting several big corporations to halt such plastic packaging. Working also on several serious threats that our oceans face through unsustainable fishing and the destruction of underwater habitats. The organisation has worked in the protection of oceans through sanctuaries. With a goal to protect the world's ocean which currently only has 2% protected. By 2030 they aim to protect 30% of the world's oceans. As quoted from the organisation "Scientists have a new rescue plan for our oceans: a global network of ocean sanctuaries that would put millions of square miles off limits to destructive industries. But to make that happen, governments must agree a strong Global Ocean Treaty at the United Nations. To do that, we need as many people as possible to show these decision-makers why ocean protection matters."
Memoir of the God of War is a book that I've started this week. similar to the previous books that I read, it is yet again a manwha. It was only last week that I've discovered this and read it, though it's still weekly updating. One of the best factors that make up the manwha is its ability to make its action sequence rewarding, there several foreshadowing in the plot which I have found to be interesting. The art of the Memoir of the God of War is a type that I like as well--in fact very much so--one of the factors that I loved about it was its character design in which the strokes that make up the drawing is aggressive in the fighting parts which further accentuates its violence.
Eco-Tourism -- officially as quoted--“Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education."(TIES, 2015). Unison of conservation, community, as well as sustainable travel, is what 'Eco-Tourism' is. To journey through quite undisturbed--almost uncharted areas. Such areas commonly contain programmes that benefit the environment and the well-being of the local people in that area. The difference that mass commercial tourism has compared to ecotourism is by a good margin. Whilst eco-tourism focuses on low impact and is required to be conserved under certain laws; mass tourism-- on modern advancement-- spoils the natural environment in which it is located at. With tens of thousands of people visiting a location it is often quite a cheap option, as such it is popular. That is not to say that eco-tourism is not popular but it is not to the extent of the previous. It is, however, a growing trend. Due to concerns and awareness to the environment and the likes more are looking at such options. Including opportunities for local people, educational travel, and accessible infrastructures are some of the reasons for its growing popularity. Knowing such differences and contrast, we are able to choose wiser, and so, better for the environment. By doing so we are able to protect against the decline of our domain.
There are several types of eco-tourism one of which is a focus of our topic[of the current term]. Marine ecotourism, it may perhaps be an action that would help our oceans. It may provide some solutions to some of the problems that we currently face such as the previous quandaries in presentation that I've completed before. The crisis that we face are continually addressed as such 'Marine ecotourism' have sprung up several times in regards to the health of our oceans. Often such destinations regarded as an "ecotourism" destinations are visited by people working in areas of conservation; research, studying ways in which to protect such places, benefitting nature in several forms of habitats and environments. Such actions provide chain reactions as well. Through building such areas of conservation potential benefits are obtained by local people as well. A new study done in the country of the Philippines suggest that this fact is true. Not only that but, it has also indicated that it holds a major potential in increasing the sensitivity of the locals to protect the natural environment. The aptitude of ecotourism in regards to protecting our oceans is clear.
The protection of many marine lives and the ocean itself is feasible with ecotourism--seen with several countries in practice. Countries that holds significant natural environments are especially affected by this--Philippines is a major example. Ecotourism--it has provided numerous beneficial outcomes to the environment--mainly the oceans and seas. Examples include an increase of wider perception to whale sharks -The research was completed in locations where visitors come to swim with whale sharks:Philippines- and other marine species. This has also spread into broader topics and parts of teh sea such as its ecosystem. This is further proven by change in behaviour, previous actions of the locals has included, as quoted "harming the sharks by hitting them with stones, harpoons, paddles, dynamite or riding them"; with current attitudes transforming into encouring others to mind the ocean and use more sustainable practices. As such due to this the quality of life as stated by locals, with an increase of job opportunities. In a way it has change the biodiversity in a positive way.
In the recent celebration of Matariki--we come to review some of our previous knowledge of this topic. This year the celebration of Matariki lies between the 19th of June/late June and the 11th of July/early July. Matariki-- a cluster of stars [9 stars] that from the eyes of a god.
In the beginning of time there was nothing, no earth, sea or sky just, Te pō, darkness. In this Te Kore, nothingness, Ranginui the sky father and Papatūānuku the earth mother came to be. They lay together in a tight embrace. Together, they had many children who were all male. The sons lived between them in the darkness. As the children grew up, they wondered what it would be like to live in the light. Tūmatauenga, the fiercest of all the sons, shouted to his brothers, “Let’s kill them!” The brothers disagreed. Tānemahuta, the god of the forests and birds, had a solution to the problem, “We will push them apart, Ranginui will be in the sky above us and Papatūānuku will stay below us so she remains close.”Rongomātāne, the god of cultivated food, tried to push his parents apart. He pushed and pushed with no success. Then Tangaroa, the god of the sea, and Haumia-tiketike, the god of wild food joined him. Together they pushed and pushed but still their parents would not let go of each other. Eventually, Tāne tried. He placed his shoulders on his mother and his feet on his father and pushed hard for a very long time. Rangi and Papa called out in distress, “Why are you doing this?”
