Day 4 of week 2 (I also missed out on this one):

Activity 1: Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Arguably, one of the most dramatic and spectacular (beautiful) places to visit in New Zealand is Milford Sound. It has been referred to as the ‘eighth wonder of the world.’ It is a beautiful fiord (steep valley) that was formed when big pieces of ice (glaciers) melted. The melted glaciers created a beautiful river that is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and snow-capped mountains. People who visit Milford Sound are able to take a boat cruise through the middle of the fiord, walk around the area on the Milford Track or fly above the fiord as part of a private helicopter tour.

Let’s imagine that you had the chance to visit Milford Sound by boat, foot (walking) or air (helicopter). Which option would you prefer?

On your blog tell us which of the three options you would take to explore Milford Sound. Be sure to tell us why you have chosen this option.

By boat because you might see dolphins during the journey (and I love dolphins), I love travelling by water, birds in the forest when the boat stops and you get to go close up looks at islands and mountains.

LAST DAY OF SLJ!!!! Day 5: The sky is the limit

Activity 1: Environment Day - Beat Plastic Pollution

Every year we celebrate World Environment Day in June. On World Environment Day we do what we can to protect our planet. This year the focus is on reducing the use of plastic bags and water bottles. Watch this Environment Day video to learn more about it!

What could you and your family do to protect the planet?

On your blog tell us three things that you could do to help save the planet.

1. To stop cutting trees (having a pledge written)

2. To stop the use of plastic (straws, plastic cups etc.

3. Have beach clean ups or working bees.

Activity 2: Adoption Day

Not only can you help the planet by reducing, reusing and recycling, you can also help to save animals and plants by ‘adopting’ them. To ‘adopt’ an animal through the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), you need to visit their adopt a species page, read through the list of animals and choose one.

With the WWF, you don’t actually adopt the animal and bring it home! It’s a symbolic adoption. In this case you pay a fee ($55.00) and the money is used to provide food and care for your chosen animal. Visit the WWF site and take a look at the animals who are available for adoption. Choose your ‘top three’ animals from the website.

On your blog, list the three animals that you have chosen and then compare and contrast them. How are they similar? How are they different? At the bottom of you post, tell us which of the three animals you would most like to adopt..

My top 3

Loggerhead turtle

Snowy owl

Arctic fox

Similarities

Snowy Owl and Arctic Fox - They both live in cold conditions and they are both white for camouflage

Loggerhead Turtle and Snowy Owl - they both have to flap their fins or wings. The turtle when in the water, to move and the snowy owl when it flies.

Arctic fox and Loggerhead Turtle - I'm not sure?

Differences

Arctic fox, Snowy owl and Loggerhead Turtle - The Arctic fox and the Snowy owl is white while the Loggerhead turtle is Green.

That's, about it.

Activity 3: Concluding the Journey

Sadly, the Summer Learning Journey has now come to an end. It is time to reflect on everything that you have learned about the environment and, particularly, about how you can protect and preserve it.

On your blog please tell us:

What is one thing that you learned from participating in the Summer Learning Journey programme this year? I learnt more about our environment and what we can do to help. Also learning about the different things people do and finding more out about participants.

What is one thing that surprised you? I was surprised about the amount of people participating in the SLJ. There was hardly any. I had a list of all the people that were participating and hardly any were doing it.

What is one thing that concerned or upset you? Again, the amount of people participating.

What is one thing that you (or your family) can do, moving forward, to help protect our natural environment? We have brought a lot of reusable bags so we can use those as a replacement for plastic bags.

This year has been an awesome year and once again to all the people who make SLJ happen... THANK YOU!!!

Day 4: Making promises

Activity 1: Campaigning for Conservation

New Zealand is home to so many beautiful, unique and, sometimes, endangered animals and habitats. The Forest & Bird organisation is working really hard to protect vulnerable animals and places in NZ. They are doing everything that they can to raise money and to raise awareness so that everyone knows about these issues. These are called ‘campaigns.’ Check out the Forest & Bird campaigns site to learn more about them.

Imagine, that you have been hired by Forest & Bird New Zealand to work on one of their campaigns. It is your job to come up with a catchy slogan for the campaign. A slogan is a short phrase or sentence that is used to advertise something. Check out examples of common slogans and logos below.

    

On your blog, tell us which campaign you have chosen to support and provide us with a slogan for that campaign.

i'm lovin' it because saving animals means you are doing your part into saving the environment. You also get to go on awesome trips around NZ. Also, you just get to get up and personal with cute (and also weird) animals.

