Alvina Pau’uvale and Tonga Tukia have been carrying out a year long research into the quality of water in Omaru Creek which runs through Glen Innes. The Creek had a large amount of petrol accidentally poured into it last year, and our two young scientists wanted to investigate what the long term effects were, on the plants and animals in the Creek.
Yes! Believe it or not there are living things in our local Creek.
The two students have worked with many groups, including the scientists for the Liggins Institute, the Fire Dept and WaiCare, to complete their science project. They have achieved a Silver Crest Award, as well as First Place in their category at the Auckland Science Fair Competition. They were also awarded the NIWA Gold Award for best atmospheric and environmental science.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Mr. Major's Mad Science - The Big Bang
Mr. Major is doing his "Mad Science" in the staffroom this time...
What do you think the gas was that he was making and transferring into the tin? It certainly went off with a "bang".
What do you think the gas was that he was making and transferring into the tin? It certainly went off with a "bang".
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Tamaki College Science Students and Liggins Diabetes Presentation
Diabetes Presentation Report
Through the Scientist-Mentor Scheme at the Liggins Institute at the University of Auckland, students at Tamaki College had the chance to participate in the program as student scientists at the University of Auckland. During the early part of this year, those students involved were introduced to the subject of Diabetes, a major epidemic in NZ and especially important in the Polynesian communities. The students researched how diabetes is caused, how the disease is treated, what other diseases it could lead to if not treated, and who is at greatest risk.
After intensive study, the students then developed a Diabetes presentation evening to present to the Tongan community of Tamaki College. Each student had created a poster on an aspect of Diabetes:
Jack Siskefu – the role of Insulin
Diane Lee Kum – The thrify gene and diabetes
Davina Fa’atoe – Diabetes and our diets
Alex Temu – Diabetes and exercise
Leon Forbes – Diabetes and exercise
Sequioa Wills – Diabetes and low birth weights
Shelby Niuloa – Diabetes and diet
Christine Savele – Obesity and diabetes
We also prepared a combined powerpoint presentation to accompany our oral presentation to the Tongan Community Group. The topic was of great interest to the focus groups as our research had shown that diabetes and obesity are two very important health issues in our community.
The overall presentation was a kind of motivational tool for the students involved, both in giving them an idea how to change their lives, and in how to make important life-changes.
Jack Sisikefu
Through the Scientist-Mentor Scheme at the Liggins Institute at the University of Auckland, students at Tamaki College had the chance to participate in the program as student scientists at the University of Auckland. During the early part of this year, those students involved were introduced to the subject of Diabetes, a major epidemic in NZ and especially important in the Polynesian communities. The students researched how diabetes is caused, how the disease is treated, what other diseases it could lead to if not treated, and who is at greatest risk.
After intensive study, the students then developed a Diabetes presentation evening to present to the Tongan community of Tamaki College. Each student had created a poster on an aspect of Diabetes:
Jack Siskefu – the role of Insulin
Diane Lee Kum – The thrify gene and diabetes
Davina Fa’atoe – Diabetes and our diets
Alex Temu – Diabetes and exercise
Leon Forbes – Diabetes and exercise
Sequioa Wills – Diabetes and low birth weights
Shelby Niuloa – Diabetes and diet
Christine Savele – Obesity and diabetes
We also prepared a combined powerpoint presentation to accompany our oral presentation to the Tongan Community Group. The topic was of great interest to the focus groups as our research had shown that diabetes and obesity are two very important health issues in our community.
The overall presentation was a kind of motivational tool for the students involved, both in giving them an idea how to change their lives, and in how to make important life-changes.
Jack Sisikefu
Tamaki College and Liggins Diabetes
View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Mr. Major's Mad Science - The Big Burn
Here is part 2 of "Mad Science". Mr. Major put sugar and 1 other thing in the big tin. He then put another chemical in. ( very carefully!!! ). Do you know what he used in his strange cooking?
Mr. Major's Mad Science - The Flying Drink Bottle
Here is the first episode of "Mad Science". What was Mr. Major putting in the drink bottle?
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tamaki College Biology Trip to Tiritiri Matangi with the Year 12 Class
Year 12 had a great trip to Tiritiri Matangi..
Year 12 Science and Biology trip to Tiritiri Matangi, 27th August 2008
14 students and three staff from Tamaki College set off from the wharf at Auckland ferry terminal for Tiritiri Matangi, a scientific reserve controlled by the Department of Conservation. The purpose of the visit was to study the impact of humans on an environment.
Tiri was replanted over ten years, and is now a pest-free island where rare native birds are relocated to breed and for protection.
