Lv 3 Biology - Courtship

  What is courtship? Courtships are behaviours and rituals done by individuals of a species during mating. This can include showing their feathers, colours and or movement. This is significant as it attracts potential mates of the opposite gender and communicates to potentially reproduce. If successful it increases the chances of successful reproduction. 

An example of this is a NZ native bird known as the piwakawaka in Maori or the NZ Fantail. During courtship, the male performs movements like flying in zig-zag motions and showcasing their tail feathers to show the hidden white underside. They also produce calls. This is to attract a female to get their attention. The female will watch his behaviours and rituals and if impressed may call out back to the male. This will eventually lead to mating and potential reproduction. This will strengthen the pair's bond which can be an advantage to caring for their offspring and in turn, increase the offspring's survival chances. 

The common good approach - Health Lv3

The common good - The common good approach is an ethical principle that emphasizes the importance of promoting the community's well-being as a whole, rather than just one's own self-interest.

The rights approach - The rights approach is an ethical principle that emphasizes the importance of respecting and protecting the fundamental rights of all individuals. It suggests that individuals and organizations should act in ways that respect all people's inherent dignity and worth and ensure that their basic rights are not violated.

Virtue approach -The virtue approach is an ethical principle that emphasizes the importance of developing and practising virtues such as honesty, integrity, compassion, and fairness. It suggests that individuals and organizations should strive to cultivate virtuous character traits and act in ways that promote the common good.

Utilitarian approach - The utilitarian approach is an ethical principle that emphasizes the importance of maximizing overall happiness or well-being. It is about weighing the costs and benefits of different actions and choosing the one that produces the most positive outcomes.

Fairness approach - The fairness approach is an ethical principle that emphasizes the importance of treating individuals fairly and impartially. It suggests that individuals and organizations should act in ways that promote fairness, equity, and justice.

This is our playdoh model.

Our superhero's name is "Mr common Hood". This shows the community otherwise known as "the hood" promoting each and everyone's well-being as a whole rather than just themselves.

Klara and the Sun post reading task.

Klara and the Sun post-reading task 

Website: The Atlantic  "The Radiant inner life of a Robot" 

Book: Klara and the Sun written by Kazuo Ishiguro 

New Vocabulary words: 

1) Personifies 

2) Pathos 

3) Disheveled 

4) Incandescently 

Definition: 

Personifies - Represent qualities of a human 

Pathos: A quality that evokes sadness 

Disheveled: Making something untidy

Connections between Klara and The Sun and Blade Runner 2049?

 They both have a way of showing discrimination against a certain group. In Klara and The Sun; those who are "lifted" has a better advantage than those who aren't lifted, thus non-lifted people are discriminated against. In blade runner; those who are replicants are more discriminated against as they are genetically edited to be 'better' than humans, which is why humans have a lot of hatred for replicants. 

Another connection between the texts is love. Klara has a lot of love for Josie despite the fact that she is a robot. The same goes for Officer K in blade runner. K loves his Artificial intelligent girlfriend, yet she is also a robot. 

Most important connection is personhood. 

Biology - Osmosis

OSMOSIS GUMMY BEAR EXPERIMENT

Osmosis Definition:  Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from a region of high concentration to a low concentration. The water molecules move across a semi-permeable membrane. Osmosis is a special type of diffusion.

Hypothesis: I hypothesize that the gummy bear will grow bigger in the sugar water. This is because as the gummy bear is already packed with a lot of sugar, the sugar water will heighten the contents of sugar in total/reach equilibrium. The water gummy will stay in its shape and as for the salt gummy, it will shrink. 

Results: The results came out a little differently from what I hypothesized. In regular tap water; the gummy bear grew the biggest. In sugar water, the gummy bear grew, but not as big as the water gummy. In the alt water, the gummy shrunk. Both the sugar and water gummy had a squishy, slimy-like consistency while the salt was bouncy and rubbery. 

The science behind the growing gummy bears (in sugar and water solution) is that the gelatin in gummy bears is kind of like the cell membrane of human cells. When the gummy is placed in the solution, the gummy absorbs the water, water then moves into the gelatin as there are more sugar molecules in the gummy than the water, thus growing the gummy bear double its original size. For the shrinking gummy bear (in a salt solution) the water moves out of the gelatin because there are more salt molecules in the water than the gummy bear itself. 

Tonicity: The gummy bear in the water solution was Hypertonic compared to the salt and sugar solution, the gummy bear in the sugar solution was Hypertonic compared to the salt solution but Hypotonic compared to the water solution and lastly the gummy bear in the salt solution was Hypotonic compared to both sugar and salt solution. 