Activity 2: The Plastic Pledge

Over the past few decades some of New Zealand’s beaches have become dumping grounds for waste and rubbish. Almost 80% of this waste is made up of plastic items. Yikes!

Some companies in New Zealand have heard about the problem and agreed to cut down on their use of plastic. Countdown supermarkets, for example, have announced that they will stop giving out plastic bags to customers.  What do you think of this idea? What do your friends and family think? Is it a good idea or not?

For this activity, please ask one member of your family and/or a friend what they think about Countdown’s decision to go ‘plastic bag free.’

On your blog, tell us what they think about Countdown’s decision to stop using plastic bags.

I think its a good thing to happen because single use plastic bags are, well... single use. I think it is appalling that 80% of our waste is plastic. That is a scary number. That means only 20% of our waste is other things. If we stop using plastic and start bring reusable bags, we can reduce that 80% to maybe see a change like 50% or less. That little pledge to stop plastic has possibly made a big difference for NZ.

Activity 3: Restricted Access

While much of our programme has focused on New Zealand, it is important that we also consider the environment in other places as well. One of the most unusual and spectacular sites to visit outside of New Zealand is called Machu Picchu. It is an ancient city that was built high up in the mountains in the country of Peru in South America. You have to take a train and/or walk through a series of mountains and valleys to reach it.

    

Over the past few decades millions of tourists have made the trek to Machu Picchu. Unfortunately, this has damaged the area and the local government has decided to restrict the number of visitors to the site each year. This decision has upset a lot of tourists who really want to see Machu Picchu but aren’t allowed to go.

On your blog, tell us what you think about the government’s decision to restrict the number of tourists able to visit this special site. Is it fair? Be sure to tell us why you feel the way that you do.

I think the decision is both crucial and is unfair for tourists. The decision is for peoples safety because there might be unstable step or there is the risk of getting separated by friends.

Today is the last day of SLJ!! NOOOOOOO😞

Day 3: Taking action

Activity 1: Predator Free 2050 – A Call to Arms

There is currently a huge drive to get rid of all predators from New Zealand. Predators are animals that, in some way, damage our natural environment. Many organisations are working hard to accomplish this goal.

Click on the links below to watch videos about three of the current projects operating to make New Zealand ‘Predator Free by 2050.’

Predator Free Video #1: Cacophony Project

Predator Free Video #2: Taranaki Mounga Project

Predator Free Video #3: Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP)

On your blog, tell us which one of the videos you liked the best and why..

I pick the cacophony project because I think the technology behind the cacophonometer and the cacophonator. Its amazing how they use the microphone to keep track of the pests/animals that go in Grant's backyard. the cocophonator is also an incredible invention. The use of the inf-red camera is very smart.

Activity 3: The Power of Ten

Sir David Attenborough is a famous TV presenter from England who loves nature and the natural world. He has spent his career filming documentaries about the planet and working hard to protect it. In a recent interview, Sir David was asked to reflect on all that he had learned and to imagine that he had suddenly been given the power to save 10 animals and/or plants from extinction (disappearing forever).

After thinking about the question, he listed these 10 species (animals/plants):

1. Black Lion Tamarin (pictured to the right)

2. Sumatran Rhino

3. Solenodon

4. Olm Salamander

5. Spatuletail Hummingbird

6. Darwin’s Frog

7. Sunda pangolin

8. Priam’s Birding Butterfly

9. Northern Quoll

10. Venus’s Flower Basket

Let’s imagine that you had the same power and that you could save 10 species (animals or plants) from extinction. Who would you save? If I had the choice I would probably save animals like the elephant, white tiger and rhinoceros because they are unique and have lived for centuries on earth. I would also like to save some of my favourite flowers including hydrangeas and calla lily flowers. What about you?

   

Left to right: White tiger, Hydrangeas, Calla Lily

On your blog, list 10 species (animals or plants) that you would protect from extinction. For each one, give a reason as to why you think it is important to protect.

10. Giant panda

9. Venus's flower basket

8. Spatuletail hummingbird

7. Blue whale

6. Elephant

5. Hydrangea

4. Sumatran tiger

3. Hawksbill turtle

2. Whale shark

1. Loggerhead turtle

Day 2: protecting our own

Activity 1: A Flying Fox

New Zealand has some of the most beautiful forests in the world. Both New Zealanders and tourists, alike, enjoy walking through these forests. Unfortunately, constantly walking through forests can damage the plants and animals (flora and fauna) that live there. In an attempt to protect the local flora and fauna, an eco-tourism company in Rotorua came up with an idea. The Rotorua Canopy Tours Company designed a series of ziplines that sit above the forest canopy (top). People can ‘zip’ from one section of the forest to another, looking down on the beautiful natural areas below. To see what ziplining looks like, check out this video.

