Home Economics | Mini Pizza | Week Six

                                              - Teamwork Aspects -

Tasks

We were able to assign tasks today, with only the four of us in the group instead of five. Two of my teammates took care of cutting the vegetables, another took care of the little meat were given to work with, and I worked with the dough for the pizza base. This allowed us to work much faster and more efficiently.

Skills

This recipe didn't require many skills from us all. The thing that required the most skill was likely the dough, and even that was simple enough. This means that not many skills were needed for each job or put to the test in any form.

Improvements

There wasn't much I could've improved upon with my group. The pizza tasted good and looked good. Every group finished early as well, meaning we got time to cool it down. 

 - Product Outcome - 

Feedback

Something we got feedback for was how we did the dough. It was the only thing that took much time and was definitely difficult. It was critiqued in how we were meant to almost cut the dough when mixing it. As well as how I pressed it down straight onto the bench instead of the tray.

Modifications

Like said, there weren't many more modifications I would've like to have made to it. Some chilli sauce may have been nice to add to it, but it was perfectly fine without it as well.

- Next Steps - 

The next steps my group needs to take is to look and listen. We seem to understand what we hear and process that, however, I would've gone uncritiqued with how I worked with the dough had I looked at how my teacher cut it while mixing.

Home Economics | Sushi | Week Five

                                              - Teamwork Aspects -

Tasks

Within this lesson, we unknowingly assigned tasks. We gave everyone tasks to complete as it was a very mobile lesson, we were in a different surrounding compared to the usual kitchen we work in. This kitchen was much smaller, didn't have as much equipment, and the addition of working with five people at one table did not assist the situation. That's off-topic though. For example, we were able to assign me and another of my teammates as the people putting together the rolls and rolling them.

Skills

Once again, our skills went unassessed as we each delegated tasks to each other and our selves. Like said, my teammate and I had experience in rolling sushi from making it at home (it went horribly). Because of this we took on the task and were able to use our skills to the best of our ability.

Improvements

There wasn't much we could improve upon besides time management. We ran into the next period and had to run to our next class. This could have been solved by taking care of cleaning up faster and being more prepared with ingredients and cleaning up the mess.

 - Product Outcome - 

Feedback

Without a lot of time for doing anything besides cutting and putting together, there wasn't too much feedback given to us. However, our teacher did compliment us on how we rolled the sushi and spread the rice to let it cool.

Modifications

I don't think there were many modifications we could have made to the sushi itself. It was done to the best of our ability. The only thing we could have done was have put soy sauce in the rice itself so the flavour could spread throughout it. 

- Next Steps - 

Like every week, delegating tasks and discussing where each our skills lies is something we really should be doing. This is so we know we are using each of our teammates to the best of their ability for the groups best outcome.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 21 Questions

1. What is it that primarily attracts Fi to Homer?

The changes he's made to himself since the war began. Before all of this had begun, Homer was pranking people and being completely and utterly rude. But, he's changed in a way he is revealing his true self. He is becoming serious and more collected. He is changing his playfulness into creative and amazing war plans. Fi has become attracted to the idea of a playful Homer that truly knows and shows how he cares for the others in his life.

2. What are Fi’s intentions regarding Homer?

She wants to marry Homer and live with him for the rest of her life. She wants to learn about farming and raise a farm with him until their lives end.

3. Why does this surprise Ellie?

Because according to her 'You know they're beyond help when they talk like that.' I believe she is surprised because of the different roads each of their relationships have taken. While Lee and Ellie's relationship is focussed on the passion they each have, it was sparked by each of the tough emotions they struggle to deal with in this time. During this Fi and Homer's relationship has progressed so much slower than the other's. They seem to be more focussed on the shy emotions they are each failing to convey. Fi and Homer are both shy within the relationship they have, yet they each seem to care more than they convey.

4. How do Ellie and Fi feel as they are leaving the scene on their motorbikes? Are these realistic feelings?

They are ecstatic! To them, they have won the war. Four of them have just blown a bridge apart with cows and a tanker. These are completely realistic feelings, they have survived bullets, an explosion and being trampled by cows. The kept up adrenaline they had in their bodies from each and every anxious feeling turns happiness.

5. Why do you think the group decided to blow up the bridge?

They wanted to feel what it was like to win a war of their own. They know truly that the eight of them will never be able to the war by themselves. So they win battles instead. They organise the times, the days. They choose when to fight their battles and win their own wars. They have won a battle for the people who will fight the real war.

6. How is this exploit different from the other exploits the group has been on?

This is much more calculated. They have every tool they need at their own disposal, the cows, the tankers, even something as small as the wire cutters. This plan took hours to create and left much less anxiety for everyone than the previous battle they fought. They have made their own battle and left no space for error or rebellion of the soldiers against their plan.

Cave Drawings

In Social Studies we have moved on from Careers into Technology and Change. Through this, we are looking at the past and how technology has developed since then. We have recently been looking into what the Paleolithic Age and the Neolithic Age are. During which, cave paintings were used to do things such as teach and warn people. It taught them things such as what animals are food, their history and family, and other necessary information. It warned people of dangers as well, such as animals, natural disasters, what foods to avoid and other things as well.

