Category: Hanga | Create

Playing Water Pong But Without The Water.

The game we played today was inside health. And when you see the title, you may think:

“How does water pong connect to health?”

I don’t really know how that is about health. But it was fun either way. It was probably a game to boost morale in the class. Or maybe just a fun day for today. Or just an excuse to write a blog…

Some people might not know what water pong is. There are two sets of cups filled to the brim with water. And the other team has to get their ping pong ball into your cups. Like this:

Then your team does the same back. The team with the most cups out loses, and the team with fewer cups out wins.

Anyways,

I teamed up with my friends Nikoro, Liam, and Mohammad. In the first round, it was just me, Nikoro, and Liam. (Mohammad was on another team originally.) We played against Te Hari, Jerome, and David. We got four cups, while they got 2, and beat the other team.

Then on the second game, we played against Precious and two other new girls (I haven’t talked to them at all), and ended up beating them by… I don’t know how many cups.

Then in the finals.. (versus the same team as the second game) we almost won. But in the end, we lost. But that doesn’t matter in the end.

During that whole game, Taha Tinana and Taha Whanau were used during the game. (Which is probably why we did the game)

It was a reall fun game, and I hope we do more games in the future.

Making Zombies for Science.

Introduction:

In science class, we’ve been exploring Punnett Squares, which are typically used in Year 11. To get a head start for next year, we decided to make our learning more fun by creating zombies using these squares. This project allowed us to mix and match traits like skin colour, hair type, and abilities to design unique zombies.

Below me is the result of how this outcome came to be.

Method:

The method we used was:

  1. Picking the parents’ alleles.

This involved looking at traits like eye colour or height. We first identified the alleles each parent had, which are the different forms of genes that come from the mom and dad. Then, we used a Punnett square to see how these alleles could combine in their offspring, helping us predict what traits the zombies might have. It was a fun way to learn about how genetics works!

2. What were the different alleles?

Well, as you can see in the photo, we had many alleles. Such as Skin Colour, Hair, Limb Count, Clothing, Teeth, and a Weapon.

3. How did you decide the traits the zombie had?

It was almost completely randomised. So let’s get an example…

See the skin colour? Well, if you look at the Gene part below. You will end up seeing my writing saying S = Green and s = Normal Skin Colour. With the Punnett Square, I randomly selected where to put the two S’s. And from there, used the rules of a normal Punnett Square to figure out our result!

Results?

The result I got out looked amazing in my opinion. (Especially with my amazing drawing)

Using all the results from my Punnett Squares, we were then tasked with the opportunity to draw our zombie, and design it how it was made to turn out!

Conclusion!

In conclusion, making a zombie using Punnett Squares was a fun and cool project! Our final zombie had some wild traits: green skin, a mix of long hair and a mullet, three limbs, ripped clothes, bad teeth, and it could use both a bite and an infection as weapons. The results were awesome and showed us how genes can mix in surprising ways. However, we could have tried different combinations of traits to create even more unique zombies. For example, if we had picked different alleles for skin colour or hair type, our zombies could have looked totally different—maybe with bright colours or normal hairstyles. Overall, this project helped us learn about genetics while letting us be creative and have fun imagining our own zombies!

Te Whare Tapa Wha Whare Building.

Recently, in Health, we have been working on our Te Whare Tapa Wha. Te Whare Tapa Wha is a health model with four key areas: physical, mental, family, and spiritual health. All four are important for being healthy. It compares these areas to the walls of a house, which need to be strong together. This model is used in Māori health to promote balance in life.

This experience was really fun to do, but really hard to think about a way to make it stand.

Performance Activity.

Who are your teammates?

My teammates are my friends, Harlin, Isoa, and Archer.

What Instrument are you playing?

I’m personally playing the drums, but my three other teammates are playing guitar. I chose this because I like playing the drums and is the best in the group 😎

What song are you performing, and why did you choose it?

I chose this song because I’ve heard it before. My teammate Archer recommended it to us and we agreed to it all together. The song is called Upside Down by Jack Johnson. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqUdI4AIDF0

What genre is the song?

It’s an indie/soft rock type of song.

What is most difficult about the song? What will be hardest to learn?