I have tried ziplining and I really enjoyed it, however, I must admit that I was pretty scared to try it at first. How would you feel if you had the chance to go ziplining in Rotorua?

On your blog, tell us how you would feel about going ziplining in Rotorua. Try to use some descriptive words (adjectives) and action words (verbs) in your post!

I would feel very fearful but a little bit ecstatic too. With all the nature around there will be lots to observe, zipping by. Also the scenery would be breath taking. Would love to go on the zipline.


Activity 2: A Protective Plant

There are concerns about the water quality of some of the rivers, streams and oceans in and around New Zealand. Some people have suggested that we plant flowers and plants on the banks of our most polluted rivers to stop the spread of the pollution. Apparently, the plants can act as filters, absorbing some of the chemicals (pollutants) that are moving across the land, on their way to the river.

Planting can be a lot of fun! Have you ever planted a garden? Aronui and I are going to make our very own edible garden this year. We are going to plant a number of veggies, fruits and herbs, including mint, coriander, parsley, lemongrass, onions, tomatoes, beans, zucchinis, kumara and strawberries. Yum! If you could plant an edible garden what would you plant in it?

On your blog list 10 veggies, fruits, or herbs that you would plant in your garden.

Top 10 veggies, fruits or herbs.

Number 10: Tomatoes (even though I don't really like them)
Number 9: Zucchinis
Number 8: Spring onions
Number 7: Onions in general
Number 6: Cabbage (probably green)
Number 5: Lettuce
Number 4: Cucumbers
Number 3: Raspberries (would be nice to try out)
Number 2: Peas
Number 1: Strawberries (I left strawberries for last because their my favourite)

Activity 3: A House is Not a Home

New Zealand is home to some unique wildlife that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. While we work very hard to protect our natural habitats so, too, do people living and working in other countries. One of the oldest international wildlife conservation organisations is called ‘Fauna & Flora International’ (FFI). They support a number of projects around the world, including those working to protect Lansan trees in the Caribbean, fruit forests in Tajikistan, and national reserves in Mozambique. Read about each of these projects and choose the one that interests you the most.

On your blog, tell us which project you find most interesting and why.

The Lansan tree project because the Lansan tree has many reliable uses. Some of the uses are quite out of the ordinary. They are also used for cultural purposes. It is a shame that people are chopping these trees down. 

Last week of SLJ!!!! Protect and preserve

Over the past three weeks we have been learning about our amazing environment(s). There are so many incredible plants, animals, and natural wonders to enjoy here on earth. If we want to keep enjoying them, however, we need to be careful and thoughtful about what we do and how we act.

This week we are going to talk about what we can do to protect, preserve, and sustain our natural world. We are going to become ‘nature ninjas!’

Day 1: Preserving the past

Activity 1: World of Wearable (WOW) Art

If we want to protect our natural world, we must be thoughtful about what we make, how we make it and how we dispose of it (throw it away). At the moment, the waste in New Zealand is separated into two main categories: 1. Recycled items (eg. bottles, cans, paper) and, 2. Non-recycled items (rubbish). Most of the rubbish is collected by rubbish trucks and taken to a rubbish tip (landfill) where it is dumped and never used again. Much of the recycled material is to taken to a place where it is sorted, separated and sent out to be used again.

The idea of reusing materials was taken to a whole new level by a woman named Dame Suzie Moncrieff who, thirty years ago, created an event in New Zealand called the ‘World of WearableArt’ (WOW). WOW takes place in Wellington (and in other cities) every year. Artists from around the world create outfits made entirely from recycled materials.

Let’s imagine that you were invited to this year’s WOW awards and you were able to interview the creator.

On your blog, list five interview questions that you would like to ask Dame Suzie Moncrieff.

What gave you the idea to create WOW?

Did you collaborate with anyone to create WOW? If you did, who?

What was your first dress you made and what material was it made with?

How long does it take to make a dress?

What is the process of making a dress?

Activity 2: Guardians of the Sea

One of the largest rivers in New Zealand is called the Waikato River. It is found in the central part of the North Island of New Zealand. The river (awa) was given the name ‘Waikato’ (meaning flowing water) by a group of men and women from the Tainui iwi who, legend has it, travelled down the Waikato years ago and settled in the area. According to Māori legend, the Waikato River has hundreds of taniwha (mythical water spirits) living in it, guarding the sea.

Unfortunately, the Waikato River has become polluted in recent years and is, sometimes, closed to the public. This is very upsetting for many people, especially for those who believe that taniwha live in the river. Please click here to read about taniwha and watch this short video about taniwha.

