Small Differences Make Big Impacts

Wonder Work Pg 41-80

1. Star Wars is one of Auggie’s passions. Why do you think this is? Do you see any reasons for Auggie to identify with these characters, or to aspire to be like them?
   Like the characters in Star Wars, Auggie isn't exactly normal and has deformities that set him aside from other people around him. I believe Auggie aspires to be like them because despite their differences they can still accomplish great things.
2. What questions did Julian ask August and why did August want to slide under the desk? Explain why Julian asked those questions?
   Julian asked August about Star Wars, specifically about Darth Sidious. Julian asked this question because, like Auggie, Darth Sidious has a deformed face.
3. Mr Browne’s September Precept was 'When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind'. Do you agree with this precept? Explain.
   Generally, yes, I guess it depends on the situation that you're in. If it's a matter of opinion, definitely choose kind. But there is nothing to tell you that you can't do both. Personally, when given the choice, why not be right in a kind way?
4. In the chapter One to Ten, August is feeling mad with his mother but he's not sure why. Explain why you think he was mad?
   Maybe because she was babying him quite a bit, which, subconsciously, Auggie didn't like, he probably wanted to feel grown up.
5. August invited his whole class to his birthday party but not many kids came. Why do you think they didn't go?
   Maybe they were scared to be around him, or afraid something might happen while there. It's mentioned that no one around Auggie wanted to touch him and being at his birthday party would be a huge violation of that.
6. August says he has an 'Aversion' to getting his picture taken. What is an aversion? Why does Auggie have an aversion to having his picture taken?
   An aversion is a hatred, or strong disliking, towards something. He has an aversion towards having pictures taken of him because he is self-conscious about the way he looks
7. Why does no one want to touch August? How do you think this makes him feel?
   They believed he was contagious and weird, that he was some sort of being that should be in quarantine and they didn't want to be apart of that.
8. Did your opinion of Jack Will change after August overheard him talking to Julian? Explain.
   At first, yes, but later on, no. I believe Jack said those things about Auggie because of society's pressures to be a popular kid, I understand that he was just trying his best to fit in and seem "cool."
9. Do you think August will go back to school? Predict what will happen next?
   Having read this story before, I know what happens, but if I were to read this for the first time, I would think he would go back to school, though he may have trouble fitting in again.

Can Do Tasks

Vocabulary - 

Contagious - "Spread from one person or organism to another, typically by direct contact." Something contagious is something that is easily spread between two living things.

Exception - "A person or thing that is excluded from a general statement or does not follow a rule." If you are the exception to something, you are the only thing that doesn't have to follow a specific thing.

Recital -  "A performance of a programme of music by a soloist or small group" For example, a dance recital is a group of different performances by different groups.

Aversion - "A strong dislike or disinclination." As stated in question 6, an aversion towards something is a strong disliking towards it.

Mortality - "The state of being subject to death." Being able to die, the opposite of immortality, which is the inability to die.

Research -

Treacher Collins Syndrome
Treacher Collins syndrome is the syndrome August has in the story 'Wonder', or at least what it's based on. The condition affects the development of bones and tissue in the face. The effects of this condition range in severity, anywhere from unnoticeable to very severe. Most people affected have underdeveloped facial bones, most commonly the cheekbones, jaw, and chin. Some affected have a small opening at the roof of their mouths called a cleft palate. Some people with the condition often have slanted down eyes and sparse eyelashes. Treacher Collins affects around 1 in 50,000 people, though it seems a bit rarer than this number because of the detailed genetics involved in the syndrome.

Poi E

Poi E, the song you either love or hate.

The famous NZ hit song, written by Ngoi Pēwhairangi, was performed by the Patea Maori Club. It topped the New Zealand charts for four weeks and outsold every other international artist in the country

A New Day, A New Book

Wonder Questions (Pages 11 to 43)

If you haven't read the book or seen the movie of 'Wonder,' you must be living under a rock. Wonder is about August Pullman, a boy who isn't exactly... ordinary, who enters fifth grade, attending school for the first time

Warning: Spoilers! (Go watch the movie, it's really good)