This led to us creating our own cave paintings in the traditional style. I don't have photos right now, however, my concept was drawing my two cats in the traditional style, as we've been told to do something that is either meaningful, representative of technology and change or something to do with what they may have drawn. This also led to my idea of drawing lightning striking a tree, however, as people wouldn't have even known what it was or how lightning would have happened, I decided against it. This was the same for my concept of drawing cats. So I drew a singular cat. Of course, I wanted to do more, but you can't fight a swarm of students attempting to write their Instagram names on the walls of the classroom.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 20 Questions

1. Why is Ellie nervous about being paired with Fi?

She is hesitant and scared. Ellie tells us that she herself is scared, but Fi is really really scared. Ellie is afraid that she may freeze up when the time is most dire and she needs her the most.

2. What is true courage according to Ellie?

'I guess true courage is when you're really scared but you still do it.'

3. Were her concerns about Fi realised? Explain.

I don't quite understand the question, but I think I'm meant to talk about if Ellie's fear of Fi being inactive affecting the mission. Throughout the 'mission' they're on, Fi is able to act with confidence and determination, this means the concerns go unneeded, I guess?

4. What is a clue that Fi’s relationship with Homer is becoming serious?

Over the walkie-talkie, they say those three words to each other. That itself is something huge to a relationship, however, in front of the others, it is an even larger step in their relationship. Another part is just before this is the pure relief we read about when Fi heard Homer's voice, as well as how her eyes glistened, in this context, it seemed she almost saw him when she heard his voice.

5. What problems do Fi and Ellie encounter on their mission to bring the tanker to the appropriate place under the bridge? How do they deal with these problems?

• The tankers seem to be without breaks. They deal with this by taking the risk of injury and/or explosions. Later on, however, they are thankful to discover the tanker has air breaks, even if they don't know how to completely use them, having breaks is a better sign in itself.

• Being unable to tell whether the fence had alarms or not was a problem, however, when the fence was cut they were thankful to know it had absolutely no alarms attached to it. This problem was solved by pure and utter luck. Another problem they encountered with the fence was cutting the appropriately sized hole in the wire fence. This was solved by contorting their bodies to fit and cutting the hole bigger.

• Operating the tanker seemed to be a problem for Ellie. She had never operated one before, and at the same time, she was using air brakes for the first time. This should have been a recipe for disaster, as she had explosion material in the back. But, like always, they still manage to get out of it.

• Patrols operating in the area were a known risk to their plan. However, they worked around this by having Fi check for patrols before moving the tanker. This proved for the best, as she was able to spot one early on. This problem was solved by stopping the tanker, giving the illusion that it was just another abandoned vehicle, and having the girls climb a tree to stay out of sight.

• Almost exploding was a problem too. Ellie was able to lose steering and the ability to break, after turning off the engine. She thought she would glide down the hill and slow down, however, she almost crashed into tree's, Fi and the gutter. This problem was solved by her turning the engine back on and guiding the tanker back.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 19 Questions

1. What makes Ellie think the soldiers walking past them are professionals?

The way they act, someone who's untrained wouldn't be nearly as silent as those soldiers had been. They were also efficient and calm in their movements and actions.

2. What do the soldiers fire at in the bushes?

A rabbit. THEY ARE SO BORED THEY FIRE AT A BLOODY RABBIT.

3. What are some clues that the group is starting to think ‘more like soldiers’?

The first part is from Ellie, while we already know of Homer becoming more soldier-like, the others are slow to adjust to the war. 'I had to activate that determined voice in my brain: "If you do nothing, you'll die. Move, but move slowly. Be controlled. Don't panic."'
This is probably for the best too, if they begin to all think like soldiers there is a less likely chance they may be injured, taken or killed. This will allow them to become more efficient in survival and likely taking back Wirrawee or assisting those who do.

4. Do you think Homer’s plan will work? What problems do you think they might encounter?

As said within the chapter, there are problems such as the cattle refusing to move, the tankers not being there or being empty or other vehicles or sentries being around. But there are also others that go unmentioned but are likely discussed and not mentioned within the text, these are problems such as getting the motorbikes, the sentries shooting at the bikes as they run, the sentries shooting the bikes or them before they reach them and MANY others. However, like the last plan where they saved Lee, I'm sure it will end fine. Improvisation is key in any war.

5. What does Homer suggest they do when the group goes up to the Heron?

I believe that is when he suggests blowing up the tanker, I can't find anything to suggest anything else was said between the three who went up.

6. What are his strategies to put his plan into action?

Distraction. He plans to use the cows in the area to distract the sentries and soldiers as they lead the tanker into place and blow it up. It's definitely a unique approach to what they want to do.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 18 Questions

1. What does Ellie find primarily attractive about Lee?

His mind and intelligence, as well as the security she felt when being around him. She has also discovered that beneath the exterior of joking, he is a passionate person who cares for what her deeply.

2. Who is she attracted to physically?

It was Homer. However, that attracted seemed to be only physical, as the pent up frustration and lack of physical contact clouded her thoughts and confused her.

3. What are the group’s options according to Homer?

1. Sit tight and do nothing.
2. They have a go at getting their families back.
3. They can do something else to help the 'good guys.'

4. What do they decide to do and why?

They don't exactly decide that we read, because Ellie walks away from the meeting, but from what I gather from it, they've decided to keep their eyes on the road the invaders are mainly using. Because of this, I believe that they are going along the lines of the third option, helping the people who are helping them.