Once you have finished learning about taniwha go to your blog.

On your blog tell us whether, or not, you believe that taniwha exist. Be sure to explain to us why you feel this way.

I do because our ancestors wrote stories about the encounters with the taniwha. It would be a bit scary to see a taniwha but if you were brave enough you might even make a new friend.

Activity 3: The Sky in Shanghai

One day I would really like to travel to China. It is a country with a rich history, vibrant cities, tasty food, and fascinating architecture (buildings). Unfortunately, some of the largest Chinese cities have high rates of air pollution. The air pollution in Beijing, one of the largest cities in China, can get so bad that roads are closed, flights are cancelled and events are postponed while they wait for the smog in the air to clear. The terrible pollution is also having fatal (deadly) effects as, approximately, 1.1 million people in China died last year from air pollution-related causes. The Chinese government is very concerned and they have introduced a number of strategies (ideas) to reduce the pollution levels. Imagine that you were asked to travel to Beijing. How would you feel?

              

On your blog, write a poem that describes your feelings about travelling to Beijing, China.

Visiting China might be fun

In my opinion China looks awesome

Still, there is a nagging voice in my head

I hear of the huge amounts of pollution

That causes deaths of millions of people

I am still fine about going to China

Never have I declined an awesome opportunity to go to a new country

Going to China might be the most awesome thing I have ever done.

Day 5: Here to stay

Activity 1: Persistent Pollution

In 2016, the World Health Organisation announced that Timaru, a small town in the South Island of New Zealand, had the highest recorded levels of air pollution in New Zealand. Some of this pollution was caused by natural events (eg. fires) but most of it was produced (made) by humans.

Watch this short video on air pollution. It will tell you more about natural and human causes of pollution.

On your blog, share three new things that you learned about air pollution from this video.

Algae is a natural cause of pollution. I never knew that.

4 of the causes of global warming is carbon dioxide, Methane, Nitrous oxide and Fluoridated gasses.

There is 2 causes of smog, Sulphurous (caused by burning coal which is used for steam trains) and photo chemicals (also known as ground level ozone, is caused when sunlight, nitrogen oxide, volatile organic compound is mixed together).


Activity 2: Changing Climates

Over the past decade, the climate in New Zealand (and around the world) has been changing. In fact, the climate has been getting warmer and warmer. While many of us like warm weather, climate change is not good news. Higher temperatures can cause glaciers to melt (leading to flooding) and increase the amount of rain that falls.

Here in New Zealand, we have noticed the change. In fact, we sometimes have torrential (huge) rain storms causing flooding, landslides and road closures. When it starts to rain really hard, Aronui and I usually hide out in our lounge and play games like Yahtzee, Monopoly and Uno. If it rains all day, we will also spend some time reading, watching movies and baking.

What about you? What do you like to do on a rainy day?  

On your blog, tell us about five things that you like to do when it is too rainy to go outside.

Play on my iPad (if the rain hasn't caused the wifi to stop). Otherwise, colouring in my colouring book.

Writing important things that I need to do during the week (yes, I do that).

Cleaning my room, making it more organised (and yes, I do that too)

Reading books (mostly my Rick Riordan books)

Drawing or organising in general :)

Activity 3: Let It Rain

Over the past few decades, we have seen an increase in the amount of rain that falls here in New Zealand. We are lucky, however, that most of the rain that falls is regular rainwater and not polluted acid rain. Acid rain is rain that has bad chemicals (pollutants) in it. When acid rain hits the ground it can enter the water system, killing plants and animals. Click here to learn more about acid rain.

Let’s imagine that New Zealand was hit by a massive acid rain storm. Acidic rain fell for three days and three nights. When the rain fell, you stayed inside with your friends and family. When it stopped, however, you and your family decided to go for a walk outside. You opened the door and...

On your blog, write a short story about what happened when you opened the door and walked outside after the acid rain storm. To earn full points, you must write a story that is 8 – 10 sentences long.

We opened the door and took our first look for the first time in 3 days and it was as if we stepped into a whole different work. The lush green grass was no longer vibrant green. It looked as if the temperature had risen by a 1000 degrees. It look the same for the trees. Animal carcasses were littered around trees. The only animals that we alive were pets. The trees also looked like they had been baked with only the skeletons remaining. The beach no longer had any water (now this would of definitely would of upset me if this was really because I'm a water baby) which looked like we wouldn't be swimming in any time. Our faces were full of sadness. We all wished we had the power to reverse time.

Next week is the last week of SLJ 😞