“Please don’t separate us.” Tāne continued to push with his strong legs, until finally Rangi and Papa were prised apart.
The children were excited to finally have light and space to move. Tāwhirimātea, the god of the wind, was angry about the separation. He could not stand to hear his parents in pain, or to see the tears coming from Ranginui.Tāwhirimātea was so angry that in a rage he threw his eyes up into the sky.
His eyes are now known as the stars of Matariki.
The story above is what we've read and a factor which we have used as a way to understand Matariki-- as well as its origins. Whilst doing so we would also learn such in the form of learning the clusters themselves and what they mean--at least in the beliefs.
-Matariki--people’s health and wellbeing.
-Tupu-ā-rangi--things that grow up in trees, including fruits, berries and birds.
-Waipuna-ā-rangi--rainfall.
-Waitī--freshwater bodies and foods from these waters.
-Ururangi--the winds.
-Tupu-ā-nuku--food that is gathered/harvested from the soil.
-Waitā--the ocean and foods that come from it.
-Pōhutukawa--those who have passed on.
-Hiwa-i-te-rangi--attainment of goals or wishing star.
Overfishing--overexploitation--has an umpteen amount of negative consequences to the ecosystem. Its importance should be taken at most urgent and at a most fundamental level. Our whole system of life depends on what is done with our tendencies to over-exploit marine species. Such is supported by countless who work in the field of research involving such aspects of cycles and species. During the stated research overfishing is often seen resulting in overpopulation of other species. Overpopulation, an occurrence that happens throughout many different species [including humans], in many aspects, negative. Unsurprisingly, when sharks were overexploited in a South American inlet, overpopulation of jellyfish came. As such this resulted in dangerous waters, which humans and other marine species alike could not go in. Connecting into the previous statement, the action of over-exploitation affects the food chain; in many ways would then affect our ecosystem. Humans are great examples of being to affect many species and even the world itself. This is often supported by world problems that we have, including global warming, overexploitation, overfishing and many others.Species which may be an apex predator may not be able to fulfil their roles, as such overpopulation happens. . Species which perhaps keep the balance wouldn't be able to[such as what happened with the previous example of sharks and jelly fishes].
During the past few weeks, we have been in action and in doing a project that was tasked for us in English. In this term, we have been looking at film studies and how films have many aspects similar or in fact the same as those in a novel, per see. However, unlike the studies that were done in the previous year, we then quite quickly began to look at shooting our own films. This was done in several weeks that included the planning, filming and post-production. A challenge was set for us with not only filming but also with the subject that we needed to interpret. In the previous term, we looked at Shakespeare, specifically "The Merchant of Venice"; a 'retelling' of the 'court' scene was needed. This perhaps could be from the idea of the court scene, the values that it possesses or other aspects of what it was.
We have created our film with such topics in mind. Yet, we have altered to our view of what the court scene can be-- taking inspiration from great movies such as "The Godfather", fragments from "John Wick" and a few other films from our country to make the movie scene. The idea of "oaths" was taken quite greatly from "The Merchant of Venice". This is seen clearly in the stakes of the "oath" implemented in our film. In a sense around midway through the film, an actual court was "set". The film created was about an oath of two siblings. A sibling which has helped the other to get back into the family[Mafia family] after marrying someone who was not to their class. However, in doing so agreement was done and the agreement proposed anything is possible for the other to do. This then becomes a problem as a family was at stakes. What can be done?
In the filming of this movie, we have used several camera techniques. Some of the camera techniques that used [not in the Film Techniques rubrik] were "Eye Level" and "Over The Shoulder" angles. Such techniques are seen throughout the film and were used quite commonly as it has progressed. Though we have successfully created a film, there were problems along the way. The weather was one of them, lighting was different at times; many takes were needed for a few scenes and problem with a few dialogues and shootings. The biggest problem however was the sound, the wind was quite unpredictable and has affected the audio quite a bit. This was a bit hectic in the post-production and it may be the aspect that I would do differently if this was done again. I learnt a lot in terms of a fragment of the movie industry. How arduous the process of creating an effective film is, however, I loved it, it was something that I enjoyed doing.
In several previous lessons, we have been looking at a new way to present the data that we have created. One of our major focuses is looking at being able to create a paragraph that not only contains plenty in terms of words--sentences--but in standard as well. Looking a being able to produce different types of sentences as well as paragraphs. Building more complex text that we are able to present. The topic of sea and ocean pollution has been present in the several blog posts that I have posted. In this, however, we collect the data and dig deeper into the industry of fishing.