1. What was August's one wish that he wanted? If you could change one thing about your appearance what would it be?
   If Auggie had one wish, he'd wish to have a 'normal' face. A face that wouldn't make people feel the need to stop and stare. If I could change one thing about my appearance? This may sound cliche but I would want a flatter stomach, it's my one out-standing insecurity.
2. What do you think it means to be ordinary? What makes August extraordinary?
   To be ordinary... Being ordinary is to live a normal life. Go to school, have nothing 'wrong' with you. Auggie is extraordinary because he's different, because he's not 'normal,' because he's never been to school before. 
3. How do people react when they see Auggie's face for the first time? How would you react?
   People react in different ways, with some people, they catch a glimpse of him and immediately look somewhere else, or others just stare. If I were to meet him for the first time? If I'm honest, I'd be slightly shocked, but I'd try to play it off as best I could. I would treat him like I'd treat anyone else.
4. August's dad said, "So sending him off to middle school like a lamb to the slaughter...." What does this mean? Explain.
   Like a lamb to the slaughter is a metaphor, it, in short, means sending someone, or something, to their death, or somewhere you know they aren't going to survive. Auggie's dad says this because he knows how harsh kids are. 
5. Would you send August to school if you were his mom or dad? Explain why or why not.
   I personally would, at least for half a year, I would want him to live a decently normal life. If things got too bad and out of hand, kids start bullying him, taunting him etc, then I would take him out. 
6. What white lie did August's mum tell? Why did she do it? Are white lies ok to tell?
   Auggies mum lied about the entrance test he had to take the previous year, telling him it was an IQ test. She lied so he wouldn't freak out about going to school even if he didn't get in. I believe white lies are okay to tell, only when the situation calls for it.
7. Auggie decided he liked Mrs Garcia ‐ when she wasn’t wearing her shiny smile. What is a 'shiny smile'?
   A fake smile, a smile that is so happy and shiny that it's very obviously fake and forced. 
8. How does Auggie know the first time he meets Julian that he will be a bully? What are some of the ways that Julian bullies Auggie? How does Auggie respond?
   Auggie knows that Julian because of the way he acts around Auggie and the way he treats him. Julian shows this by doing things like asking him rude, inconsiderate, inappropriate and personal questions, purposefully tripping him up, etc.

NZ Music

A New Zealand song I like:

Don't Dream It's Over by Crowded House

I like this song because of it's catchy lyrics, written by Neil Finn, such as "Hey now, hey now. When the world comes in, They come, they come, To build a wall between us, We know they won't win." I also like the songs smooth melody paired with the band's voices.

Merchant Of Venice: Shylock Character Study

Shylock Character Study #1- 
Make a list of the insults and names Shylock has been called in the text so far. 
Devil
Inexecrable dog (Disgusting dog)
Unfeeling man (Heartless)
An inhuman wretch


Find lines/quotes in the text that show Shylock’s hurt, his rage, his loneliness.
"He hath disgraced me and hindered me half a million, laughed at my losses, mocked at my gains, scorned my nation, thwarted my bargains, cooled my friends, heated mine enemies—and what’s his reason? I am a Jew."
“Fair sir, you spet on me on Wednesday last; You spurned me such a day; another time. You called me ’dog'—and for these courtesies. I’ll lend you thus much moneys?”

Do you think he cares more about losing the ducats or his daughter? Give evidence to support your thinking.
The ducats, as he states he would rather have Jessica dead at his feet with the jewels she has than have both gone. 

Shylock is powerless to get back his daughter or his ducats but Antonio is now in his power. Find the first mention of revenge. Do you think his thoughts of revenge are justified, give reasons?
The first mention of revenge is in Shylocks "If you prick us" speech. Yes, I believe his thoughts are justified, as he is right in saying that if a Christian is wronged by a Jew then serves revenge, a Jew wronged by a Christian should be able to as well.

A3S1 lines 54-62. What sentiment is Shylock trying to express here, do you find sympathy for him here?
He is trying to get his anger across. I do feel sympathy for him as he has been treated like absolute crap by Antonio. Only because he believes in something different.

Choose one ‘Hath not..’ quote and explain it. 

"Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions" Does a Jew not have eyes? Does a Jew not have hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions? He's saying how a Jew is no different to a Christian. 

Shylock Character Study #2

Shylock makes his last appearance in A4S1

How does he behave when he thinks he is winning?
Smug, very smug. 

Is his behaviour what you expected of him based on the story so far, look carefully at his one-ine answers, as well as at his longer speeches. Look too at his reply to Gratiano L 139-142.
Yes, very

Why do lines 40-46 offer a particularly chilling comparison? What is Shylock saying? Compare L67.

How does Shylock react when he becomes the victim?

Shylock Character Study #3
Many characters hold antisemitic views, but in places Shakespeare lets Shylock speak from the heart and suddenly see him as a human, not stereotype.
Find scenes and speeches where Shakespeare does this, take note of the act, scene, lines and quotes.