We went on the 360Discovery catamaran via Gulf Harbour, and arrived at Tiri at 10.30 where we were met by the ranger who gave us a talk about the island and its wildlife.
We split into two groups, each with a guide who was provided to tell us all about the island.
We set off along the track to the beach, passing Little Blue Penguin nesting boxes (unoccupied at this time of day). On the beach we saw the first North Island Saddleback (Tieke), a bird with a call like a starter motor! There were also several Tui, whose distinctive calls cry out across the island.
From the beach, we climbed up the Kawerau track, which passes through several Maori midden, where evidence of shells can be seen. The Kowhai were flowering, a month ahead of the mainland, due to the unique micro-climate of Tiri. As a result, the Tui were racing around overhead, and defending their territory vigorously. The track passes huge Pohutukawa which were not yet in bloom, which were clinging precariously to the cliffs. Several Tuatara are homed in this area, however we were not fortunate enough to see them.
The track passes through part of the only original forest on the island, across a boardwalk that took volunteers 4 years to build. There were Stitchbirds (Hihi), Bellbirds (Korimako), Kereru, & Whiteheads throughout the woods, and the occasional Kakariki (Red Crowned Parakeet). Nesting boxes have been provided for the Stitchbirds, and this year there has been the highest level of chicks. The Stitchbird is only found on Little Barrier naturally, so it is a great success for the program. Feeder stations are also set up, specifically for the Stitchbirds and Bellbirds, with sugar solution in special feeders. These are fantastic places to see the birds. There is a pair of Pohutukawa trees within the woods, which are thought to be 1,000 years old (yes, someone did count some rings!), and are huge and gnarly.
We walked across the top of the island via the Ridge Track, which gives a panoramic view of the Hauraki Gulf and the island. Three quarters of Tiri is now re-forested, with more than 270,000 trees having been planted. There are clear areas towards the light house, for the Takahe.
A couple of Kokako were spotted on a small track leading off the main path. These are two of 16 of these birds on Tiri, one of which was identified as being from the Taranaki breeding program. The rare birds are all ring-banded around the leg to help identify them. Their call is beautiful and mournful, and would have once rung out around our forests.
At the visitor centre, there is the lighthouse, as well as a bunk-house for overnight visitors (by pre-arrangement only) and ranger station. The lighthouse was originally made in London and brought over in segments.
Around this area are the Takahe. The global population of these birds is around 250 and they are endangered, and Tiri has several, all of which are involved in the breeding program with Mount Bruce and Te Anau. These birds were actually though extinct until 1948 when a group were found in the Murchison Mountains of the South Island. The Takahe eat the roots of grass and plants, by tearing them out with their stout red beak, holding it in one foot and chewing he roots off the end.
The visitor centre was built from donated money, and stocks a wide range of themed products, including t-shirts, books, posters, toys etc. The staff are all volunteers.
On the return to the ferry, we went down the Wattle Track, named after the Australian natives that are planted throughout the area. These trees were kept as it was decided they were a good food source for the nectar feeders. There are further feeding and bathing stations along the way, and we were treated to a pair of Tui having a bath. This track also passes a dam, where there are supposed to be Brown Teal (Pateke) although they were not making themselves apparent!
The track led us back to the jetty, and the sight of a wind-driven swell which promised a bumpier ride back to Auckland. The first indication of the fun to be had was as we were boarding the ferry, with the gang plank moving quite severely and the crew warning us to step straight onto it so our feet did not get crushed. The captain reversed the boat, then turned into the swell, then as he opened up the throttle, we hit several large waves soaking the students hanging onto the front railing in the process! On the trip back to Gulf Harbour we hit a huge wave, which actually sprayed over the top of the second deck of the ferry, again soaking our students and flooding the decks. The students mostly stayed out on the front for the entire return journey, getting whipped by wind and spray the whole time, and I cannot be sure whether they enjoyed the ferry more than seeing the endangered birds…
As a footnote, Tiri is a precious jewel in Auckland, the only place where some of these species can be seen easily, and it relies on donations and visitors to survive. The ferry is accessible from Auckland and Gulf Harbour from Wednesday to Sunday, and should be something everyone should get to have a look at. I would like to thank the volunteers who make the whole thing possible for sharing their incredible knowledge with the visitors, and especially for sharing with us.
For more information on Tiri and the flora and fauna, please go to http://www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz/.
Words Nick Major, Photos, Nick and Rachel Major.
Year 12 Science and Biology trip to Tiritiri Matangi, 27th August 2008
14 students and three staff from Tamaki College set off from the wharf at Auckland ferry terminal for Tiritiri Matangi, a scientific reserve controlled by the Department of Conservation. The purpose of the visit was to study the impact of humans on an environment.