Personally, I think it’s the drums, because timing is EVERYTHING; one mess up could ruin it all for the rest of the group.

What are you enjoying most?

Just playing with my friends, the drums are my favourite instrument.

How to Cope With Someone Passing Away.

There’s not really a correct way to deal with a passing… People all grieve differently, by either going out of their way to find answers on their death, isolating themself, or just forgiving and forgetting the things that happened in the past.

I decided to choose this topic because it really captures most of what we did this term. It explores how people cope with the loss of a loved one’s passing.

Area One: Reacting to Death

You may notice that some people around you seem to be much more affected by the death, while others are not bothered by it. Don’t think they do not care. A family member may find comfort in staying busy and focusing on other things—this is just the way you can deal with death. Grieving is a very personal thing. You may also find that everyone around you has some sort of advice about moving on. This advice might not be good enough for you. But remember, they are just trying to help. Whether they also went through this situation or not.

1.) Be Aware of Common Reactions to Death.

When someone dies, you may experience physical reactions such as dizziness, vomiting, or feeling like you might vomit, numbness, confusion, headaches, body aches, trouble sleeping, or an overwhelming desire to sleep. You may also feel emotional reactions like sadness, confusion, denial, anger, and guilt. How you grieve can depend on several factors, including your relationship with the person who passed away, their age, their health at the time of death, and whether you expected the death.

2.) Anticipate the Different Stages of Death

Most people go through different stages of grief, but there is no set time frame or right way to experience them. You might not go through all the stages, and that’s okay. The stages of grief include:

1. Denial – ” This can’t be true. She was just so happy before. ”
2. Anger – Wanting to seek out revenge or start smashing stuff.
3. Bargaining – ” Take me and give her back. ”
4. Depression – ” How will I continue alone?”
5. Acceptance – “She’s in a better place now.”

It’s common to feel angry or out of place if others around you are feeling differently about the loss. Remember not to punish yourself for your feelings; just know that your emotions may come and go.

 

 

Marshmello Canon

Recently, we had to create a stop-motion animation for our science project.

Because, the lesson before, we made a marshmallow cannon to experience kinetic energy, elastic energy, and many more.

We worked very hard on it, and it’ll be super duper ultra hard to read it all!!1!!

Music

Hello! Recently, we got the opportunity to choose our options for the new term. One of mine being music. A few questions were asked, such as

What Made You Want To Learn Music?

Because I love music, I aspire to have a successful musical career. Either in producing or just playing instruments. Maybe even playing both. Lots of my family had musical careers. Some are huge, some are not.

Do You Play An Instrument?

I play drums. I like percussion and sometimes I do beat making in my own time.

What kind of music do you listen to?

I like two different genres, and not many more. R&B and Hip Hop.

Have You Ever Been In A Performance?

No, not ever. I don’t like to perform

If You Had Only One Genre To Listen To, What Would It Be?

Hip-Hop it’s one of my favorite genres, if not my favorite. It’s one of the biggest genres out there, so it most likely won’t ever go out.

Sportsmanship in Basketball

What is Sportsmanship?

Well, sportsmanship is being fair, respecting others, not just your teammates, but also the other teams, being honest, showing integrity, and other things that make a fair game a fun game.

That’s the main aspect of sportsmanship.

What is an example of a player showing sportsmanship?

Well, there are many different examples of sportsmanship, one of the many being helping others when down. This can also be physical or mental in any way. For example, say somebody is getting trash-talked, checking up on the hurt person can really change the mood of the game. It is an example of sportsmanship. Physical can be the same thing, but instead, say they are hurt. Helping them up can be a great way to lend a hand.

What role does communication play in basketball?

When talking to others, it helps others know where and when to go to different places. For example, say someone went ” Pass here, I’m open! ” It gives you a better option to make it out of difficult situations.

Why is respecting the other team important?

Because it can build strong relationships in games, which can be used to make friendships and other things.

Describe a time when I showed integrity in basketball.

One time, I was playing in my driveway, doing 1v1s with my neighbour. He was looking, but I accidentally got the ball out, and instead of not telling him, I decided to actually give the ball to him, and let him go for his turn.

How can we celebrate fairly to encourage a better game environment?