Practice Paragraph: Blade Runner 2024

 Camera shots/angles; a vital filming aspect were used effectively when paired with Lighting. A prime example of this is the scene of Joi experiencing rain for the first time. The director used an over-the-shoulder shot where the camera is facing Joi from a position right behind Officer K. You will also notice how the camera moves in the slightest way mimicking Joi when she stepped in closer to officer K. The camera angle then transitioned smoothly behind Joi so the camera faces Officer K. The purpose of this is to showcase how connected Joi and K are; it also creates intimacy within the moment. This can then lead to an effect on the audience as they are able to empathize with both characters on a more emotional and deeper level. Lighting is also used in this scene. It highlights the set as well as the actors which can create specific moods/effects. It further develops a deeper understanding of the audience towards the characters. In this scene, the director makes use of low-key lighting. There are moody, dark tones surrounding Joi and K during their intimate moment. Lowkey lighting helps to convey drama and mystery into the scene. This makes sense as they can not actually feel each other physically as Joi is a hologram. This helps the audience to understand that officer K didn't view Joi as just an object but a real person causing him to treat her like one too. This influenced Joi to develop her own emotional response hence allowing Joi to evolve as K was leading towards humanity. This can be related to a report done by Paris-based Havas, published to the Daily Mail Australia in December 2017. As robots are becoming part of our daily lives, reports have found that we humans may find love with machines. Reports suggest that 18-34-year-olds are more likely to form relationships with robots in the future generations to come instead of humans. Therefore the relationship between Officer K and Joi may seem off-putting to the generation we live in today; but in the future, AI and human relationships are completely normalized. 

Kylie Jenner says she and Travis Scott 'weren't aware' of Astroworld deaths until after concert: Reflection section

Text title: Kylie Jenner says she and Travis Scott 'weren't aware' of Astroworld deaths until after the concert

Text type: Article 

Text source: Stuff.com

Text Creator: Corrine Heller 

Text purpose: To give an update in regards to the Astroworld festival for the fans concerned about these situations 

On November 7 Travis Scott hosted an astroworld festival where many music artists performed to their fans. What was meant to be a fun and enjoyable moment ended in tragedy as 8 people died and at least 25 were injured. 8 of those deaths ranged from a 10-year-old to a 21-year-old. Both Travis and Kylie has gotten a lot of criticism for allegedly ignoring these situations to carry on performing and filming, however, Kylie has talked on behalf of the staff that they weren't aware of the situation going on even though it was made explicit. Kylie posted an Instagram story panning the festival and at the corner, you can see paramedics trying to help an injured fan. Regarding the families who have lost a loved one during the festival, Roddy rich (music artist) donated money. 

Critical literacy question:

In whose interest is this text? Those who would be interested in reading this text would be families of those who has attended the festival. 

Personalised Passion Project: Boba Tea and Digital Cafe

 

If the slideshow isn't working here is the link .

Now that it's over, what are my first thoughts about this overall project? Are they mostly positive or negative? Overall, I thought that this project was really fun and a great opportunity to learn how to make another drink. I would definitely do this again

What were some of my most powerful learning moments and what made them so? Projects require a lot of time and energy put into them for them to be successful, however, if it isn't successful it's a good learning opportunity that can help you do better next time.

How well did I and my team communicate overall? Genica and I communicated well during this project. Both of our ideas were implemented into the making of boba tea and the Minecraft cafe.

What would I do differently if I were to approach the same problem again? Our problem was relying on one source for our project and that clearly didn't go well as our pearls were uncooked. Next time we will research more sources that are valid and have a realistic time frame.

Mt Albert homicide: New images from police inquiry into Lena Zhang Harrap's death - reflection section

Text title: Mt Albert homicide: New images from police inquiry into Lena Zhang Harrap's death

Text type: Article 

Text source: Stuff.com

Text Creator: Catrin Owen 

Text purpose: To inform people to be safe around the area and to contact the police if there is any further information regarding Harrap's death 

A body of a missing woman Lena Harrap was found off the entrance of Owairaka/Mt Albert on Wednesday, September 22. On the 28th of September photos of citizens have been released walking around the area  Harrap was found dead. Police are currently asking for the public to help identify 29 witnesses as the cause of her death is still unknown. Last a week a man who has been accused of her death has been brought into High Court of Auckland where his lawyer may argue on behalf due to his mental health. He will be brought back in to court on December. 

Critical literacy question:

In whose interest is this text? Those who would be interested in reading this text would be families of those who are witnesses, Harraps family as well as the accused man. This is so that they can be updated around this news. 