For the past 3 weeks, we have been looking at improving our wellbeing-- as a part of an assessment for credits. We have looked at what makes our well-being, parts of our well-being and what exactly is our well being. Choosing factors such as physical, mental and social- by means of time management-- the three factors which I chose. A plan was to improve the part of our well-being that we have chosen. As such, I have set goals for the factors; with losing weight for physical well-being, optimism for mental well-being, and time management specifically for school--social. This plan was to carried and done for 3 weeks--ending on the 9th of June.
The goals that I have set upon myself were achieved. I have given the evidence via recording and writing down my process. Only time will tell if I have completed the task to the standard of passing.
Recently, an event that I've been waiting for around a year has occurred. Last year, was the peak of the pandemic in New Zealand in which a lockdown was implemented to reprehend this disease. During the lockdown, there were not many things to do, with much time in our hands. In such a time I have discovered a love for Manwhas, especially the one that includes fantasy as its genre. One of the first manwhas that I've read was "Tower of God". instantly during only a few moments after the initial reading, I have fallen in love. It became one of my most loved "book"--story--to read, with a premise quite different from many of the same genre. It became a story that I read for hours at a time only occasionally stopping for breaks. The manwha updated weekly and it became a part of my routine to read the new chapters. However, disaster came on the 29th of June in which an unexpected hiatus came.
It caused me great distress when this had happened, not only was I worried about the story itself, but for the author as well. It became a monthly task for me to check in with news about the stated story. Finally on the 17th of May--almost a year after-- the hiatus was broken. It has affected me in a way that I've never thought of. I was extremely happy, stories and books should be taken in more regard. We need to try things that we've never tried before, it may change ourlives. It certainly did mine...
Summary:" The series follows a young boy named Twenty-Fifth Bam, who has spent his life beneath a gigantic tower. The only other person in his life is a girl named Rachel, who finds her way into the mysterious tower. Determined to be reunited with his friend, Bam also enters the tower. "
I do not think that in the near future sustainable fishing is possible--commercially. With the most common methods of fishing including long lining, purse seining and bottom trawling; it will be challenging to meet demands without using such methods. Purse seining and longlining are efficient at catching hundreds if not thousands at a time with many by catches with it. By catches include dolphins, whales and porpoises. Not only that but, long lines which catch "non-targeted" species, can get lost in the ocean, not retrieved. Resulting in casualties by means of other aquatic life being caught and trapped in the net. Sea turtles have been seen caught in such traps; seals, birds, whales and many other marine life. Along with that only 1.5% of the oceans are protected territories. Leaving many other areas as a spot for fishermen to go undetected. Methods in which are efficient are unlikely to be stopped. Unreported fishings which are not tracked are parts of this problem. Money--bluntly put-- money is a major concern for this problem. Bribery to the national level. Such examples include the 10,000 by-catch dolphins each year in France. Shockingly, this is only a fragment; it's estimated that worldwide, 300,000 dolphins, whales, and porpoises are killed by catch. Unless drastic changes are made, there is little to no chance of changing the majority into sustainable fishing.
Shark Finning is a practice that is looked down upon for its gruesome and cruel method. Only the fins of the shark are harvested and are put into use, whilst the body is then left to die when thrown back in the ocean. The fins are consumed, notorious usage is that of shark fin soup. A delicacy with its only purpose being to assert your rank, your privilege and wealth; as a soup cost around US$100 this is proven so. It's used as an aphrodisiac, supposedly helps to stop ageing, organ functions--tasteless and little to no nutritional value. For this purpose and usage, every year, around 73 million sharks are slaughtered. Since the last 5 decades, the population of some species of sharks have declined by as much as 90%. Many of these also are not only the cause of shark finning but, by-catches. By-catches are fishes or other marine species caught "unintentionally" while catching certain target species and target sizes of marine life. Though some by-catch may survive, many die in the process.
Sharks are the apex predator, not many, or at all can make sharks their prey. They control the ecosystem, balancing certain species so that they wouldn't overpopulated. Overpopulation is a problem with how the life cycle balances. This occurrence would likely be the extinction of certain species whose hunter are the preys of sharks. As such this would disrupt how much of the said species there are. In turn, when the said species is extinct soon enough, the shark's prey would be also as their source of food is no more. This chain of reactions could possibly cause the extinction of countless species that including ourselves.
Following the short presentation introducing the topic--The Great Pacific Garbage Patch--in which we highlight some of the main issues surrounding it. In the several sessions after that, we then begin to write an article containing the knowledge that we've acquired previously. The article was to contain, what happened, what it is---the problem--- its cause and the effects. It includes keywords in which were to be put in; keywords such as gyres, plankton as well as several others which were important parts to this topic. The article is presented in such a way to copy a newspaper, using colour and how the title is worded. I believe that we need to be more cautious about what is done today. The future looks quite dim.
