Vector ePro8 challengers

Kia Ora blogging world,

It has been a really STEM focused week at Waikowhai for some of our senior students. As you would have seen from the previous post we had our science show in at school on Monday.  Then, on Friday, four senior students formed the "Waikowhai LIMOs" team (ask us where our name came from in the comments) and took part in the Vector ePro8 challenge at Mount Roskill on Friday for the first time.  The challenge involves engineering (the e), problem solving (the pro) and innovating to create a solution (the 8).

Our team in front of the impressive work station.

Eleven different teams participated in the challenge which ran for two and a half hours. It was heaps of fun and we managed to come third in our heat. This means we will be heading off to the semifinals later in the year where we will try to qualify for the grand finals.

One of our creations through the day

It was an awesome experience as we got to use lots of materials that we wouldn't normally have at school. If you would like to find out more you can check out the Vector ePro8 website.

Third place, bring on the semifinals!a

We would love some feedback. Please share positive, thoughtful and helpful comments in the box below.

The crazy, magical world of science.

When was the last time you found yourself entertained, enthralled, amazed and awestruck all in the space of an hour? For Waikowhai Primary School, that last time was just this morning.

The crazy, magical world of science show stopped into our school hall this morning for a show. What a fantastic way to start our week. During the show we were treated to magic tricks (which are often illusions involving more than just a bit of science), handmade fireworks, a mini-blowtorch, water powered rockets, levitating ping pong balls and more.


We were challenged to make predictions, to think about our observations and share and build on our knowledge in a fun way, while being entertained by the mad scientist. The highlight for me was seeing Abby blast a model earth into orbit using a super leaf blower.

When back in class, still buzzing and wondering more about the world we all decided to share our wonderings and learning in individual blog posts. Please click on the links at the side of the page to read more about what the students from Manukau took away from this show personally.


If you have been treated to this show before, please connect with us in the comments.  If you haven't and you are wondering more please ask us questions in the comment box.  Either way, we would love to hear from you.  We hope you enjoy the videos that show some of the things we enjoyed.

Blog you later.

Fledgling Bloggers - We love to share

This term we have a group of students new to Te Waka Ako (our classroom) and new to blogging.   We have been learning heaps of different cybersmart skills over a very short time.  Part of this has been our focus on sharing our learning. We have been working on putting together some of the things we have created.  Here are some of our first attempts at sharing.  We would love any feedback you can give us on the activities that are here.