Japanese Introduction Video

This is a video of Thomas and I speaking Japanese... Enjoy ;)

Radish Roses

Heres how to carve a radish rose. This is for my science fair project.


1) Take some fresh radishes and give them a bath.
2) Carve a little piece off each end.
3) Using a sharp paring knife, follow the contour of the radish as you shape the petals, working around the radish and overlapping your cuts.
4) Drop them in a bowl of cold water with ice until you're ready to serve them.

Awesomeness. Good luck!

Maori Video #1

Speaking

I can greet people in Maori - never, sometimes, usually, very frequently, always

I can count to ten in Maori - never, sometimes, usually, very frequently, always

I can give numbers between 20 and 100 in Maori - never, sometimes, usually, very frequently, always

I was pleased with the fact that I only needed to attempt the video once to get it successfully. I also liked how easily I counted to ten and answered the questions.

I need to work on remembering my numbers as I almost forgot what 100 was in the video. I am happy with everything else.

My effort during Maori was - poor, fair, good, very good, excellent

What I do in the weekend

Hello, in the weekend I play computer for several hundred hours a day. What do you do at Tahaaroa? Would you rather live where you do or in the city? What are your reasons for your choice? I would prefer to live in the city because I get to play computer and the country feels weird to me because i'm used to city air.

Life Education: What I learned

Over one or two weeks Room 7 of SAMS paid occasional visits to Harolds Classroom, also known as Life Education, or Life Ed. Throughout the visits we learned about several drugs, and... wait for it.... PUBERTY!!!!!! Yes, unfortunately. I really dont see why we have to know about that kind of stuff, but hey, schools will be schools. The main point of Life Ed was to "Delay Your Descision". When they say to delay your descision they mean to think twice (thrice) about what you are going to do (will you take drugs and feel poop or will you avoid them and feel AWESOME???). Not really a hard choice to make.
Anyway, there was a bit about PUBERTY and how we grow pubic hairs and how our cells change and all this confusing stuff about our brains releasing random chemicals with big doctor-names.
There was a large section on the drug 'alchohol'. If anyone knows what alchohol is please tell me, im desperate to know! We watched several videos where alchoholics are talking about how pooped up their lives were... good to see the teacher wasn't scared to use coarse language! (not really, its kind of creepy).
So to sum things up, I learned about cocaine and how it used to be in Coca Cola, which is kind of creepy. At least I know why mum is so addicted to Coke now =D. I also learned about alchohol, and to delay the descision which has the most obvious answer ever.

SUPERAWESOME DUDE AWAY!!!

Science Fair Update #2

14 June
Radish seeds have been planted in pumus, potting mix, compost, and garden dirt at an expenditure total of $50. Radish production underway. Does anyone have any idea why I even post this stuff on my blog?

Scientific Investigation

My topic is: Radish production

Aim:

• What do you want to find out?
• Why do you want to do this experiment?

I want to find the best soil conditions for radish production. I want to do this experiment so farmers and home-growers know which soil will get them the best radishes!

Hypothesis:

• What do you think will happen?
• Make an educated guess from the background research you have done

I think that the treated soil will grow the biggest radishes (determined by LxW)

Equipment:

• 5 x packet of radish seeds
• 5 x section of garden/growing pot
• buckets of sand
• buckets of compost
• buckets of mud
• buckets of dirt
• packet of treated soil
• watering can/hose
• a lasting source of water
• gloves (optional)
• shovel/spade (optional)

Method:

1) Empty soils into garden/growing pots.

2) Plant one packet of seeds in each patch/soil pot.

3) Give each patch approximately 1 minute of watering/hosing a day. Give mud patch 2 minutes to keep mud from drying.

4) Once 1.25 months have passed harvest radishes.

5)Measure the length and width of the biggest-looking radish from each patch.

6) Multiply the length of the radishes by the width.

7) The radish with the highest result is declared the winner.

Science Fair Update #1

As I cannot obtain any mushrom spores I had to change my plant to something that grows from
seed and will grow quick enough to meet the deadline. I wanted to do carrots, but they took 12 weeks to grow. Then I looked at radishes... They grow from seed and take only a month to grow. That's quick enough to meet the deadline. I am now going to obtain some radish seeds and grow them in:
Sand, controlled temperature
Compost, controlled temperature
Mud, controlled temperature
Dirt, controlled temperature
Treated soil, controlled temperature

Wish me luck =D
_____________________________________________________________________

Monday 7th June
Radish seeds have been obtained. Was at dads for weekend so couldnt do anything for science.