The Starfish Poem is a text that details how even a little thing will be able to make a difference. This is suggested by the last sentence of the poem, "It made a difference for that one."
The poem was about how a young man saved threw starfishes in the sea as the tide was going down. He was questioned by a man; "But, young man, don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along with it. You can't possibly make a difference!", and as such he said the statement above.
A lesson was learned in the poem, a value that we can all learn from and use in our daily life. Doing a single kind gesture, a gesture in which we believe to be positive could change something. Even if minimal, a change is a change, perhaps even a greatly impacting action that can affect lives for the better.
As the first term finished a new topic arises within the subject of Social Sciences. As such, we begin to look at The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP), in which we uncover what it is and the cause of why it has happened. Plastic, pollution, as well as global warming, are major issues in modern times. It could change the future as we know it in just several decades to come. Drastic changes must be made. However, with the amount of pollution--plastic--just in our oceans, it is truly ever possible?
Through our constant usage of plastic, it has accumulated in such a great amount in which it is able to out-size a country. A great example being the GPGP, more than 3 times the size of France. It is an accumulation of plastic held by the ocean currents in the Pacific. A sentiment to our ignorance and resistance to change many of our ways.
Aim: To investing the factors that cause rusting in iron.
Equipment:
Four test tubes
Test tube rack
Bung
Four iron nails
Boiled water
Tap water
Salty water
Cooking Oil
Calcium Chloride
Method:
Label four test tubes and place in a test tube rack.
Test tube contents:
B = Iron nail and tap water
C = Iron nail and salty water
D = Iron nail, boiled water and oil.
E = Iron nail and calcium chloride sealed with a bung.
3. Leave the test tubes undisturbed for at least three days.
Test Tube
Conditions present or absent
Observations
E
Iron nail and calcium chloride sealed with a bung
Test tube E with calcium chloride and bung showed no visible corrosion. Iron oxide didn't form to an extent in which is visible to the naked eye. It is the only test tube that showed no corrosion.
B
Iron nail and tap water
Iron nail and tap water showed the worse reaction. It was the most corroded out of all the test tubes that were experimented with. The iron oxide formed at the bottom of the test tube with a dark hue of orange.
C
Iron nail and salty water
The salty water test tube was ever so slightly better with corrosion. Although a similar hue of orange was seen; dark iron oxide wasn't too visible.
D
Iron nail, boiled water and oil.
The rusting was moderate. It wasn't the extent that the salty and tap water was. It was similar to the reaction of the zinc pellet. It was akin to its orange hue but was more yellow.
Hypothesis: The test tubes labelled A to C are expected to rust more than the later tubes. With C having significant visual effects rather than D to H. Though all of the nails may get rust the previously mentioned would gain more and will be more visible.
Corrosion II
Preventing Rusting:
Aim: To investigate a number of techniques that may prevent rusting.
Equipment:
Four test tubes
Test tube rack
Bung
Four iron nails
Boiled water
Tap water
Vaseline gel
Nail
Polish or paint
Zinc pellets or magnesium ribbon
Label four test tubes and place in a test tube rack.
Fill all test tubes with equal volumes of water - enough to cover the nails.
Test tube contents:
A = Iron nail
F = Iron nail, water and vaseline
G = Iron nail and nail polish
H = Iron nail, zinc and water
4. Leave the test tubes undisturbed for at least three days.
Test tube
Conditions present or absent
Observations
A
Iron nail
The iron nail rusted but only lightly, visible yet faint.
F
Iron nail, water and vaseline
Test tube F showed moderate rusting, covered by the vaseline--rusting was shown in the areas in which were more present in the water.
G
Iron nail and nail polish
G--showed significant rusting, the paint was eaten away and the iron corroded-- to an extent in which iron oxide coloured the tube with a hue of orange.
H
Iron nail, zinc and water
The rusting of the test tube H was only slightly rusted. The zinc pellet affected the rusting of the iron by a good margin.
In English, we come to conclude the term with the final task of creating our own stories. There has been a great range of genre to choose from such as fiction or non-fiction (I chose the latter). It was also possible to create a script like a story however I did not do so. Instead, I wrote a narrative story. I was inspired by how "Dracula"-Bam Stroker-- was written in a diary entry fashion. I took the method and used it to tell the story that I have written. The story is quite short with only 2000 words, I took inspiration also from what I have been reading lately. Such as horror and crime. Also beginning to experiment with elements such as foreshadowing. I have put several foreshadowing in the story, from the wording of certain sentences, subjects like birds, as well as some others. The dates are quite important o the story also and play a major role. I am hoping that they are sufficient enough to convey the idea but still being able to surprise the reader in the end.
The following text is considered Rated R in my opinion. Language and topic were intended for a more mature audience.