Home Economics | Fish & Chips | Week Four

                                                - Teamwork Aspects -

Tasks

Once again, we did not exactly assign tasks to everyone. We instead took it upon ourselves to volunteer for each task that was given out. For example, one of my teammates took it upon themselves to cut the fish into pieces.

Skills

As we still have not had time to talk one on one with each other, we have not exactly pinned down each of strengths. But, we are beginning to realise who takes on tasks the best within the group due to their skills. For example, I realise I am able to get the most accurate measurements, something that was a weakness for another of my teammates.

Improvements

Something we could have all improved upon was reading the recipe through and discussing what we each needed to do. For example, we, unfortunately, cut the fish incorrectly. This could have been improved upon by listening better as the teacher explained how we were meant to cut it.

 - Product Outcome - 

Not ours, we didn't get a picture.

Feedback

As said, we cut our fish incorrectly, this lead to some speculation from our teacher whether it would cook correctly or evenly enough for eating.

Modifications

Something we would have done differently if how we could have cut the fish, of course, as well as how we seasoned our chips. We did not add salt or pepper to the seasoning, and that left the chips without the flavour we would have prefered.

- Next Steps - 

The next steps for our group would be deliberation between jobs and skills, as well as the deliberation of the recipe. We did a lot of things wrong within the lesson, and most of it was due to this.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 17 Questions

1. Why does Ellie feel uncomfortable with Chris bringing cigarettes and alcohol into Hell?

She thinks it might force them into creating standards or rules considering them all, the effect the leftover bottle and cigarette butts may have on their surrounding environment may lead people to their location, scare potential hunting game away, and cause and effect on the plant life surrounding them. This includes the food they intend to grow for their survival.

2. What is meant by a “clean war”? Why are the invaders so intent on having a ‘clean war’?

The term 'clean war' here is to do with a more peaceful form of invasion, compared to the ones we hear about in history lessons. Most of those include more death, violence and mistreatment. The invaders insist upon this because it will help from other countries intervention. For example, in the same chapter, page 225, Robyn tells us about this 'They keep talking about a "clean" invasion. They figure that if there's no talk about concentration camps and torture and rape and stuff, there's less chance of countries like America getting involved.'

3. What happened to the soldiers involved in the lawnmower incident, according to Robyn? How does this make Ellie feel?

Two of them died, and another two soldiers they ran over when saving Lee died as well. This causes a drastic effect on Ellie. She goes into a state of shock right after an emotional outburst, and the sudden change in her mood is definitely a change from what we have read from Ellie beforehand.

4. Why do you think prisoners are sent to clean up the houses around town?

They are being sent around so they can turn the houses into habitable areas rather than trashed and stinking of dead animals and rotten food. They are also being sent around to collect valuables. This is likely so they can sell them to the highest bidder for money or take them as war prizes.

5. What does Kevin want to bring into Hell by way of livestock? Do you think his idea is a good one? Why/why not?

Ferrets. However, like any of Kevin's ideas, there are the pros and cons of doing so. While they may be able to eat more meat and have a more nutritious diet, emotional attachment is an issue too. Becoming emotionally attached to something you plan to butcher and eat is definitely not a good idea. There are also the risks of them going feral, in which, if they were to go into Wirrawee, a steady stream of ferrets popping up once or twice a month and slowly increasing as the number of ferrets the eight raise could spell out a sign for the invaders that there are people outside with information.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 16 Questions

1. What is the Hermit’s mother in law’s attitude toward him as seen in her letter?

It seems loving as if she took him in as a son of her own. They both suffered in the death of Imogen (the wife) and Bertram (the son), and it seems the mother-in-law finds that during their deaths she needs to support someone and care for someone as she no longer has her daughter. As well as wanting to confide in each other in their time of loss.

2. What does this suggest about the way in which the Hermit’s family actually died?

It suggests the first option that was discussed, that the Hermit shot the pair to end their suffering so they would not have to suffer burning to their deaths, or at least that the mother-in-law believed his testimony.

3. What makes Ellie change her mind about Lee on the way back from the Hermit’s hut?

I think it may have been realising how much she needs him, he balances her out when she speaks through emotion more than the logicality that Ellie's mind is more suited towards. When he takes control of the moment he is able to devise Ellie's emotions out into what they are needed to depict for her to truly understand her thinking. While this is true, Lee tends to overcontrol and turn her own words against her, this what I believe will trouble their already complicated relationship.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 15 Questions

1. What do Ellie and Lee find in the Hermit’s hut that the others don’t know about?

The police report detailing the Hermit's apparent crime, including the murder of his wife and child, their names, and how there was no dispute within their marriage. They also find newspaper reports of the deaths of the pair that don't mention the murderer in question, photos of the couple, and birth certificates of all three of them. There are also postcards, medals awarded for work in the army, letters and notebooks as well.

2. According to the coroner’s report, what are the two possible ways the Hermit’s family died?

The first is to do with how the severe bush fires raged within the area of their living, during which the pair were caught in the blaze and were burning alive, painfully and slowly presumably. In a way to save them from suffering, the husband in question shot them in the head to end their suffering. This was because of the lack of medical aid nearby, and if they were on their way, it would have been too late for the pair anyway. This was what the Hermit claimed in his trial.