Alleged serial rapist accused of crimes against 12 women in Auckland and Christchurch - Reflection section

Text title: Alleged serial rapist accused of crimes against 12 women in Auckland and Christchurch

Text type: Article 

Text source: Stuff.com

Text Creator: Sam Sherwood and Marine Lourens

Text purpose: To inform people to be safe around both areas and to keep a look out. 

John Hope Muchirahondo is an alleged serial rapist who is accused of 12 sexual crimes against women in both Christchurch and Auckland. 

Muchirahondo is a 35 year old man  who has lived in Auckland and Christchrch. He is a well known footballed in both cities. He is currently facing five counts of sexual violation. His alleged offending occured in mainly Christchurch and the rest are commited in Auckland. Muchirahondo's lawyer applied for him to be released on electronically-monitored bail, however it was declinded by the Justice. 
There has been a trial date set for august next year. Until now women in Christchurch and Auckland should keep a look out for people like him and to stay safe. 

Crititcal Literacy question:

Who benefits from this text? Women living in Christchurch or Auckland because tht his Muchirahondo's main targets. 

Types of reaction: Exchange reaction

Text title: Tyoes of reactions: Exhange reaction 

Text type: Article

Text source: Miss Abernathy´s chemistry site 

Text Creator: Miss Abernathy 

Text purpose: To inform students types of reactions, specifically Exchange reaction. 

An exchange reaction is when two metal ions swap salts. 
The general equation is AB + CD > AD + CB

Solubility: Is something is soluble, it dissociates and dissolve. If something is insoluble it dissosciates and dissolves. 

Precipitate also knows as solid happens if one of the salts is insoluble. A solid is made from two liquids. 

Solubility rules:

1) All nitrates are soluble

2) All sodium and potassium compounds are soluble

3) All chlorides are soluble except silver and lead

4) All sulfates are soluble except barium, lead and calcium

5) All carbonates are insoluble except sodium and potassium

6) All hydroxides are insoluble except sodium and potassium

You can write it as: Two products were made are...

                                AD is soluble, CB is insoluble according to ___rule in the solubility rules

Mixing solutions example: 

Lead nitrate and potassium iodide

Word Equation - Lead nitrate + Potassium Iodide → Lead Iodide + Potassium nitrate

Symbol Equation - PbNO3 + KI → PbI + KNO3

Observations - State colour? Colour changes? Mass changes? 

Explanation - Rule #1

Critical literacy question

Who is the intended audience? Level 1 students taking up a chem external and internal because it is on a science teachers ¨external¨ website.  

Four injured in four-car crash in Rolleston

Text title: Four injured in a four-car crash in Rolleston

Text type: Article 

Text source: Stuff.com

Text Creator: Jonathan Guildford

Text purpose: To inform people to be safe around the area

Four people were taken to the hospital as there has been a four-vehicle crash in Rolleston. Emergency services were called to the crash on Main South Rd, between Dunns Crossing Rd and Burnham Rd, about 10.07am on Wednesday. The road was not blocked while a tow trucking was towing 3 other cars. Two crews, one from Rolleston and the other from Burnham attended the crash. The crew had to use cutting supplies t cut one of the car doors so that the St John staff could assist him. 4 people were injured, one of which was seriously injured, two moderately and the others had minor injuries. Three ambulances were sent to the scene then taken to Christchurch Hospital.

Critical literacy question

Who is the intended audience? Families of the injured for updates on the situation and residents living around the area. 

Insane man who killed Carterton priest hospitalised indefinitely - Reflection section

 Text title: Insane man who killed Carterton priest hospitalised indefinitely 

Text type: Article 

Text source: Stuff.com

Text creator: Wellington Higher Courts report

Text purpose: To inform people of the area to be careful 

On June 19 2020 an 80-year-old woman has been murdered. Jenny Henson, a nurse and an assistant of a priest at St Mark's Anglican Church, Chaterton, has been killed by a mentally ill man. Trevor Shirkly has a history of driving dangerously - in one of many cases, killing Henson by driving right into her car. 

Trevor Shirkly is diagnosed with a bipolar affective disorder with psychotic features, because of this, he wasn't able to detect that his actions were morally incorrect. Raymond was not found guilty but instead has been hospitalized indefinitely as a special patient, meaning he would need to be detained until it was no longer needed. However, the family of Henson is in disbelief that Shirkly takes no responsibility and ownership of Henson's death and doesn't agree with Shirky's charges. 

Critical literacy: 

What views of the world is this text producing? Mentally ill patients shouldn't be charged guilty even though the crime is serious and should be dealt with. 

Tokyo Olympics: Simone Biles - Reflection Section

Text title: Simone Biles told replacement Jade Carey to 'have fun', and she did. 