In A1S3 when Shylock offers to lend money without interest some argue that he is being kind, discuss your thoughts.
In A3S1 Shylock suffers great losses. Look for suggestions of his sorrow, loneliness and feelings for his dead wife.
In A4S1 when Shylock is sentences, we again feel pity for him. Why is this an achievement for Shakespeare (consider his audience)
The Merchant of Venice is considered a comedy, however the character of Shylock makes it feel more of a tragi-comedy. Do you feel he is portrayed more as a villain or victim. Write a paragraph explaining your thoughts with supporting evidence from the play.
It has been argued that the play should be renamed ‘The Jew of Venice’. Why do you think this is? Would it change your initial view of the play? Would it be a more suitable name?

Carbohydrates

New Zealand's Government.

New Zealand’s government is a democracy, with parts of Monarchy. We have a system called an MMP, Mixed Member Proportional which is a democratic system but also have a monarch at the head of our government. A Mixed Member Proportional operates by the voter voting twice. One vote is towards the political party the voter chooses. This is the party vote. The second vote is to choose the MP the voter wants to represent the area they live in. This is called the electorate vote. For the electorate vote, it’s a majority vote, you would not have to get over half the votes to win. The party vote largely decides the total number of seats each political party gets in Parliament. In the current rules, a party that wins at least one seat or 5 percent of the party vote gets a share of seats in the Parliament that is the around the same as it’s party vote. For example, let's say a party gets 30 percent of the party vote, they would get around 36 MPs in Parliament. With this system, our country is counted as a democracy.

The Dropping Pins Experiment

Aim:

To observe conduction along a metal rod

Equipment:

A metal rod
Retort stand
Clamp
Bunsen Burner
Petroleum Jelly
5-10 Drawing pins
A stopwatch.

Method:

1. Set up and light a bunsen burner
2. Smear a small amount of petroleum jelly on to the head of each drawing pin
3. Attach the drawing pins at even intervals along the length of the metal rod.
4. Clamp one end of the metal rod to a retort stand.
5. Position the retort stand so the unclamped end of the metal rod is in the Bunsen flame and start the stopwatch
6. Record the time it takes for each pin to drop in the table below.

Results:

P 1 - 0:48

P 2 -  1:46

P 3 - 2:48

P 4 - 5:15

P 5 - 21:29 (We used a bit too much Petroleum Jelly so we had to push it off. :l) 

Discussion:  

When we heat up the end of the "metal rod," conduction causes the heat to transfer down the rod and into the pins. This caused the particles to move and the pins to fall off.

The Imploding Can

Aim

To observe contraction in gases.

Equipment

Aluminium can
Scissor Tongs
Bunsen burner
Heatproof mat
Tripod
Gauze mat
An open container of water

Method

1. Set up Bunsen burner underneath a tripod and gauze mat.
2. Pour approximately 50-60mL of water into your can. It should be no more than 1/4 full
3. Heat the can of water until steam is seen escaping from the top
4. Carefully grip the can with the scissor tongs. Ensure you have a firm hold of the can before lifting it off the gauze mat
5. Quickly, but very carefully, invert the can as you plunge it into a container of water.

Results:

When we plopped the can into the cold water it crumpled up... That's why it's called the imploding can... experiment...

Discussion: 

This happens because when the particles heat up they move around inside the can. When the can hits the water, the particles cool down so quickly they pull the can in, crumpling it.

That Time Portia Threatened To Be A Strumpet

The last act! I can't believe we've finished this already! Time to answer some questions then watch the film!

1. Why do Lorenzo and Jessica remind each of the stories of classical lovers?
   Because they ran away, they eloped together, like most classical lovers.
2. What are Portia's feelings as she approaches the house?
   She's feeling quite happy and positive, I believe she might be feeling a bit smug because of the whole ring situation. 
3. What is the first argument to break out?
   Gratantio giving away his ring to Nerissa or “the judge’s clerk”
4. How do Gratiano and Bassanio try to justify parting with the rings, are they successful?
   They try to justify it by saying it’s all the judge would take and they did deserve the rings. Does it work, though? Not really, Portia and Nerissa are still partly upset and still make them feel guilty.
5. Was Bassanio right to give away the ring, give reasons for your thinking?
   No, he wasn’t. He swore to Portia he’d never take the ring off, let alone give it away.
6. How can the newly-weds threaten to sleep with the men who took their rings- and mean it?
   Because they know they won't actually be sleeping with anyone but themselves, as they have the rings. 
7. What effect do these arguments have on Antonio?
   They make him feel uncomfortable and guilty, as he was the reason why the men gave away their rings
8. Portia and Nerissa have the rings. What does this prove to Antonio, Gratiano and Bassanio?
   That Portia and Nerissa were the judges and judges clerk. It proves they were set up.
9. How do Antonio, Lorenzo and Jessica benefit from news that Portia brings?
   Antonio gets his boats back, Jessica and Lorenzo gain half of Shylock's stuff and they are all gaining some sort of riches.

