Summer Learning Journey Day 2

Activity 1: Giants Among Us [4 points]

New Zealand has a really special environment. Many of the plants and trees found in New Zealand are not found anywhere else in the world. These plants and trees are endemic to our country.  In New Zealand, one of the largest and longest living endemic trees is the NZ Kauri tree. Kauri are mainly found in three regions of New Zealand: the Coromandel, Auckland and Northland. The largest Kauri tree in the country is in the Waipoua Forest in Northland. It is called Tāne Mahuta. Some people refer to it as the ‘Lord of the Forest.’

Thousands of people go to visit Tāne Mahuta every year. Would you like to be one of those people who got to see Tāne Mahuta in real life? Why or why not?

On your blog, tell us whether you would like to go and visit Tāne Mahuta one day. Be sure to tell us why you do (or do not) want to visit this endemic tree.

I want to visit the Kauri tree because I think it would be a nice walk to do with the family. And becuase it is the biggest Kauri tree in New Zealand. Also Tane Mahuta played a big part in the maori legends. Tane Mahuta separated his parents Ranuginui, the sky father and Papatuanuku, the earth mother. The Kauri treee won't be around forever so that is also why I want to visit the big tree.


Activity 2: Fabulous Ferns [4 points]

One of the most common plants found in New Zealand forests is the fern. It is a special, iconic symbol of New Zealand. You will find pictures of ferns on the jerseys of many famous sporting teams in New Zealand, including the New Zealand All Blacks.

Did you know that many of these teams also have the word ‘fern’ in their name? Use your best researching skills to find three New Zealand sporting teams who use the word ‘fern’ in their title.

On your blog list three sports teams that have the word ‘fern’ in their title. Beside each team’s name, post a picture of their uniform. Then, at the bottom of your blog post tell us which of the three uniforms you like best and why.

Silver ferns

Football ferns


Black ferns


My favourite team uniform is the silver ferns. Because I like netball and I also like the black dress with the faint ferns at the bottom of the dress. And the football ferns uniform looks really tight and I just like there uniform.

Activity 3: Weird and Wonderful [10 points]

New Zealand is just one of many countries that has amazing plants and trees. In fact, the African desert is home to some pretty incredible plants, like the cactus. Some cacti are able to survive on as little as 3 millilitres (ml) of water a day. Wow!

Let’s imagine that you are given a cactus for your birthday. To keep it alive, you must give it 3 ml of water every day.

Over one full year, how much water will you need to give your cactus plant?

On your blog, tell us how to solve this maths problem. You can write your answer in words, use a Sketchpad image, or post a video explaining how you would figure it out. Be sure to give us your final answer in millilitres (ml).

First I would go 3 x 365 because the cactus needs 3 ml and then there is 365 days in a year. I would multiple 365 by 2, so I would go 300 + 300 = 600 then 65 + 65 = 130. 130 + 600 = 730. Then I would go 730 + 365, 700 + 300 = 1000 then I would go, 65+30 =95. then 1000 + 95 = 1095. So that means my cactus would have 1095 drops a year.

I liked having maths as a activity today it made it more fun because maths is my favourite subject.