Making molecules

On Tuesday afternoon we made molecular bonds out of jubes and marshmallows. 
We learned about electron shells and how an atom can bond together with another atom.

CH4 - Methane

NH3 - Ammonia

H2O - Water molecule

The Periodic Table

We have began our study into the Periodic Table.  We discovered today that the Periodic Table is organised into periods (horizontally) and groups (vertically).  Together, we are gaining a better understanding of natural and synthetic elements, and how an atom is made up of protons (+ charge), neutrons (neutral) and electrons (- charge).

Tomorrow we are going to make our very own molecules out of marshmallows and jubes... yum!  Watch out for our next post on molecule bounds.

 

PS: Congratulations to Noah (Room 19) for being the first student to be able to recite The Elements Song.  He earned himself a whooping 200 votes towards the class governance system.  Well done!  Who will be first in Room 18?  

     

New Home Learning Programme

This week, students were introduced to their new Home Learning books.  When I checked books today, I was very pleased with the number of students who completed their reading, Mathematics and spelling home learning for Week 1.

Further to this, a number of students have started to embark upon one of the 'Can Do' challenges which contribute towards Senior Success Award eligibility.  Theo and Jaden are working towards holding a sausage sizzle to raise much needed funds for the Westpac Helicoper service; Emily has started to document her level of physical activity in a fitness journal, and just today, Mitchell completed a 1000m continuous swim.  The initiative and enthusiasm that Room 18 students are demonstrating towards these challenges is really exciting!  Well done team... keep up the super work!

   

Year 8 Term 2 Technology Award Winners

I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Celebration of Learning session at Christchurch East Technology Centre on the last day of Term 2.  I witnessed students talking about all the cool stuff that they had made and reflecting on their learning.  I really enjoyed the opportunity to see our wonderful Year 8's participating in such a meaningful learning experience.

The Technology teachers had the difficult task of selecting two students from each class (who they thought deserved a little extra recognition) to receive the 'C.O.O.L. Factor' Awards.

Congratulations to the award recipients:
Mitchell (Rm 18), Jack (Rm 23), Willow (Rm 23), Karina (Rm 22) & Maia (Rm 19).

 

Fergus with his innovative eye-ball pillow.  Love it!

Anzac's 'Running Man' bookends

Mitchell (Rm 18)

Jack (Rm 23)

Willow (Rm 23)  

Karina (Rm 22) & Maia (Rm 18)

 

End of Term Baking Auction Photos

Wearable Arts Photos from 10th & 11th July

'Adorn'

3 weeks on and I still get a smile on my face when I think about what Room 18 created for the Year 5-8 Wearable Arts show last term.  Between our shiny 'ice knight'; the graceful waterfall; giant balaclava-wearing puffer fish and masked coral reef; the deep sea diver-chasing angler fish; the twirling ocean goddess trio; the beautiful pearl/clam and tissue-paper ocean trial, and finally, the mythological creature at the end, we sure did put on a show that the audience will remember for some time.  Well done Room 18 S.T.A.R.S!  Doing Mrs P. proud! 

 

Otago Times Extra! Canterbury Spelling Quiz

Impressive Results at the Year 7/8 Canterbury Spelling Quiz

On Monday 29th July, four teams of Year 7/8 students competed in the Otago Times Extra! Canterbury Spelling Quiz held at Chisnalwood Intermediate.  Our teams got off to an impressive start, with Team 3 sitting on 100% after 3 competitive rounds.  The competition consisted of a range of language skills, including: spelling challenges, word meanings, derivations & origins.  From the 67 teams that competed, our teams placed well.

16th =: Kate, Maia & Lilly (Team 1)
35th =: Karina, Theo & Dani (Team 3)
45th =: Anzac, Ruby & Emma (Team 2)
58th =: Brayden, Louie & Mitchell (Team 4) 

Congratulations to these 12 students - we are very proud of your achievements.

Emma, Ruby & Anzac

Mitchell, Louie & Brayden

Daniella, Theo & Karina

Maia, Lilly & Kate