Encouragement can help build a fun & friendly environment. Imagine a place where your friends were on the side cheering you on. That would make you feel better, wouldn’t it? And it would also help you play better because of all the positivity.

What would I do if someone on the other team fell down?

I would help them, obviously. It’s the right thing to do in special situations such as this!

How do other players react to other people falling down?

Some players laugh and disrespect the other team, but that’s not the right thing to do.

What does being a good sport mean?

Being a good sport is like being a fair and fun guy. Good sports players are better for a fun environment because they make everyone positive and happy.

Why does being self-controlled help boost emotions in games?

Because letting negativity out hurts others’ feelings and can lower their skills in the end game.

How does basketball teach you to  be a better team player

Because basketball is a team game. You have to use your other team in order to play; therefore, playing basketball is good for team play. For example, you have to pass to get past the screens the other team sets up, and also might need to pass in order to score a hoop.

Delevoping Skills.

Three Strengths I Have In Sports.

I don’t really think of things I’m good at when playing sports, but here are a few things I believe I’m good at. I’m pretty speedy when playing sports like Football, Basketball, Track and field, and more. I’m pretty good at passing and taking shots with a Football/Basketball.

One Thing I Need To Work On.

Not moving with a ball is a super hard thing for me, I’m just so used to running and moving with a ball that I end up always failing sports like Netball.

Five Reasons That Giving Feedback Can Help Develop Skills.

Giving feedback can help people with:

  1.  Learning new skillsLearning skills can help people use more strategies in games.
  2. Strategize

Speaking of strategies, it can help people beat the other team.

3. Improves Performance

Feedback helps athletes identify strengths and areas for improvement, allowing them to enhance their skills.

4. Boosts Confidence

Positive feedback raises confidence and motivation, encouraging athletes to work hard and grow.

5. Builds Team Trust

Sharing feedback promotes honest communication and trust, which strengthens teamwork during games

 

My Arthritis Research

Introduction

We have been researching bones, joints, tendons, and more recently.  So today we learnt about Ligaments, which are the joints in your body that connect bones to bones. And tendons, the joints in the body that connect muscles to bones. So why arthritis? Well firstly…

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that causes joint inflammation, leading to pain and stiffness. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, and includes different types. The most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage in joints wears down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own joints. Arthritis can make daily activities difficult, but there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms.

What causes it?

Arthritis can have several causes, which vary by type:

1. **Genetics**: Family history can increase your risk, especially for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

2. **Age**: The risk rises as you get older due to natural wear on joints.

3. **Injury**: Past joint injuries, like fractures or ligament damage, can lead to arthritis later.

4. **Autoimmune Response**: In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing pain.

5. **Obesity**: Extra weight stresses joints, especially in the hips and knees.

6. **Infections**: Some arthritis types may develop after joint infections.

7. **Lifestyle**: Being inactive, eating poorly, and smoking can also contribute.

Understanding these causes can help with prevention and treatment. It’s best to consult a healthcare professional for advice

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of arthritis often include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and warmth or redness over the affected joints. You may also experience a decreased range of motion and fatigue. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, firm bumps under the skin may develop. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional

What are some of the treatment options?

There are several options to manage arthritis and reduce symptoms:

1. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and NSAIDs can reduce pain and inflammation. –

2. Customized exercise programs can improve flexibility and strength, while therapy can help with daily activities.

3.  Keeping a healthy weight lessens stress on joints.

4.  Acupuncture or massage therapy can provide relief for some individuals.

5. Braces or custom orthotics can support joints.

6. In severe cases, surgical options like joint replacement may be necessary.

Consult with a healthcare professional to find the best treatment plan for your specific needs.

Bonus: Can cracking knuckles be bad for you?

Cracking your knuckles is a common habit. The sound comes from gas bubbles in the joint fluid popping. Many people worry that cracking knuckles can lead to arthritis. However, research shows there is no connection between knuckle cracking and arthritis. For most people, cracking knuckles is harmless. It doesn’t cause damage to the joints. But if you feel pain, swelling, or discomfort when you crack your knuckles, you should see a healthcare professional. In short, while cracking your knuckles is usually safe, pay attention to your body. Get advice if you have any concerns.