Text type: Article 

Text source: Stuff.com

Text creator: Claire Galifaro

Text purpose: To inform Olympic/gymnast fans of the latest news. 

Simone Biles is a 24-year-old woman who is part of the USA women's gymnastic team for the Olympics. During the Olympic team finals, Biles pulled out due to her 'mental health situation'. Because of this issue, Biles talked to one of her trusted teammates, Jade Carey, to fill her spot so that the team could still carry on with the finales. "She told me, 'good luck', and go out there, do the best you can and have fun," Carey said. 

Carey ended up in 8th place, however, she was still proud of herself because she didn't expect to have this opportunity for competing. Biles and other supportive teammates watched from the stands and cheered her on. 

Critical literacy: 

In whose interest is in this text? Olympic/gymnast fanatics. 

1.5 Persuasive Formal Writing

The key to a good formal writing piece is to form a rhetorical triangle. To do this, you must incorporate techniques of persuasion. This includes ethos, pathos, and logos in your writing.

Pathos (emotions and values)

When you feel like you understand a situation because you've been through it, this is pathos. Pathos can be expressed in ways such as gestures, words, or pictures. 

Pathos in oral form is useful in arguments to convince others that your point is valid and carries the truth. 

In written form, pathos is used as a literary device. 

Main techniques: 

- stories

- quotes of inspiration

- vivid language

Example:

" If we don't evacuate out of this building soon, we're all going to die!"

Ethos (credibility and ethics)

By showing that one is credible and/or ethical, leads to the gain of trust and respect from the audience. This causes appeal to the audience that is helpful in terms of persuasion.

The use of ethos in written form can assure the audience understands, making the work more reliable and credible.

The use of ethos in oral form can be used as a rhetorical way, which is helpful in debates or arguments. Ethos is used to back up the speaker. 
Main Techniques:

- Personal branding

- confidence in delivery

- acknowledging credible sources

Example: 

"As a nurse, I am qualified to tell you that this is the best treatment for you"  

Logos (logic, proof and reason)

A sentence that incorporates two or more sentences that is joined by conjuctions, however, at least one sentence needs to be complex. 

Main techniques:

- Structure of speech 

- References to studies, data, cases, etc. 

- Comparisons, analogies, metaphors

Example: 

"The data is very clear; it states that the business is in it's growth stage"

What factors affect the growth of bread mould - reflection section

 Date: 

Text Title: What factors affect the growth of bread mould 

Text type: Article

Text source: Alkisites

Text purpose: To teach the readers what factors affect the growth of bread mould 

Molds are a type of fungi. Mold is not an animal nor plants. However, like animals and plants they need certain conditions to survive and reproduce. The factors for bread moulds to be able to survive and reproduce are the following: moisture, spores, temperature and water

Food: anything that contains carbon atoms provides the nutrients necessary for moulds to grow and thrive, according to the Florida Solar Energy Center.

Water: Bread mould uses water in many of its chemical processes at the cellular level. For example, moisture is a requirement for bread moulds to stay alive, as certain processes can only occur in a watery environment called the cytoplasm, according to agricultural researcher Hurley Shepherd of the United States Department of Agriculture. Shepherd explains that this watery nature helps in the proper mixing and movement of the components present in bread mould; thus, the presence of water helps growth of bread mould. In addition, bread moulds need moisture so that the mould doesn't dry out if it is exposed to light or heat.

Temp: A food scientist named Dr. Kristy Long from University of Alaska in Fairbanks has found out that if you want your bread to last as long as its potential, cold temperature is ideal. This is because cold temperatures will slow down the growth rate of bread mould and if in freezing temp it will freeze the bread which will ultimately stop mould growth.

spores: To grow, bread moulds require the presence of mould spores. You can find mould spores everywhere in the air surrounding you. These mould spores float around until they end up on bread and begin feeding on its nutrients; this point marks the start of the growth or life cycle of the bread mould. If you do not take measures to stop the mould from growing, the mould will quickly spread as long as the conditions remain favourable and a food source is available.

Critical literacy:

Why am I reading this?I am reading this because this will be useful for my upcoming biology internal about brea moulds

Romea and Juliet Act 1 Scene 4 - Reflection Section

Date: 21/06/21

Text Title: Romeo and Juliet Act 1 Scene 4

Text type: Play

Text source: Spark Notes

Text purpose: To tell the story between two characters

Romeo, Benvolio and Mercutio are with a group that are wearing masks during the Capulets feast, However Romeo is still confused on how he was invited to the feast considering that his family (Montague) and the Capulets are enemies. Romeo does not want to dance at the feast. Mercutio mocks Romeo by turning all his statements into sexual metaphors this lead to Romeo regretting attending the feast.  