Social Studies - Monarchies

In Social Studies we had to create a mind map with 10 facts from this video

This is mine!

Maori/New Zealand Music

Kapa Haka is the New Zealand cultural performing arts. Kapa haka dates back to pre-European times where it developed from all traditional forms of Maori pastimes; haka, poi etc. An example of this is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvC0x7k-ZII

• What style of music is this/ who performs it/ what inspired them to write it?

• What did you like about the music?
• What did you like about the video?
• Find out what the song is about, can you find a translation of some of the lyrics?
• Find another Maori musical artist and share there work on your blog along with your answers to the work above.

Aotearoa -

Aotearoa is a pop song by Stan Walker. I like how catchy the music is and how they incorporate the New Zealand National Anthem into the song so fluidly. In the video, I enjoy how they use images from the natural beauty of New Zealand. The song is about how no matter who you are, out country will accept you.

Here is a rough translation of these lyrics: CLICK ME

Māreikura

Māreikura is another pop song by the Modern Maori Quartet. I like this song not necessarily because of the lyrics, but because of the rhythm and tune. I enjoy how the video is just them recording it. It feels very real. I, sadly, couldn't find a translation to the lyrics. Though, I did find a short description of what the song is about.
"Māreikura in Māori literally refers to the supreme Goddesses of the Twelfth Heaven. As young men who have all been raised by strong women, we, MMQ, wrote this waiata to acknowledge women as the pillars that provide the foundation of our world. Women are the doorway to life, the heartbeat of Māori culture and the first voice heard on the Marae."

Wairua

Wairua is yet another pop song by Maimoa. I like how there are multiple people singing the song throughout the song. The video is very simple but interesting. Wairua is about the different people in New Zealand and having spirit and soul.

Translation of lyrics: CLICK HERE

Kalega

Kalega is an R&B/soul song by Rob Ruha. Like Aotearoa, the music video shows images of the beauty of New Zealand. I enjoy the song because it is upbeat and fun to listen to. According to the artist, the song is sort of about:

Taken from the Māori phrase "ka reka" meaning sweet or tasty, 'Kalega' is commonly used by East Coast locals to express joy, amazement and stunned reactions. It has taken many transformations including: kaleg', kalega-lega, lega-leg', Chow-lega, Chur-lega, Sao-lega, Sao and many more. It is used to replace the phrases "too much" the more widely used "Tu meke" or the current terms O.M.G and Woooooo hoooooo!!!

Observing Convection

Aim - 

To observe convection in a liquid

Equipment- 

200 ml beaker
Tweezers
Water
A crystal of potassium permanganate
A drinking straw
Bunsen burner
Heatmat
Tripod
Gausemat

Method

1. Set up a Bunsen burner on a heatproof mat. Put the gauze mat on the tripod but leave it just to one side of the bunsen burner.
2. Fill a 200mL beaker with 150mL cold water
3. Place the beaker on top of the tripod and gauze and allow it to settle for a few minutes
4. Carefully insert a drinking straw down one side of the beaker. Be careful as you do not want to disturb the water too much.
5. Using tweezers, drop a crystal of potassium permanganate down the inside of the straw. Wait for the crystal to settle on the bottom of the beaker
6. Very gently, so to not disturb the water, remove the straw.
7. Light the Bunsen and slide it under the tripod so that you are only heating the outside of the beaker where the crystal is. Observe

Results

Discussion

When the permanganate is released into the water, as it heats up, it rises. This is because when particles heat up, they move around more. This decreases the density of the substance, causing it to rise up. Before spreading, the purpleness of the permanganate rose to the surface of the water

Observing Diffusion

Aim

To observe diffusion in a liquid

Hypothesis

I think that the crystal in the hot water will spread more in less time.

Equipment

Petri dish, water, tweezers, a crystal of potassium permanganate.

Method

1. Half fill your petri dish with cold tap water
2. Place the petri dish on your workbench and allow the water to become settled.
3. Using the tweezers, place a single crystal of potassium permanganate in the centre of the petri dish
4. Observe for 5 minutes
5. Repeat with hot water

Results

The cold water took over the 5 minutes to completely dissolve. It took a long time to begin spreading. At the start it's spotty and at the end, it has only just completely spread.
The hot water began spreading as soon as it was put in. A minute and a half in, it has already spread over half the dish.

