Antarctic Explorers!

We were lucky enough in Tautoru to have a science lesson with Dr Natalie Robinson, Antarctic researcher and explorer. She left her desk at NIWA to talk to us about her Antarctic research. She specialises in icicles forming under the sea, and what these mean for our planets future.

It was interesting to learn all about life in Antarctica, including how many layers you have to wear to keep safe in the freezing temperatures. It never rains in Antarctica, it's much too cold for that and snow falls instead. The ice in Antarctica can reach up to 4km deep! We saw the tents that Antarctic scientists have to sleep in. There's no floor in these tents as the ice is much too cold to melt underneath them! 

Big thanks to Natalie for coming in and passing on all of this incredible knowledge.

Tāwhirimātea and the power of the wind

We have been learning about some of the Māori Atua (Gods). 

One of these is Tāwhirimātea who is the Auta of the wind.

As part of this, we have been learning about wind turbines and how they generate electricity.

We made our own mini wind turbines too. This is how we did it:

1. Take a piece of paper and fold it to make a square. 

2. Cut along the edge.

3. Colour both sides of your paper.

4. Fold your paper into two triangles to find the centre.

 

5. Put a dot in the centre and 4 dots along the folded lines. Use your fingers to measure.

6. Cut along the folds to your dot and then fold 4 edges into the centre and secure with blu tack.

7. Use a pin to secure the centre and attach it to a pencil with an eraser on the top.

You have a windmill!

Getting organised for the Visual Arts Celebration next week...

WBS Bi-Annual Celebration of Visual Art

Tues 13th September 6-7pm / Wed 14th September 5-6pm

We have been working hard in Tautoru (and throughout the whole school) with many visual art pieces for our Celebration of Arts in week 9. 

Our focus has been linked to the Atua (Māori Gods) we have been learning about and links to our environment. We have tried, where possible, to re-use and re-cycle, creating new and exciting pieces. Many of these ideas have been created by the children and we are excited to show you!

There will be collaborative art

Painting

Clay

Diorama

Large installations

And More!

Even Frank the Cat has been helping...

Please come along and see our amazing creations and how hard we have been working.