The Great Conjunction ... when Jupiter and Saturn converge and appear as one, for the first time since 1623. ... 21st Dec ... should look like a cross. (Called the Star of Bethlehem).

Jupiter (left) and Saturn will be the nearest they've been in almost 400 years on Monday. Jupiter (left) and Saturn will be the nearest they've been in almost 400 years on Monday. Multimedia reporter, Northern Advocate The two largest planets in our solar system will reunite for the first time in almost 400 years on Monday in an event named 'The Great Conjunction'. Jupiter and Saturn, the fifth and sixth planets from the sun respectively, will converge on Monday and appear as one object around sunset for the first time since 1623. While the two planets come close to each other every 20 years, this year will be the first since famed astronomer Galileo was alive that they will intersect. To spot the rare event, look west towards the setting sun. Then, by using the distance between your outstretched index and little fingers, measure one and a half hand spans to the north (right) and one hand span up and the planets should be clearly seen. For a photo and more info check this link: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/how-northlanders-can-see-mondays-400-year-celestial-reunion-of-saturn-and-jupiter/FO2IOIE2V7FUKHA7AVYILXYLKM/

Whizkids Christmas Science .. Have some fun at Home

HAVE FUN ... Happy Holidays Everyone Lava lamp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMnY1oXag1M Tie Dye Milk Christmas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-UhaYgDB4Q M'n'M Rainbow Christmas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjyyEkfVcxs Christmas Glitter Slime https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xccg1hoUwGo Density Tower ... Coloured Layers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQo2LPMq0ks

Last night Microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles was named Supreme Winner at the 2020 Women of Influence New Zealand awards ... CONGRATULATIONS Siouxsie ... HNI talk about your amazing work in our classes.

It is amazing what you fit into your life. We loved your visit to HNI, to share your work in bioluminescence, with us! Thank-you !

"What If?" ... fun with the aircon ! What happens when you lower the pressure? Do the balloons fall off? So just how does this aircon work?

https://youtu.be/-MApcsIpTbQ

Oamaru Stone

 

SCIENCE FAIR ... Well done to our top science investigations for 2020 ... Thank-you to the chief judge of the Hawkes Bay Science fair for coming to HNI to judge our entries. We much appreciated the informative-talk and the individual feedback given.

 

Botanical Paintings by an elective group

For those who love space travel ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSA1B9GZ3TU ... and a very cool tour of the space station ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doN4t5NKW-k

The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft undocks from the International Space Station on March 8, 2019 after nearly 5 days aboard the orbiting laboratory during the company’s Demo-1 mission for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program and descends to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere. Just over 5 hours later, the uncrewed spacecraft splashes down in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida and is recovered by SpaceX teams.

BONES 'R' Us ! Classification of Animals ... Be an ARCHAEOLOGIST and work out what animal an incomplete collection of bones originates from.

Information for the SCIENCE FAIR is in a google site which has been shared with all students at HNI ... it contains everything you need to know. Term 2 is the term to prepare your project.

Check out this website ... if you have any unanswered questions, you are welcome to contact your teachers.

Lockdown Teds ... Have been having lots of fun ... what a lot you can learn without stepping out of your bubble ... It's back into 'online learning' tomorrow ... What science can you find in your kitchen, your garden and your toybox?

I challenge you to take some photos OR make a short video of your discoveries ... 

We can share them, if you wish. 

I wish the shed was in our bubble !

The skateboards . bikes . boogie-boards . tools  would have been 

SO MUCH FUN!

Teds Observing ANZAC 

Back to School for the Teds ... Making Science Videos (Experiments too!) for  the Distance Learning Students

Doing SCIENCE @ HOME ... I have sent each term 1 sci tech group an invitation to 2 assignments on Hapara.

 You can choose 
either, both or something of your own choosing for the last week of the term.

 They look like this:
1. The Science of Kindness                                                 2.The FORCE of Static Energy

Have fun & remember to get out in the sun and fresh air too.

CAN YOU FEEL THE FORCE??? ......... Magnets! They're in every little device you cannot do without! ................ Can you remove the IRON from your breakfast cereal? Why is iron needed in your body and how does it get around? Why would we not exist if the Earth were not one big magnet? SOOOO many questions ....

What happens to the 'force / energy of movement' when two things collide?

Let's CELEBRATE the 14th March ... a very significant day for science. ... All for CURIOSITY !

On this day 141 years ago, physicist Albert Einstein was born in Germany. 
And then two years ago, on this same day, the world lost another great mind of science - Stephen Hawking. His brilliance is missed every day. 
It also happens to be Pi Day, a celebration of the mathematical constant π, which is seen across the natural world. Of course these are all coincidences, but it's a good day to celebrate science and, above all, curiosity.
Enjoy the Song ...  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HRkKznJoZA

Can you find the Centre of Gravity? in your sport? in a bridge? Try out these fun activities !

All about FORCES: gravity and friction, potential and kinetic ENERGY today ... LOTS OF constructing vehicles and ramps, textured surfaces and measuring (Oh, did I say we had FUN?)

Far Out ! ... Rocket Lab chosen by NASA to launch new Pathfinder Mission to the Moon

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12308846
From Peter Beck
"Rocket Lab has been selected by NASA to deliver a small satellite to the moon off our Photon platform! Thank you NASA for the opportunity to fly such an important mission!"

Do we have VETS in the making ? A bunch of knowledgeable, 'horse mad' students are enthusiastically-painting banners for the 'Horse of the Year' next month. (not yet finished)

8A studying "nucleation'' ... what a switched-on group ... great discussion, questions, curiosity and focus. WOW ! GREAT first lesson kids.

The rain today is wonderful for all those sunflowers you year 7s are growing. When you think your plant is looking its best, please stand by it a get your photo taken. You can measure it as well if you like. We will judge the winner(s) from photos which are emailed to me in February and March.

Keep an eye on the school notices for a reminder. 
My email is:
hawtinj@hni.school.nz

Have fun growing         😊        🌻