Christchurch Earthquake

The recent major earthquake in Christchuch has caused major disruption to hundreds of people. The media has reported on the disaster throughout the week. Give some thought to the accuracy of this reporting. How are reporters obtaining their information and how accurate is it?

There are many articles to read. Do they all report the same information? Are reporters getting their facts straight? Analyse why discrepancies exist. How does this affect the reader?

This is a link to today's news in the NZ Herald. There are more links below to news reports from around the world. Select two articles and analyse them for inaccuracies and discrepancies. Comment on your findings.

Yahoo news
cnn news
BBC news

Solar Energy and How it Affects You!

Today the five students who were successful in the School Science Fair, visited Genesis Energy for a day of investigation into power generation and solar power. With a finite amount of thermal energy resources available to us, more and more work is being done to investigate viable renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, wave, hydro, geothermal and tidal. With a focus on solar energy we investigated the efficiency of photovoltaic cells and discussed practical applications of solar energy. It's amazing to see the scope for this free, non-polluting, widely available resource - our SUN! Below is a video discussing how solar energy can be harnessed to light the way for people currently reliant on kerosene lamps.

What next? How might these changes impact on the jobs we do in the future?



Many thanks to Schoolgen for this opportunity. You may like to have a look at what Schoolgen are up to within New Zealand and Australia. To find out more visit Schoolgen Website

Team Vs Individual Sports

A couple of you have had a go at persuading me to agree with your opinion but so far I'm not convinced. Have a look at these links and see if you can argue your case more strongly. Read both sides of the argument. Both articles make valid points. Which do you agree with most strongly? If you haven't yet posted a comment see if you can write a more persuasive argument than the others.
Benefits of playing a team sport
Benefits of playing an individual sport

...and next time it's your turn to do the research!

Team Vs Individual Sports

Here is our first topic for discussion...

What do you think? Is it better to play a sport as a team or an individual? Why? You can argue either way but remember to back up your statements with examples and evidence.

Have Your Say...

This term we are looking at persuasive writing and endeavouring to convince others that our own opinions are the right opinions! This is a chance for us to have our say on School, National or even International issues or events! When you state your opinion remember to back it up with good reasoning and even some evidence or research which supports your case.

If you have any good ideas for topics that would make a good discussion point for us then please leave me a comment here!

Waikato Science Fair

Huge congratulations to Ryan, Alasdaire and Corbin who were all awarded places in the Waikato Science Fair. Ryan and Alasdaire won 1st place in Exhibit Class:3 Year 7-8 Physical World for their Speedy Shapes exhibit which tested the aerodynamics of various profiles for truck cabs.

Corbin won 3rd place in Exhibit Class:15 Inventions and Technical Innovations (Open age group) for his Doggone Fast quick release dog lead. This innovation on a conventional lead enabled a dog to be released much more quickly by avoiding the need to bend down and undo the lead from the collar around the dog's neck.

What a fantastic effort boys. It is exciting to think we have budding scientists and inventors in our midst.

WFPA Speech Competition

Congratulations and well done to the three students took part in the Waikato Full Primary Association Speech Competition this evening. You all did brilliantly to once again stand up and deliver your speeches confidently and convincingly, this time in front of complete strangers! The other competitors were of a very high calibre and it was an excellent experience to see just what great public speaking is about. Over the next week take some time to reflect on your own speech and what you can learn from those who did well this evening.

Senior Speech Finals

Today the Senior Speech finals were held at school. Well done to all who took part. You showed great courage standing before your peers, teachers and parents and delivered your speeches confidently. Congratulations to Ryan and Sonya for gaining first place in your levels. The two Year 8 and two Year 7 speakers will be going on to the Waikato Full Primary Speech Competition so don't stop practising!