Science Fair - Botany (plant science)

At SAMS (my school) we are doing a science fair. I have decided to work by myself because people only want to be with me because im smart and they think I have to do all the work. By working by myself I am still doing all the work on my project but im making the draggers do something for once =)
My project is on the growth of mushrooms in different conditions (temperature, soil, food, etc). I was originally going to do the growth of stalagmites and stalactites, but teacher says that does not explain something we dont already know. I then wanted to do something on magnetism, so teacher suggested I do it on the Biomag and sleeping with magnets to ease aching. Like most things at school, BORING! (no offence teacher). Then when I got home I went onto google and searched 'random science fair projects'. I clicked on the first link and it took me to an awesome site. On that site was a huge mass amount of ideas, about 50-100 ideas for EVERY SINGLE CATEGORY! That's a lot of ideas. In the plant science section I spotted 'best conditions for mushroom production'. Awesome!

Want a plant science project? Heres a list from the awesome site. Thank you site.

• How do different types of fertilizers affect plant growth?

• What happens when you grow sweet potatoes next to other plants?

• How do different treatments change how fast seeds sprout?

• How close does a pesticide have to be to protect a plant?

  • How do different conditions affect the speed at which fruit and vegetables ripen?

• What effect does seed size have on how well a crop like oats or wheat grows?

• The effect of sound on plants

• Does The Use of Vitamin B1 Reduce The Risk of Root Shock in Plants?

• Plants in different environments (light intensity, color)

• Experiment with hydroponics

• Sugar level in plant sap at different times and dates

• Use seedlings started from seed with three types of soil and different rates of fertilizer

• Comparing types of artificial light on plant growth

• Best conditions for mushroom production, growth of ferns

• Transpiration rates for different plants and conditions

• Sugar level in plant sap at different times and dates

• Genetic variations across a Sansevieria leaf

• Factors affecting seed germination (e.g. soil temperature, pH)

• Root formation in cuttings versus lighting conditions

• Factors affecting flowering

• Study of sterility in plant hybrids (F1 and F2)

• Comparison of different plant's ability to add humus to the soil

• Factors affecting Nodule Formation in Legumes

• What are the effects of watering plants with distilled water vs. non distilled water?

• Can Paper Chromatography be Used to Identify Different Species of Plants

• Can household compounds (e.g. tea) be used to promote good health in plants

• Effects of cigarette smoke on the growth of plants

• The effects of water impurities on plant growth

• The effects of phosphates on aquatic plants

• Does The Type Of Plant Life That Lives In The Soil Affect The Number Of Nematodes That Live There

• Effect of mineral deficiencies on protein content in soybeans

• The effect of excess salinity on plants

• The effect of polarized light on plant growth directica

• The effects of solar activity on plant growth

• Tracing solar activity cycles in tree growth rings

• Chitosan and its derivatives have plant protecting and antifungal properties (possibly use crawfish, shrimp, or crab shells. Which one would be better?)

• The effects of electric fields on plants

• The effects of magnetic fields on plant growth

• Effects of magnetism on the size and frequency of blooms and fruits

• Does magnetizing seeds before planting affect growth

• The effects of X-Ray and other radiation on plants

• The effect of music of varying types and duration on plants

• Organic fertilizer versus chemical fertilizer

• Manipulation of Vegetative reproduction in plants

• Search for near vacuum environment tolerant plants

• Germination - how monocots and dicots differ - the effects of heat, light, carbon dioxide, pH level, etc. on germination rate

• Photosynthesis - factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis temperature, light intensity, water, carbon dioxide - part of light spectrum used in photosynthesis

• Leaf - do the numbers and sizes of stomata vary with different plants - what happens if stomata are covered and why

• Roots - how much water is used by different plants - what is the effect of temperature, sunlight, etc., on the use of water (transpiration) - how do different types of soils affect the ability of roots to anchor plants - what factors encourage root growth and what is the effect of water, oxygen, soil type, minerals on root growth

• Plant growth - determine the effects of various nutrients, amounts of water, hours of sunlight, strength of weed killer, temperature, pollutants, pH levels on plant growth and crop yields - can plants live without oxygen, carbon dioxide - what percentages of various plants is water

• The preferred pH level in the soil for various plants

• Nutrition - plants and fertilizer

• How to plants get nitrogen?

• Why do plants grow towards light?

• The effects of gravity on seed germination

• How water moves through the plant

• How plants reproduce and factors that affect the process

• The effect of soil components and organic matter on growth of plants.

• The effect of music of varying types and duration on plant growth

• The effects of magnetic fields on plant growth.

• The effects of phosphates on aquatic plants.

• The effects of water impurities on plant growth

• What happens when you grow sweet potatoes next to other plants

• What happens to the way plants grow if there are no microorganisms in the soil?

• Do onion root cells divide at certain times during a 24-hour period?

• Can Water Hyacinths remove nitrates from waste water?

• The relation between cotton fiber length and their strength.

• A comparison between stored seed and seed germination.

• Comparison of cotton growth in sandy loam and alkali soils.

• Analysis of lawn seed germination at winter, spring, summer and fall temperatures.

• Bean plant growth in various nutrient deficient soils.

• Does the pyramid change the growth of plants?

• Using radioisotopes to study uptake of plant nutrients

• A study of the tumours produced in plants by agrobacterium tumifacieus

• Does soil type change how well crops grow?