The second possibility that he was supposedly charged with was that he shot them before the burning. Killing them and using the fire to cover his tracks and hide their bodies. This prevented medical science from determining which came first, and without other evidence, they were not able to determine anything

3. Which do you believe? Why?

I believe the first. I want to have faith in him for once. But I have no other reason besides that though. The lack of evidence doesn't help, but the fact he supposedly kept so many mementos of them most likely leads to him wishing they were alive. Most murderers don't keep mementos of their victims.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 14 Questions

1. What reasons does Ellie give Lee for not wanting a relationship with him?

She's confused, and Lee is driving her crazy. To her, the idea of thinking of romance in the middle of a war is stupid and selfish. As well, she likes control. Lee is choosing for her, and that is something she cannot bear. He is choosing her words in the order he wants to hear, he is choosing when and where they speak, and he is forcing her into a corner.

2. What do you think are the real reasons?

I think they are just as I've put them above, but at the same time, she has feelings for Homer and Chris that are going unaddressed. These are crowding her mind and she is more confused than she portrayed.

Social Studies Paragraph Question

In Social Studies we have been continuing with the Technology and Change topic. Because of this, one of the topics we have been exploring is phones and teenagers. Of course, this meant we discussed teenagers and phone addictions.

Are students addicted to their cellphones? If so, is that a problem?

I believe it varies from person to person. It all depends on the available statistics such as how long people spend on their screens, what purpose is it for, and other particulars. Do they use it for studying? Texting? Social media? Addiction depends on the purpose of the in question object or substance. A person who uses drugs for health purposes cannot be instantly pinned as a drug addict, can they? So, why should someone who uses their phones for study apps or socialisation be considered a phone addict?

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 13 Questions

1. All the teenagers have a specific role to play in their group. Describe the roles each teenager plays.

Homer obviously plays a leader figure out of the eight, as well as Ellie acting like a second in command. As for characters like Fi, Robyn, Lee, Chris and Corrie, I can't quite give them a characterization compared to the other three. Kevin, however, gives off the feeling that he is from an opposing party in a political fight, he opposes Homer's ideas on purpose, forcing him to take on different ideas to make his way around the issues brung up. Kevin may seem rude, but I believe he has a good purpose.

2. According to what the teenagers hear on Corrie's radio, why would America be best not to get involved in Australia’s struggle?

This war is expected to be long, bloody and costly. There is no other reason.

3. Why is Australia being invaded?

For their resources. Australia has land, animals, and space, and compared to other countries, Australia is blessed. Whoever has infiltrated knows that they have resources, but not nearly as many military resources. They can be compared to the USA, who have so much military power compared to the country.

4. A reader can infer many things from the snippet of news heard over Corrie’s radio. Which country or countries are likely to have invaded Australia?

While New Zealand is mentioned, it is HIGHLY UNLIKELY. New Zealand does not have the military power, people, money, or the military complex to achieve such a thing. However, Fi mentioned multiple stations that were communicating in Taiwanese, this may be speculation, however, there was once something I read about how either the Japanese or Taiwanese almost invaded Australia on Remembrance Day or a similar day. I believe the story is based off if this had happened.

5. How are the prisoners being treated?

They seem to be treated somewhat well. When they see Mr Coles, the primary teacher, on page 84, chapter seven, they don't speak on any seen mistreatment towards him. This is the best sign as there is lack of speaking about death when they hear it over the radio. They more so hear about how the prisoners are being held captive.

6. What do Kevin and Robyn argue about? Do you think Robyn’s points are fair?

They argue about how Robyn seems to understand the purpose of their invasion, however, Kevin takes it as a support to their actions. Robyn's points, however, are just as fair. These people are likely as they are called, without resources, space, water or food.

7. “Paradise of Hell” is an oxymoron. What does it mean?

An oxymoron is to do with contradictory terms coming together to create a statement. The word 'Paradise' is defined as 'an ideal or idyllic place' or 'a place of extreme beauty, delight, or happiness.' 

While Hell is defined as 'the abode of evil' or 'where the wicked are punished after death.' This creates a difficult situation to describe. But, it means they have found the paradise they need to live, in Hell.

8. Kevin’s hatred of the invaders is quite extreme. Why do you think he is so angry?

He wants his home, his family, and his life back. He doesn't understand that these people need to do this to live and survive in this world. Through all of this though, I believe he will soon be able to learn from the others about what they say.

9. The group take turns discussing the extent to which they’d go to make a difference. Order the characters by their commitment to overthrowing the enemy.

1. KEVIN, I think Kevin just needs to take a chill pill and relax. Even if they all wanted to take on the enemy, they don't nearly have the capabilities to do so.
2. Homer, I believe Homer is more about the survival than taking them down, he wants to live and not die a useless hero.
3. Ellie & Lee, these two seem to be persistent, but not bloodthirsty.

These seem to be the only ones I can think to rank, like Homer the others are more about survival than overthrowing the enemy.

10. The group is starting to think about long term survival in Hell. What are some clues to this?

They begin to think of capturing animals to eat, breeding chickens for eating and laying, taking goats, likely for milk, food and supposedly food disposal. They also discuss finding springs for freshwater and rationing their food.

