Prefixes and Suffixes

We are often talking about prefixes and suffixes in our reading groups. Test your knowledge with this activity.

You Have to Watch This!

The next dance sensations to grace the internet! Look out for them in 'Reality Bites' a show coming to Redcliffs School Hall soon!

World Cup

World Cup fever has gripped the nation and Team One! Can NZ cause an upset tonight? I'm expecting some late arrivals tomorrow. Click on the links below to find out more about the World Cup and the All Whites.

http://www.fifa.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup

http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/world_cup_for_kids.htm

http://www.nzfootball.co.nz/

Genetic Engineering

This website is a great place to learn the basics about genes, DNA, cloning and genetic manipulation.

Liverpool Reading Group Task

Watch the 'What is a Gene?' video. http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/
Make notes of new words and concepts.
Clarify your understanding with diagrams or graphic organisers.
Write an answer to the question 'What is a Gene?' in your own words. This will probably be about a paragraph in length and will use similes and explanations to help clarify your understandings.

World Cup

The World Cup has arrived. Here are the best goals from 2006. How cool will it be if NZ makes the best goals of 2010. Go the All Whites!

Conspiracy 365

Conspiracy 365

By gabrielle lord

Conspiracy 365 is a gripping book that hooks you in from the first page. This is a mystery and thriller book telling the story of callum ormond, a 16 year old boy who after being approached by a crazy old man is told he only has 365 days to live, unless he can outsmart it. Then accused of a murderous attack on his family, chased by not only the police, but two ruthless gangs. Thrown into a life on the run, Callum has only 365 days to try and stay alive, with only his best friend to trust.

From being in a shipwreck surrounded by bloodthrisy sharks, to being chucked in the boot of an evil gangs car, this book is packed with adrenaline and suspense.

I thought this was a fantastic book that I would recommend to anyone from the age of 9 and up. Brilliantly wrtitten by Gabriele Lord, this book contains supensive paragraphs and a gripping story to it.

This book has some blood, violence and swearing, so not for people under eight, but for people 9 and up I personally guarantee a great read, if you liked the CHERUB or HB series you will love this book. There iare 12 books in the series, 5 have been realeased so far,(January, February, March, April and May) each book talks about one month througout Callums year on the run, I am reviewing January (the first book).

csuper

Rat Catcher by Chris Ryan

Rat Catcher

by Chris Ryan

When I picked up this book I had high expectations for it , after reading another book in the ‘Alpha Force ‘ sereis. And I wasn’t dissapointed. Alpha Force is a team of young people who fight crime and injustice around the globe. It consists of Amber, Leo, Paulo, Hex and Alex - they are about 13 to14 years old. The book is an action/fiction, but it’s surprisingly realistic.

The start of the story is set in Quito (Ecuador’s capital) where Alpha Force try to gather information about a mysterious drug lord who has apparently been using street children to smuggle drugs throughout the country. They think that this is also linked to the disappearances of street children. Whilst Paulo is on the streets gathering information, he encounters a little girl called Eliza who is being blackmailed and tries to help her. But then things go badly wrong. The drug lord they have been trying to find captures Paulo and Eliza. The story continues with Alpha Team following Paulo into the mountains where they have to rescue Paulo and pursue the evil drug baron.

The story is a lot about survival. It showed how wealth and greed can compel people to do horrible things, eg. shoot people. Teamwork and friendship also play a large part in this story.

This book was a generally enjoyable read. I could see how Chris Ryan’s experience in the SAS influenced the book. The events in the book, although exciting and action-packed were still realistic and believable. The book was easy to read and not over complicated. I found some parts of the book brutal, eg when Eliza’s brother was shot, but it was necessary to the story.

I would recommend this book mainly to boys. If you enjoyed Alex Ryder books and Young Bond books, then you will probably enjoy this one. The vocabulary is probably best suited for 10 years and over. Rat Catcher is one in a series of several Alpha Force books, so if you enjoy this there’s plenty more to read.

I rate this book 4 out of 5.

MWhippo

Angles in a Triangle = 180 Degrees

This interactive website allows you to change the angles in a triangle and see what they add to as you do.

http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/mejhm/index.html?l=0&ID1=AB.MATH.JR.SHAP&ID2=AB.MATH.JR.SHAP.ANG&lesson=html/video_interactives/angles/anglesInteractive.html

Doodle 4 Google - I Love Football

If you like Caleb's doodle help him out by voting for it. Click on the link below. Well Done on making the top 10! Great Achievement!

http://www.google.com/intl/en_nz/lovefootball/doodle4google/vote/index.html#1

Year 8 vs Staff Netball Game

What a GAME! There were some pretty impressive skills shown on the court. Very slick passing from the Year 8's and some ordinary shooting from the staff. I was most impressed by the organisers, you did an outstanding job; getting the sound system up and running, MC's, entertainment, and of course the teamwork shown on court.

Looking forward to the next challenge.

Popcorn History

To help you with your popcorn explanations I have included some interesting information about popcorn.

http://www.tooter4kids.com/Popcorn/history.htm

http://www.popcorn.org/EncyclopediaPopcornica/WelcometoPopcornica/HistoryofPopcorn/tabid/106/Default.aspx

Passive Voice

When we are writing our explanations we need to be using the passive voice. These activities below will help you understand the difference between active and passive voice.

Passive Voice

Writing our names in Katakana

Below are the links to the websites we were using today to translate our names into Katakana. Remember to click on calligraphy link when using the second website.
http://www.sljfaq.org/html/english_to_japanese.html

http://www.japanesetranslator.co.uk/your-name-in-japanese/