• Show how the growth rate of some plants may change when exposed to higher than normal carbon dioxide gas

• What type of water additive helps plants grow best?

• Does the amount of water a plant receives affect how much water it gives off?

• Do steroids affect plant growth?

• Will the amount of light affect how fast a Venus Fly-Trap closes its jaws around an insect?

• Which vegetables serve as the best conductors of electricity?

• What are the effects of aspirin, vitamin C, calcium, and Benadryl on plant growth?

• Investigating the effects of gravitational forces on plant growth.

• What effect would freezing have on how well seeds sprout?

• Does the depth a seed is planted affect its ability to sprout?

• Examine phototropism, the study of why plants grow towards light.

• What is the effect of gibberellic acid on plant growth/flowering/fruiting?

• Where are there more stomata, the top or bottom of a leaf?

• Is there a relationship between seed shape and the method of seed dispersal?

• The Antimicrobial Effective Of Folk Medicines

• What are The Factors Effecting The Transformation Of Crimson Clover?

• Determining Whether Length Affects Grass Growth

• What Are The Effect Of Salt On Different Varieties Of Carrots?

• How Does Hydrogen Peroxide Affect Wheat Germination?

• How Does Water Conservation Affect the Germination of Grass?

• What are the effects of ant mound soil on the growth or bean seeds?

• What are the effects of dryer lint on plant growth and soil?

• How do different types of wood absorb water?

• Which wood is the hardest and why?

• Does the density of wood affect the time for a flame to burn through to the other side?

Bonus Post - School Activity on May 28th, Friday

On Friday we went to the media hub and finished our city reports, some of us finished our 'this day in history' and those who finished that started typing up their book reviews. In mathematics group three (my group (top group)) did a 30-minute test which only had 5 questions but each question took me 7 or 8 minutes to complete. Panpan and myself both got 3/5 which were the best scores in our group. After marking the test we had to start percentage posters, where we had to gather examples of percentages from newspapers and create posters with them. There was no assembly this Friday as only 3 actual teachers were at school, so all our house points still remain to increase until next Friday. We added a bit to the drafts of our book reviews and did a bit of reading. As it was Youth Week this week there was a sausage sizzle for lunch and I enjoyed munching on my tasty sausage.

Things Learned from Monday 24th May - Thursday 27th May

This week I have learned many things and have expanded my knowledge a great deal for a weeks effort. In mathematics, I have learned how to find the percentage of a number, aswell as find the base number when given a percentage. On Wednesday, the year seven and eights of St. Andrews got to go to their designated "sports option". My choice was to go to the Inzone Sports Centre. Although I did not actually participate in any proper game, upon watching my team mates I realised just how much practise we need (laughs). There was also alot of report writing this week; we learned how to set out a brainstorm for a plan, group the main points into categories, then create an extremely useful plan. It was then a lot easier when we went to write our reports. My report was on Wellington.




I believe I have learned a decent amount of things this week and I am happy with my progress.

Chinese Introduction Video Pt. 2

This is part 2 of my Chinese Introduction Video. It has been extended to say hello, my name is ____, my telephone number is ____, I like to eat ____, I like to drink ____, and goodbye. Thanks to JM (IDH) for helping make this video. The phonenumbers we say are fake, dont waste money trying to call us.

Introduction to Geology - Rock Preassessment

This is my rock presentation for our science preassessment. I am interested in rocks, others think I am boring... Anyway, enjoy!

SAMS Learner Tee-Shirt

My SAMS Learner shirt is good. It represents the 5 attributes of a SAMS learner and names the 4 houses (Rata, Kowhai, Totara, Matai). The 5 attributes are Communicator, Contributor, Explorer, Thinker and Self-Manager.

The picture of a man standing on the word "task" shows that a SAMS leaner will stay on task, while others will fall off task (as shown). The brain and box show that a SAMS leaner will think outside the box. The colours represent the four house colours. The magnifying glass, question man and the world wide question mark show that a SAMS learner will explore for answers, and use different resources for information.

Chinese Introduction Video

My Chinese introduction video is, in my opinion, good. My tones are average, but I'm getting
better! My fluency is smooth and I am content with my progress with the Chinese language.

SAMS Learner

Explorer
I think outside the box because I am smart and like to think outside the box.
I am not good at trying new things, I can improve this by trying new things.

Contributor
I give and take ideas respectfully, because I like to share and develop my learning.
I am not good at participating. I can improve this by participating/joining in with events.

Thinker
I am logical because I am smart and like using big words to sound smart as I am smart, though I may have no clue what the words I use mean or if they even exist.
I am not good at using my initiative. I can improve this by thinking for myself.

Self-Manager
I am good at being independant. This is because I work better when I am alone.
I do not know my abilities. I have no idea what my limits are.

Communicator
I am good at asking questions because I like receiving answers and expanding my knowledge.
I am not good at speaking clearly because I seem to curl up and die when I talk in front of a crowd. In other words I dont like talking in front of other people/large crowds.