11. What does the group decide they must do at this point?

There are a lot of decisions made, mainly to do with their survival of course. They want to take animals, for eating, laying, and other purposes. They discuss hiding places in Wirrawee and their stories if they are to be captured. They discuss rationing their food, finding fresh water, hiding notes for each other, where they would meet and many other important details about the expedition they plan to take.

12. Despite the fact that the teenagers are in the midst of a war zone, evading enemy soldiers and planning guerrilla operations, they still find time to harbour romances. Do you think this is realistic?

Yes. Love and war go hand in hand. The Trojan war, for example, was sparked by the love between Helen and Paris. This shows us that the two have gone hand in hand for years upon years. If anything, the romance shows me a more realistic side of the war.

Technology and Change

Technology: Technology is the creative process that utilises tools, resources and systems to solve problems. It also enhances control over natural and man-made environments to improve our lives.

Recently we have started our Technology and Change topic in Social Studies. This is our first task, where we paired up and created a list of twenty changes in technology over time. For example how we've gone from pencils to pens as technology has developed our way of completing tasks.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 12 Questions

1. “They say teenagers can sleep all day”. Is this true? Do you agree? Does Ellie still see herself as a typical teenager?

NO. There are two different types of teenagers with sleeping, you either sleep eight hours a night or even more, or eight hours a week. There is barely an in-between. But besides that, if Ellie can still say she's a 'normal' teenager, then I'm a dog. She has seen more blood and war than any other Australian teenager, that is not normal.

2. Ellie’s dream at the beginning of the chapter is rather nonsensical, as dreams are known to be. Is there any meaning to it? Try and explain what Ellie’s subconscious could be thinking about: why is her dad cooking for the whole town? Why did Father Cronin ignore Ellie’s greeting? Why was Corrie 8 years old again? Why were they sailing off on a boat? Why was Lee undressing?

I have no insight into any dreams, nor what they mean. I believe what she is attempting to dream about is a happier time for her family, where her father is free and cooking a barbeque for the family, where they believed in a different fantasy to the safety they believed in. The boat represented how they moved onto the war and a different life. I have no idea about Lee stripping though.

3. Why is it so terrible that Chris falls asleep while on sentry duty? How does Ellie react? Why do you think she reacts this way? How does she feel about her reaction later?

The soldiers would have invaded their base without them knowing, they could have been killed. Ellie understands this and this is why she is so mad at Chris, I think this is caused by the build-up of emotions within her mind and how she thinks that he has just put everyone in danger of dying. She knows her reaction is bad later on, but she doesn't feel much remorse for her reaction.

4. Back in Hell, Ellie’s dreams are far more ominous. Explain why Ellie is dreaming of her fears.

She is afraid. There is no other explanation. She is afraid the soldiers that have her family and her people are going to come and take even more away from her.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 11 Questions

1. How does Ellie feel as she is waiting in the truck at the Council Depot? Where do her emotions come from?

There are a lot of emotions running through Ellie, however, what is most interesting is she is feeling scared and excited. She tells the reader how the emotions come from love, her fear comes from love. 'My fear came from love. Love for my friends. I didn't want to let them down. If I did, they would die.'

2. Why are the girls smiling when in danger? Is this a logical response?

I think it is their relief that so far, everything has gone well. They are together and not alone, and they are saving a life by doing what they are doing.

3. What does wearing a helmet and buckling up mean to the girls?

It means they still have a sense of wanting to be safe left in them. Some people would throw themselves in front of a bullet for one another, instead, they are wearing armour and pushing each other out of the way. They want to have a sense of relief that they are doing everything to protect themselves in the situation they are in.

4. What does Chris’s story say about the town?

They're a normal old town with not much going on. They're quiet and were even quieter around Commemoration Day.

5. What impact does the BMW have on the story? Does Chris seem lonely? Explain your answer?

I don't quite understand how these questions link to each other. But yes, Chris does seem extremely lonely, he has been left alone for some time and is probably now going to cling to the seven for dear life.

6. What is Homer’s explanation for the need to swap cars at Chris Lang’s place? What does this show about the way he is thinking?

One part was that since Chris didn't have his drivers license and his parents were overseas, the car will be in the garage and be of easier access to them. The second part is that if they leave it at Ellie's something bad could happen to her family. The third part is that they want to go out in style.

7. What are your thoughts on the story so far...

It's intricate and detailed, it gives an accurate representation of teenagers and war, as well as enemy tactics in the earlier time of war. However, I do wish I didn't have to stop every single chapter, I really want to continue reading as the story calls me to.

10 Key Dates in Food History | Home Ec

For Home Ec, we have had to depict 10 different years, what happened in those years that influenced New Zealand, and add at least five pictures.

The different years and significant happened was already given to us, so we had to rewrite it and put it into a presentation. I chose the dates 1814, 1840, 1882, 1907, 1920, 1937, 1945, 1958, 1971 and 1990. I chose these because they were each a good distance apart and depicted something large happening in New Zealand.

Home Economics | Jam Drops | Week Three

                                    - Teamwork Aspects -

Tasks

Our tasks weren't exactly given out, more aligned as we each volunteered to take care of different tasks we needed to progress with the recipe. For example, one of my teammates took up gathering and measuring almost immediately, which named them the ingredient gatherer for the session.