Mercutio responds with a speech about Queen Man of the fairies who enters peoples dreams. The speech started off as a calm, fancy note, however, it starts to escalate. Romeo calms Mercurtio down.

Critical literacy:

What genre does this text belong to? Tragedy and romance. 

Millennials in the workplace - Reflection section

Date: 10/06/21

Text title: Simon Sinek on Millennials in the workplace 

Text type: Interview on Yt (Inside Quest)

Purpose: To help understand millennials and improve wellbeing through reducing screen time.

Simon Sinek is interviewed about his view on the millennials addicted to their phone. He states that a certain generation lacks social skills because social media has made it easier for us to communicate with others, whether it may be a msg or even a swipe. He also talks about dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical your brain generates the make you' feel-good'. The message he is trying to convey is that we shouldn't restrict all that generates dopamine but instead restrict such high amounts of dopamine in our brain to the point where we are unable to cope with it. An example of this would be Instagram. Most teens have Instagram and when we post we get likes. Likes, comments, shares give us dopamine that makes us feel good and valued by others. However, when addicted you would start to rely on social media to make you feel good. You'd stop relying on others to help you with a certain situation. 

Critical literacy question.

Is the text fair? I wouldn't say so because he isn't a millennial himself, he wouldn't understand. He stereotypes a generation without knowing these things are true and really apply to them 

SayNopeToDope - Reflection section

 Date: 04/06/21

Text title: Say Nope To Dope: Jake's Story - mental illness

Text type: documentary 

Text publisher: Family first NZ

Text purpose To share Jakes experience with narcotics and how it affected his personal wellbeing as well as his relationship with others negatively

Jake was a student at Otago University to become a doctor. He was important to a group that was very pro-legalisation for marijuana. 4:20 on Fridays he would host a gathering of up to 60 people to smoke cannabis. He was initially supposed to use marijuana to help with his research however, this started to interfere with his life in a negative way. He started to have severe symptoms of psychotic episodes that made him see/hear things that weren't really there and he lost focus on his studies. Jake was then diagnosed with cannabis-induced psychosis which pushed him to later drop out of his studies to heal from this traumatic experience. 

Marijuana and other recreational drugs are rising as a problem in NZ if you or someone you know is struggling, here are some places to get help.

Helpline - 1737 (NZ's mental health and addiction helpline number) Lifeline (open 24/7) - 0800 543 354 Depression Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 111 757 Healthline (open 24/7) - 0800 611 116 Samaritans (open 24/7) - 0800 726 666 Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends. Youthline (open 24/7) - 0800 376 633. You can also text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or email talk@youthline.co.nz

Critical literacy question:

What views of the world is this text presenting? According to statistics made by researchers the use of narcotics has raised up to 34% since 1964. Meaning narcotics is known in many places around the world and some are relying on it. 

Punnet Squares - Reflection section

 Date: 28/5/21

Text title Genotypes and phenotypes 

Text type: Article 

Text source: Scipad 

Text purpose: Readers to understand what genotype and phenotype is. 

From reading this article we understan that a phenotype is observible traits/characteristic of an organism. It is a result of the interaction between its genes and enviornment. For example, eye colour is observable so its part of your phenotype. A genotype is a combination of alleles/genes that an rganism carries. The phenotype of an organsims is an expression of ones genes/alleles. Each gene that you inherit come from your mom and dad. If one allele is dominant over the other it will be expressed through the phenotype. A recessive allele will only be expressed if there is no dominant alleles present. Dominant is shown with a capital letter while recessive is shown with a lower-case letter. 

Critical literacy question:

Why am I reading this? This will help me to further understand the genotype and phenotype as it will be of great use to pass one of my ncea externals and internals. 

Denzel washington - Reflection section

Date: 21/05/21

Text title Denzel Washington's life advice

Text type: Video

Text source: Motivational madness

Text purpose: Offer life advice to those who feel like giving up 

This video was a powerful and motivational speech that was performed during graduation. His intentions were to inspire others to live mindfully in every aspect of their life; mentally, physically, economically, spiritually and socially. He tells his life story and explains how he got to where he is now including the trials he had to go through. 

Failing is a part of learning without failing, are you ever learning?

Critical literacy questions:

1) How does the text construct a version of reality. It is human for us to doubt ourselves at times and sometimes even give up however Washington has shown the outcome of what would happen if you just keep going forward. 

2) Who is allowed to speak? who is quoted? Denzel Washington because the speech is somewhat based on his life story and he is also quoting himself much time.