Te Ariki helped lead an investigation into chemical reactions. The first time he tried to make a rocket explode with baking soda and vinegar, it didn’t quite go to plan. The lid didn't close properly, and the bottle squirted everywhere, including in Te Ariki’s hair! Even though it didn’t fly, there was a lot learnt from what went wrong. One issue was putting too much baking soda in the lid, and it couldn’t seal properly.
To adapt the experiment Te Ariki suggested using a different bottle that could build up more pressure. He tried a bottle with a different lid: one with a screw top and one with a push on lid. The screw top didn’t work, even when it was left slightly looser. The pressure did not build up and did not force the lid off. It worked with the push-on lid, the rocket launched into the air!
Callan shared that we thought a bigger bottle would work better because it had more room inside for the reaction but it actually didn’t fly. That was because the lid didn’t pop off and the pressure wasn’t strong enough. Smaller bottles can create more pressure in less space.
When making oobleck using cornflour, water, and food colouring, it felt like a liquid when it was poured. When the oobleck was punched or tried to be grabbed it turned solid. Riley noticed that at first the mixture was too runny because we added too much water.
We re tried and added more cornflour. Then it became this weird hard liquid. When I punched it, it felt solid, but if I left my hand in it, it just sank.
Oobleck helped us understand that not all materials fit into simple categories like “solid” or “liquid.” It acted like both depending on how we handled it. It was messy but really interesting.
What was learnt:
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From the rocket experiment, how pressure and chemical reactions can create movement (and that too much baking soda can be a problem).
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From oobleck experiment, some materials can change their properties depending on force. These are called non-Newtonian fluids.
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The importance of trial and error, working together, and reflecting on what didn’t work so we could make improvements.
Every child deserves a classroom where they feel inspired to explore, create, and grow. With a passion for fostering curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning, I am dedicated to creating an inclusive and engaging environment where all students thrive.
Specialising in student-centered learning, I design lessons that spark curiosity and encourage critical thinking. Whether through hands-on activities, collaborative projects, or creative problem-solving, my goal is to empower students to take ownership of their learning journey.
Recognising that each student is unique, I am committed to meeting individual needs and ensuring that every learner feels valued, supported, and capable of success. By building a classroom culture rooted in respect and encouragement, I strive to help students develop the skills and resilience needed to navigate both academic and real-world challenges.
The ultimate goal is to help students grow into confident, inquisitive, and compassionate individuals who are ready to face the world with curiosity and resilience. This journey of educational growth will continue at Wairakei Primary School, creating a space where every learner can flourish and reach their full potential.
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