Skills

We didn't exactly deliberate what skills each of us had, more so it was the case again of volunteering and learning of where we each had our set of skills lie within a cooking environment. For example, one of the teammates took up mixing the ingredients straight away, this led us to unknowingly naming them the mixer for that session.

Improvements

Some improvements we could make is properly assigning tasks and learning of each other's skills before deliberating jobs to people without the skills to complete the task. 

 - Product Outcome - 

Feedback

Nobody but our group were able to sample the food so we didn't get much feedback on that part, however, throughout the period our teacher told us multiple times how we could improve how we completed the recipe and what we were doing well. For example, she told us about how we could stop the egg curdling by adding some of the flour prematurely. 

Modifications

The only modification I would have made to the way we cooked our jam drops is how much jam was within the biscuits, I would have added more into it, however, we were pressed for time and didn't take it into consideration much.

- Next Steps - 

The next steps for my group would likely be deliberation between us, especially before the recipe's completion as to what skills we each have and which jobs we will each take. I believe this would greatly assist our ability to work together as a team.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 10 Questions

1. Why does Homer insist on going on with the plan after Corrie’s house blows up? How does he convince Corrie that this is a good idea?

He doesn't want fear to overtake their ability to reason with one another. He believes that two of his friends may be gone or lost and getting them back together will change everyone. They will screw their heads on straight instead of losing themselves to emotions. He manages to convince Corrie with similar reasoning, telling her they were leaving to get their friends back. This seemed to be the only thing to convince her to let them leave.

2. Describe the strategy Homer and Ellie use to ensure their safety when riding their bikes into town. What does this show about how they are starting to think?

I can't quite find their strategy, but one thing they did further into the night was walking the bikes instead of riding them through the night. They are starting to take the perspective of the soldiers and think like warriors.

3. Why do you think Mr Clement is reluctant to help Lee and Robyn? How would you react in his position?

One part of his reluctance is his fear for his own safety, hundreds of others are trapped in a camp where one wrong move could get them shot. He knows that one wrong move could earn the same for him. Another is how he could be fearing for his family, Robyn speculates that his family is hiding as well, they would be some of the only family members together, they fear that these people will get them torn apart from each other. I would act similarly I believe, although I believe I would also be a lot less reluctant to assist the people.

4. How has Homer changed in Ellie’s eyes since the invasion?

He has become more serious with the mind of a soldier and a leader, yet he is able to joke with the others in an attempt to distract them from the pain they are all going through. Homer is a natural leader and a smart mind, and he has always been. But now, he is finally tapping into his ability.

5. What are the 2 different types of soldiers and how do they each treat the inhabitants of Wirrawee?

The professionals, and the conscripts, or fillers. The professionals are well equipped and efficient with their work. The conscripts are not at all similar, they have duller and less equipment, and aren't nearly as efficient with work. Funnily enough, the conscripts are the crueller ones, they seem to be having fun almost and likely are without rules and so they let loose. The professionals seem to be within boundaries they don't want to push, they act with harshness, but not cruelty.

6. Why do you think Robyn had the strength to carry Lee?

I believe I once heard of a phenomenon to do with the natural human body, how we possessed more physical strength than we believe. It detailed that in moments of dire need our bodies attempt to use every bit of strength in our bodies, more than we know we are physically capable of. Ellie speaks of a similar thing when she brings the example of a mother saving a baby underneath a car to light. How they could do it one day when a child is trapped and in need, however not the next, because the urgency of needing to save the life of another is gone.

7. How have the group decided to rescue Lee, whose idea was this and why do they think it will work?

They want to PICK HIM UP in a truck with a scoop or something similar from the Council Depot. SO they want to wheel him there to the truck in a wheelchair or wheelbarrow after Robyn gives him a shot of course. They'll put him in the truck, burn down the street and be completely indestructible because of the thick metal of the vehicle. This idea was thought of by Robyn, Homer and Ellie, however, Homer pulled it all together into one plan. Honestly, I think this has got to be one of the dumbest ideas ever. If they create that much noise and just go straight to where the others are, they'll all be caught.

8. What do you think happened to people who ‘tried to be heroes?’

They were killed on sight most likely or given severe punishment or constriction for insubordination to the enemy. 

Building a Simple Electric Motor

Aim: To build a simple electric motor.

Equipment: 400mm of un-insulated copper wire*, AA battery, 2 small magnets - neodymium magnets apparently work well.

(*It can be uninsulated by sanding the protective layer off, this leaves only the pure copper left to work with.)

Method:

1. Bend your wire in half and lay the bend over the point in the middle of the template below.
2. Now work around each side of the wire, bending it along the line as you go. IGNORE VIDEO THINGY.
3. Place both magnets on the negative terminal of your battery.
4. Place the curved sections of wire around one magnet each. Ensure that they are free to rotate. 
5. Balance the pointed part on the positive terminal.
6. If you've done everything correctly when you let go the wire to should begin to spin!

Results:

Unfortunately, I was unable to recreate this experiment as the forces of gravity seems to dislike me. I would have attempted it again the next day, however, SOMEONE managed TO BREAK THE MAGNETS. As you can tell, I am unimpressed with this development. But I have moved past this and instead blogged about my complete and utter failure. I would have chosen something else to research and blog about, but my teacher said to just talk about this instead.