Tiri was replanted over ten years, and is now a pest-free island where rare native birds are relocated to breed and for protection.
We went on the 360Discovery catamaran via Gulf Harbour, and arrived at Tiri at 10.30 where we were met by the ranger who gave us a talk about the island and its wildlife.
We split into two groups, each with a guide who was provided to tell us all about the island.
We set off along the track to the beach, passing Little Blue Penguin nesting boxes (unoccupied at this time of day). On the beach we saw the first North Island Saddleback (Tieke), a bird with a call like a starter motor! There were also several Tui, whose distinctive calls cry out across the island.
From the beach, we climbed up the Kawerau track, which passes through several Maori midden, where evidence of shells can be seen. The Kowhai were flowering, a month ahead of the mainland, due to the unique micro-climate of Tiri. As a result, the Tui were racing around overhead, and defending their territory vigorously. The track passes huge Pohutukawa which were not yet in bloom, which were clinging precariously to the cliffs. Several Tuatara are homed in this area, however we were not fortunate enough to see them.
The track passes through part of the only original forest on the island, across a boardwalk that took volunteers 4 years to build. There were Stitchbirds (Hihi), Bellbirds (Korimako), Kereru, & Whiteheads throughout the woods, and the occasional Kakariki (Red Crowned Parakeet). Nesting boxes have been provided for the Stitchbirds, and this year there has been the highest level of chicks. The Stitchbird is only found on Little Barrier naturally, so it is a great success for the program. Feeder stations are also set up, specifically for the Stitchbirds and Bellbirds, with sugar solution in special feeders. These are fantastic places to see the birds. There is a pair of Pohutukawa trees within the woods, which are thought to be 1,000 years old (yes, someone did count some rings!), and are huge and gnarly.
We walked across the top of the island via the Ridge Track, which gives a panoramic view of the Hauraki Gulf and the island. Three quarters of Tiri is now re-forested, with more than 270,000 trees having been planted. There are clear areas towards the light house, for the Takahe.
A couple of Kokako were spotted on a small track leading off the main path. These are two of 16 of these birds on Tiri, one of which was identified as being from the Taranaki breeding program. The rare birds are all ring-banded around the leg to help identify them. Their call is beautiful and mournful, and would have once rung out around our forests.
At the visitor centre, there is the lighthouse, as well as a bunk-house for overnight visitors (by pre-arrangement only) and ranger station. The lighthouse was originally made in London and brought over in segments.
Around this area are the Takahe. The global population of these birds is around 250 and they are endangered, and Tiri has several, all of which are involved in the breeding program with Mount Bruce and Te Anau. These birds were actually though extinct until 1948 when a group were found in the Murchison Mountains of the South Island. The Takahe eat the roots of grass and plants, by tearing them out with their stout red beak, holding it in one foot and chewing he roots off the end.
The visitor centre was built from donated money, and stocks a wide range of themed products, including t-shirts, books, posters, toys etc. The staff are all volunteers.
On the return to the ferry, we went down the Wattle Track, named after the Australian natives that are planted throughout the area. These trees were kept as it was decided they were a good food source for the nectar feeders. There are further feeding and bathing stations along the way, and we were treated to a pair of Tui having a bath. This track also passes a dam, where there are supposed to be Brown Teal (Pateke) although they were not making themselves apparent!
The track led us back to the jetty, and the sight of a wind-driven swell which promised a bumpier ride back to Auckland. The first indication of the fun to be had was as we were boarding the ferry, with the gang plank moving quite severely and the crew warning us to step straight onto it so our feet did not get crushed. The captain reversed the boat, then turned into the swell, then as he opened up the throttle, we hit several large waves soaking the students hanging onto the front railing in the process! On the trip back to Gulf Harbour we hit a huge wave, which actually sprayed over the top of the second deck of the ferry, again soaking our students and flooding the decks. The students mostly stayed out on the front for the entire return journey, getting whipped by wind and spray the whole time, and I cannot be sure whether they enjoyed the ferry more than seeing the endangered birds…
As a footnote, Tiri is a precious jewel in Auckland, the only place where some of these species can be seen easily, and it relies on donations and visitors to survive. The ferry is accessible from Auckland and Gulf Harbour from Wednesday to Sunday, and should be something everyone should get to have a look at. I would like to thank the volunteers who make the whole thing possible for sharing their incredible knowledge with the visitors, and especially for sharing with us.
For more information on Tiri and the flora and fauna, please go to http://www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz/.
Words Nick Major, Photos, Nick and Rachel Major.
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