Raroa @ NIWA Science Fair

Raroa was represented at the Wellington Regional NIWA Science Fair with 18 entries from 23 students.  

The projects' topics were varied: analysing carbon footprints using ages, political systems and satisfaction ratings, tasting without smell, DYI light meters, the persistence method for weather forecasting, growing vegetables from scraps, water use in aeroponics, the future of CRISPR, sustainability of a vulnerable native plant, the effect of sediment on a native macroinvertebrates, using NZ seashells to purify water, pneumatic vs hydraulic systems, natural oils vs mould, green tea as a plant supplement, colour and memory, the effect of bluelight on the eye, the analysis of the concept of beauty and how building shape effects its vulnerability to earthquakes.

Congratulations to all students on your learning and your achievements, and special congratulations to the following prizewinners:

Victoria University of Wellington School of Mathematics and Statistics Prize for the most imaginative and effective project using mathematics or statistics.   - John Hyatt    

Measurement Standards Laboratory; Callaghan Innovation Prize for the application of measurement   - Isla McKenzie 

ESR Prize for the best exhibit based on investigations that help people or the environment through science in such fields as microbiology, forensic, environmental, food and radiation.   - Daniel Soh  

eCubed Ltd Prize for displaying interaction of humans and their environment in an ethical and efficient manner   - Maya Hall  

4th in Year 7 - Isla McKenzie                 

Highly Commended: Arham Jain, Toby Shannon & Saad Malik, John Hyatt

Opportunity for students

This was just posted - let Mrs Dunn know if your family is interested.  

An exciting two-day event is coming your way. Designed for students, this special iNVENTIONATOR is supported by six online resources.

It’s free for gifted learners who want to PLAY. THINK. DESIGN. innovative solutions to real-life problems. Find out more. Powered by CORE, in partnership with Ministry of Education and supported by LIANZA.

Designed for students, this special iNVENTIONATOR is FREE for gifted learners who want to PLAY. THINK. DESIGN. innovative solutions to real-life problems that matter.

iNVENTIONATOR provides a platform to unleash young minds, with six weeks of online resources leading up to a face-to-face two-day event. Supported by schools and whānau, students work together, building design thinking and innovation processes, and developing creative and critical thinking skills.

Who’s it for?
Y6-9 gifted learners

What will you do?Bring an idea to pitch. Then you’ll form teams with other gifted learners to collaborate and think critically to solve an everyday problem. 

How long does it last?Six weeks of online resources lead up to an awesome two-day iNVENTIONATOR. Following the event, you’ll continue to have online support.

Where and when?

Taranaki 
30-31 October
9am - 4pm
Venue TBC

What next?

• Register student(s) via the online form 
• Supply email addresses for each student and the person registering them (each student must have a unique email address to ensure they receive the online resources)
• Students will receive a confirmation of registration email
• All supplied emails receive the six online resources (students, teachers and/or whānau)
• Support your students as they work through the resources and wero (challenges)
• Attend the face-to-face, two day event (at least one adult must attend with your registered student and/or group of students).

Mathletes: Manawanui and Motuhake

Finishing up Rates, Ratios and Proportions this week 

Statistics to come!

Ext(reme) Writing

Our focus for the rest of the term

Beginning with 'One Life, Six Words' 

... using our skill in creating six word stories, but now writing about ourselves. 

Followed by '55 Fiction'

...incorporating a setting (time/place), characters, a conflict, a resolution - all in 55 words!

Watch future posts for this writing!

Tournament of Minds - Celebrations

A great celebration yesterday for the 35 students who were involved in Tournament of Minds - every team exceeded their own expectations at the Wellington Regional Tournament Day on 31 August at Victoria University.  All teams competed against 38 other Wellington Regional Year 7/8 teams.

Special congratulations go to Raroa 3 and Raroa 4 for coming second in their division.

Raroa 4

Raroa 3

Raroa 5

Raroa 1

Raroa 2

Raroa 4

Raroa 3

Kapowai Update

Perfectionism was the focus today - starting with the statement...

Name something that is perfect.

Unable to do that, the next question posed was, 

Why do people aim for perfection if nothing can be considered perfect?

The group identified the challenges that went along with perfectionism and also the positive aspects. 

Positives of Perfectionism

Challenges of Perfectionism
 

An interesting discussion followed about whether aiming for excellence, not perfection would lessen the impact of the challenges, but keep the positives.

ICAS Science this Wednesday

- Whai Wahi, Mohio and Manawanui (9:00 am - 10:00 am)

- Motuhake and Whakaute (10:45 am - 11:45 am)

In the staffroom