Discussion:

This electric motor spins because the wires are conducting electricity, and therefore electrons. This electric motor converts electric energy into motion. The electrons need to constantly move, because of this and the way the wire is twisted, the easiest way for the electrons to flow and keep moving is to push against the magnetic field. This magnetic field has come from the two magnets at the bottom of the battery.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 9 Questions

1. Why, in Ellie’s opinion, is Cobbler’s Bay and Wirrawee so important to the invaders?

Cobbler's Bay is important because of one thing. It's is how, even from a great height, you can not see into the because of the clouds that cover it up, this makes it impossible to see incoming ships or anything alike unless up close.

Wirrawee seems to be important because of an array of different reasons, from Wirrawee they can gain free access to the rest of the country. As well as the lack of nuclear or army protection nearby, this makes it an easier target to overtake.

2. Corrie and Ellie reminisce about how innocent they were in high school and even a few days ago. Why were they still innocent then? Why are they no longer innocent?

Because they believed in a different fantasy compared to when they were children, as children they believed in Santa and the Tooth Fairy. But as they grew they believed they grew out of fantasy and into reality. They kept themselves in one fantasy though, safety. They now see that they are never going to feel safe again and that they have come into a truer reality.

3. Why does Homer think splitting up is a good idea?

Losing two or three of their friends is better than being left alone. Homer probably thinks they have lost Robyn and Lee, and he doesn't want to lose the rest of his friends to the war.

4. Why do you think the author added the few lines about an Australian jet flying overhead?

I think that this was to create anticipation for the blowing up of the houses. This was a dramatic happening and the tension build-up made it even bigger than what it would have been if written normally.

5. By blowing up Corrie’s house, what does the invading force demonstrate to the teenagers?

That they show no mercy to what the others care about. The teenagers are caring about the heirlooms and pictures their homes contain, but the soldiers have no regard for such items.

6. Why do you think Corrie reacted the way she did?

She has lost her family, two of her friends, and now her home. She wanted to keep the items of her memories and is now afraid that everything she has grown up with will disappear from her. She's afraid that now her reminders of the past are gone, she will forget them.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 8 Questions

1. How does Ellie feel after the lawnmower incident?

She feels horrible, that she has potentially murdered three people. Ellie believes her life will never be normal again and she is right, she can barely believe that she has done these things now and I believe that she will feel even worse when she has to do worse. It is likely she will have to do something much worse in the future, especially since Robyn and Lee have potentially been captured or killed. She attempts to describe it as if it isn't her, that she hasn't done it herself and instead was watching as someone else blew up the lawnmower and murdered three soldiers invading their country.

2. How does she think the others will react to her story when she tells it?

She was afraid that they would act as if she had done a heroic deed, that she is a war hero. When really she has done something horrible, and she feels as if she will never breathe the same again.

3. How do they actually react? Why?

They comfort her, they understand that it is not heroic, or a good thing. She has killed three people and the others see that she has changed forever. They see that they may have to do something like what she has done and that when they support her at that moment, she will support them when they do something similar.

4. Homer says, “This is war now, normal rules don’t apply.. They’re the ones who tore up the rule book, not us”” What does this say about his character? What do you think of the validity of his opinions?

I think it's to say how much he cares. Now that they have broken the rules, they know that he will break the same rules, that he will play the same game. And I think this is perfectly valid, in love and war there are rules, whether you abide by them or break them is your choice. But once one person breaks the rules, everyone will.

5. Fi talks about the ‘shadows’, during their reconnaissance. What are these shadows and what are the implications due to their existence?

I think this may have either been Lee and Robyn or the eighth character that these questions hinted at previously. I don't quite understand what else I'm meant to answer this question with otherwise.

6. What pieces of evidence from the book inform the reader that this invasion wasn’t entirely peaceful? Find at least 3 examples.

In chapter seven, page 85, we see the opposing soldiers open fire on Ellie, Corrie and Kevin. Afterwards, they continue to pursue them and shoot.

Homer speaks about seeing blood in the streets in chapter eight, page 97, along with Fi, there were also police cars on their sides, shops were broken into and stolen from, and cars crashed into trees.

In chapter four, on page 38, the planes that fly over the seven are without lights. While this can seem entirely reasonable, it is later revealed that it was likely for stealth rather than Commemoration Day celebrations.

Close Viewing Assessment Reflection

Within our last topic in English, we did Film Study. Our final assessment was to write an essay viewing a scene picked out by our teacher from the film 'Power of One.' After the essay, we later had to answer the questions our teacher gave us after also recieving our results and feedback, these are at all combined into one paragraph at the end of the essay.

Essay

In the movie Power of One, directed by John Avildsen, we learn the heartbreaking tale of P.K, including how he attempts to change the lives of the Black South Africans. To make this story, we see evidence of John Avildsen using many amazing techniques to create impactful scenes. These different angles and perspectives tell us the story of P.K and the many others whose lives would not be the same without him. Helping the story along, we see a scene where P.K and Gideon Duma run through the streets together, discussing how the people are mistreated, such as how they are permitted one toilet per two hundred people, or how only a certain amount of them may attend school. The seen further along leads to an argument between the pair, as Gideon attempts to convince P.K to create a school for the people to read and write English. In this scene, we see a variety of different camera angles, hear expressive lines of dialogue, and see within the scene the lighting’s uses.

