SENIOR TEAM BLOG – Karaka School

Intermediate STEM

During terms 2 to 4 our Intermediate students participate in week long intensive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) units. 2016 focuses were: * Marine Ecology (Save the Penguins) * Astrophysics - Space * Biology - Genetics 2017 focuses are: * Electronics - Robotics * Matter * Geology (Earthquakes & Volcanoes) STEM focusses on teaching these disciplines [...]

By admin|2017-09-05T15:59:02+12:00September 5th, 2017|SENIOR TEAM BLOG|Comments Off

What’s the Matter?- Inquiry Learning

Our inquiry topic for Term 3 is "What's the Matter?". The Year 5/6 classes have been investigating the properties of matter and how they can be changed or manipulated. We have conducted a series of experiments in the classrooms. So far we have looked at the density of hot and cold water, chemical reactions, [...]

By admin|2017-08-21T15:44:43+12:00August 21st, 2017|SENIOR TEAM BLOG|Comments Off

Senior

Intermediate STEM

During terms 2 to 4 our Intermediate students participate in week long intensive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) units.

2016 focuses were:

* Marine Ecology (Save the Penguins)

* Astrophysics – Space

* Biology – Genetics

2017 focuses are:

* Electronics – Robotics

* Matter

* Geology (Earthquakes & Volcanoes)

STEM focusses on teaching these disciplines together not seperately. Real world problem based leaning is used to connect the STEM subjects together. All units involve hands on activities and incorporate NCEA style assessment aspects.

It is based around the 5 E’s:

- Engagement
- Exploration
- Explanation
- Extension
- Evaluation

One of our earlier STEM units was based on Electronics -Robotics

A few key activities were focussed on:

Atoms and Electrons
Static Charges
Circuits
Robotics

The most recent STEM unit was focussing on Matter

A few key activities were focussed on:

Forensic Science
Chromatography
Physical and Chemical changes
Particle Theory

What’s the Matter?- Inquiry Learning

Our inquiry topic for Term 3 is “What’s the Matter?”. The Year 5/6 classes have been investigating the properties of matter and how they can be changed or manipulated. We have conducted a series of experiments in the classrooms. So far we have looked at the density of hot and cold water, chemical reactions, non-newtonian fluids, testing the pH of substances and more.

Middle

Middle Team Sleepover!
Gallery
Middle Team Sleepover!

MIDDLE TEAM BLOG

Middle Team Sleepover!

This was a truly AMAZING event. We saw all our school values in action with well behaved and considerate children who demonstrated respect and nurture amongst their school friends. It was wonderful to see the levels of independence as children assumed responsibility for organising their own beds and washing and drying their own dishes.

Thank you so very much to the superb parents who collected our groceries, or came and cooked and prepared dinner and breakfast for us, it was all done with such efficiency.

Thank you to Mrs Corlett for organising our “wooden spoon” co-operative puppet shows, they were fun entertainment for us to watch. Thank you to Miss Maihi for organising our shopping list, arranging the parent helpers and for taking such amazing photos.

Inquiry Sharing Day
Gallery
Inquiry Sharing Day

MIDDLE TEAM BLOG

Inquiry Sharing Day

In Term 2, the year 0 – 6 classes conducted and inquiry into Ancient Civilisations. Each class focused on a different civilisation, and unpacked the culture, art, architecture and food that featured in each.

At the end of the term, we came together and shared an item that featured aspects of our chosen culture.

Pateke room focused on Egyptian culture, and created a wonderful dance!

The classes also created a variety of exemplars of art, food and architecture and displayed it to the Karaka community and whanau!

Junior

Athletics Day 2017

After delaying for bad weather, we had a lovely time in the sunshine. Well done to all the children who gave it their all!

Thanks to Mrs Sutton for a fabulous Junior Athletics organisation – everything ran very smoothly.

athletics

Amazing Ag Day Displays

Here are just a few of the wonderful displays shared in theJunior classrooms for Ag Day. Well done children – the standard was very high and the judges had a tough job deciding on who to give prizes to.

Ag Day Preparations in the Junior Team

It has been a very busy time in the lead up to Ag Day. We are all excited and ready to go for tomorrow. Well done to all the children, you have worked very hard. Your teachers are very proud of you!

Senior

Middle

Junior