Eyeball Dissection

Posted on 11 May, 201611 May, 2016 by Caitlyn Downing

We have all been very busy preparing for the upcoming science fair. Both hubs have been exploring different scientific concepts and will soon have to make the difficult decision of what they will focus their science projects on for the fair. One of the sciences being studied is biology and this week on Wednesday a group of children got down and dirty and dissected their first eyeball.

Santiago

"First we cut off the sclera, the fatty tissue, from around the eyeball. We did this so that it was easier to make the first incision. Then Caitlyn made the first incision for us using a scalpel. When she did this some of the aqueous humour was released. We then used scissors to cut around the eye. As we were cutting heaps more aqueous humour spilled out.

When we had finally finished cutting the eyeball in half a mysterious marble-shaped object spilled out. It was called the lens. When you look through the lens the object on the other side is seen upside down. This is because our brains correct the image so that we see it the correct way up. This information is delivered to the rain through the optical nerve. The optical is located at the back of the eye and looks like a small tube. It was very disgusting but amazing!"

Spectrum Art Trip

Posted on 6 April, 20166 April, 2016 by Caitlyn Downing

We all had a wonderful time on our trip yesterday to the city to check out the Spectrum Art Exhibition at the YMCA. The trip gave us all an opportunity to discuss street art and the message the artist is trying to send to the public. We are very lucky in Christchurch to have numerous amounts of beautiful street art in our city, which seems to have multiplied since the earthquakes begun. My personal favourite is the ballerina on the back of the Isaac Theatre Royal!

A big, huge, massive, gigantic thank you to all the parents who supported us on the day :)

Check out some awesome photography one of our incredibly talented students, Sam, took of the exhibition below.

Caitlyn

Softball

Posted on 18 March, 201618 March, 2016 by Caitlyn Downing

We have been very fortunate the past few weeks to have Canterbury Softball at Beckenham School teaching our year five and six students some key throwing, catching and batting skills. Today was our last session and the children had a great time putting to good use all the key skills they have been practicing. Here is a video of one our students doing a massive hit and the fielders working extremely hard to get him out. Have a look to see the outcome and how in Pōhutukawa whānau we love challenge and we get there together!

Caitlyn

Swimming at Jellie Park

Posted on 15 March, 201615 March, 2016 by Caitlyn Downing

What an incredible day we had yesterday at the pool! We had a slightly chilly start to the day but luckily the sun came out and everyone had a really great time. The children all did an excellent job at upholding our school values 'we get there together'. My personal favourite moment from the trip was seeing dozens of children deciding to demonstrate how they 'love challenge' by jumping off the highest diving board! I was so impressed that I too decided to join in the fun (which I later regretted once I had climbed to the top of the ladder!). It was a fantastic day! A HUGE thank you to all the parents who supported us on the day. Without your help trips like this wouldn't be possible.

Caitlyn

Refugees!

Posted on 5 March, 20165 March, 2016 by Susan Walsh

In Team Pōhutukawa we are learning about refugees. We have been simulating the refugee experience in our hubs through a series of games.

The children have been sorted into families and each family has their own refugee story.

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We have had to find our family while blindfolded (simulating the experience of being in a bombed city)

In both hubs we set up a refugee camp for a day.

Not a very comfortable place to work and sleep!

Waiting for the daily allowance of rice.

The next part of our learning is for the children to work together in groups to research a group of refugees. We will encourage them to think critically and empathetically when they ask questions and research their chosen group. We would love you to talk about their research and support them in their inquiry.