Because I was stupid and deleted the images I took, here's an image of what it would have looked like :D

Discussion:

Though there were more crystals in the second dish, it was quite obvious that the hot water spreads faster than the cold.

That Time A Women Dressed As A Man And Ruled The Court

We're almost there! We're only one act away from the end of the story!

Act Four Scene One 

1. What does the Duke believe Shylock intends to do?
   He believes that Shylock will keep up his tough boy act until the last second, then show mercy.
2. What does Shylock intend to do, and what reasons does he give for his decision?
   He wants to get the flesh. In his own words, he says "But say it is my humour. Is it answered?" He's basically saying "Because I can, is that enough of an answer?"
3. Why must the law be allowed to stand (why can’t the judge dismiss this case)
   They need to uphold a precedent.
   
4. Shylock is very clear about the restrictions in the wording of the deed, how does Portia use these loopholes?By saying that Shylock may only take his pound of flesh. No more. No less. Not a single drop of blood. 
5. What penalties does Shylock now have to pay? Are they fair? Why/why not.
   He now has to give his daughter half of his belongings, the state the other half and convert to Christianity. I don't think this is exactly fair considering Shylock just wanted the flesh. He liked the idea of killing Antonio but that wasn't exactly what he set out to do. 
6. How do Lorenzo and Jessica gain by the result?
   They get half of Shylocks belongings.
7. What reward has Portia claimed and why is this significant?
   Bassanio's ring, the one she gave him and made him swear to not sell, loose, or give away.
8. Portia tells Shylock ‘The quality of mercy is not strained’. How does she try to persuade Shylock to show mercy, how much mercy is she willing to show him (line 345-362)
   Portia's guilt tripping him in a way. She's turning the tables on him. She's willing him to show as much mercy as he begs for.
9. A4S1 L 70-80. Antonio gives us three short images of how useless any attempt by Bassanio to save his life will be
   What are they? - Telling the ocean to get smaller, Asking a wolf why he killed a lamb and made its mother cry, telling the pine trees on the mountain to stop when the wind blows through themWhat do they tell us about one of Shakespeare's interests -He has an interest in things to do with the Christian Bible
   Do you think this is an effective way of demonstrating the problem? -
   Yes, he's comparing the situations quite well.Each example is an extreme and impossible, what influence does this have on how you expect the rest of the scene to develop.
   You expect Antonio to be right, you expect everything to play out in Shylocks favour.
10. A4S1 L90-100, Shylock uses vivid comparisons when he wants to make a point.
    What example does he use to illustrate the fact that the pound of flesh is his: ‘tis mine and I will have it’
    Slaves. He uses slaves. He's saying that he's rightfully got that pound of flesh.It is much longer comparison than the three used by Antonio but do you think it is more striking/effective/convincing?
    I think it's about the same. Both have very good points and comparisons. 

Act Four Scene Two

1. What invitation does Portia refuse and why?
   An invitation to dinner. Portia and Nerissa need to get home that night so they're home before the men
2. What does Nerissa plan to get, why do you think this is important?
   Gratanio's ring she gave him. She wants to see if Gratanio will do the same as Bassanio
3. Do you admire Portia after these scenes, or do you find her actions cruel? Use examples to support your thinking.
   A bit of both. I mainly admire her because how powerful she comes through in this scene. She uses her knowledge to get what she wants and what she think is right.

Matariki

Matariki is the Maori name of a cluster of stars in the eastern sky, also known as the Pleiades star cluster. The stars appear late May, early June, around the Maori New Year. This timing caused the new year itself to be known as Matariki. This year, Matariki begins on the 15th of June.

The story of Matariki has many versions. In short, when Ranginui, the sky father, and Papatuanuku, the earth mother, were separated from each other by their children, the god of the winds, Tawhirimatea, became so angry that he tore out his eyes (lightning bolts) and threw them into the heavens, where they have been in existence ever since.

People celebrate Matariki in many different ways. In the past, some people celebrate by gathering their families and whanau together to reflect on their past and ancestors who have passed. Nowadays, celebrations mainly focus on things like music, song, dance, food and family, and celebrations can last up to 3 days.
Ideas of celebration are: (From Kiwi Families: Matariki)

1. A Family Feast

2. A New Harvest

3. Tree Planting

4. Sleep Under the Stars

5. New Years Resolutions

6. Attend a Matariki Event