To begin with, Avildsen presents us with many different camera shots. We see him use a variety of shots that emphasise the effect of the scene. To be specific, we see a tracking shot used within the scene. This shot begins focussing on the Black South African miners and then turns to follow Gideon Duma and P.K as they enter the scene. The shot follows them as they run together through the street and speak in regards to various topics. Avildsen has chosen this angle to present the pair as they run through a world of injustice. This is because, throughout the shot, we watch as the mine slaves continue working away at the road, and see other Black South Africans doing tasks such as loading cars. Minorly in the shot though, we see men and women walk through, presumably, Afrikaners. As the shot moves away from the miners, a man enters and watches the miners work. We observe a pair of women as well, as they walk past the bus loading the children to take to school. These minor characters who merely walk past the people hard at work are set there to remind the audience of the people who are hard at work. For a good tomorrow in South Africa, as said by Gideon Duma. The shot correlates to a particular scene shown earlier in the film. We see Doc sent to jail and the Kommandant Van Zyl demand Doc’s piano be brought into his cell. To explain how he was allowed a piano in a prison I quote P.K. While the English saw Doc as the enemy, the Afrikaner prison authorities saw him as the perfect example of German culture, something they admired. Due to Doc's German origins, we see the Kommandant demand that while Doc was a prisoner, he was not like other prisoners kept there. To continue on with the correlation, we see the Kommandant demand for the other prisoners to treat this person as if he were a saint and bring him a pleasure they would never have. Once again, showing how the Afrikaners treated the South African people horribly.

In addition to the already impactful techniques seen and heard, we have the dialogue. A single line is known to be able to turn a scene onto its head and provide an entirely new meaning to what is seen. Gideon Duma has many of these powerful lines. Notably, his line when attempting to convince P.K to create a school to teach the Black South African people English. You know, we hope for a good tomorrow in South Africa, but if we don't learn to do for ourselves as equals, that hope will disappear. Disappear. And my people will grow tired. The tired will grow angry, and the angry will grow violent, and there will be no good tomorrow in this country for anybody, black or white. With this, he presents the director's purpose. He wants the audience to know the people hope to no end. But when there is no hope, there is no belief, no belief for a better tomorrow in South Africa. Avildsen shows their belief is what kept these people from war. Subtlely, it shows the audience the people of South Africa are growing more resentful with each action taken by the Afrikaners. Gideon’s words are telling us rebellion will only come from the resent of the Black South African people. While it may seem like what is best, rebellion leads to war. War leads to death. Death leads to resentment and grief. Resentment and grief lead to rebellion once again. We see no end for it. This piece of dialogue is so intricate nothing I can find can compare to what Gideon Duma has said but his own words again, I believe in Africa. I believe in my people. I want to believe in the future. And what do you believe in P.K? Tell me, what?

The final technique shown is the lighting. Within the scene, we see a bright day and can clearly see what happens around the pair throughout the scene. It is an odd choice, considering how serious the scene is with the dialogue exchanged between the two. The topic of their conversation is first how Gideon Duma’s people are mistreated. Such as how the government only provides one toilet for every two hundred people, or how they are unable to even understand the Apartheid signs that state the law, as well as how only 2% of them attend school, even then only to train how to be maids, street sweepers or mine slaves. To make this story, we see evidence of John Avildsen using amazing techniques to create impactful scenes. An example we see within the film itself is how on a dark night P.K approaches the Marais family home to visit Maria. We watch as the night provides a cheerful aura as P.K climbs the trellis to get to Maria’s room. The lighting here is minimal and dim, as the moon and the light from Maria’s own room light up the scene. When it comes to such things as lighting, Avildsen is wanting to show us even the brightest day can have a darker hour. Consequently, Avildsen is presenting us with a form of differences between the film Power of One and other films. We watch the film and see how the dark and stormy nights can be happy and cheerful. Identical in terms of how the days with bright lights and what you would expect to be a time full of joy, instead have a darker turn to them. This technique shows only one thing to the audience, everything is not as it seems. It shows the viewers how Avildsen has gone against the norms of film making. All to create something unique for people to see. We see another scene much later on within the film that shows how Avildsen wants to make the film different. This is Maria’s funeral, where the director has chosen to film a normal day. This differs from other films due to how when a character dies, often enough we see it raining at their funeral, with dim lighting to reflect the feelings of the attendants. This once again is changed for a normal day’s lighting in which they say their final goodbye’s to Maria.

In conclusion, I have been able to witness the many contributions that Avildsen has made throughout the making of this film. Within his choice of lighting, dialogue, and choice of camera shots he has truly been able to reflect what story this film is meant to tell. Within such a short scene we are able to see so many impactful techniques that contribute to the story of P.K, and he is able to grow and with him grow his ability to help others through the terrible times of Apartheid.

Essay End

Within this essay, one thing I am especially proud of is how I was able to stay on topic. Within previous writings in other subjects, I have been critiqued on my ability to get off of the topic of it. This has gotten me marked down once, so to know that this has been done to the best of my ability without doing this is rewarding for me. This has been one thing I have improved on overtime, another thing I noticed I need to improve my ability to make larger connections from films and books to the real world. This as well has gotten me critiqued many times, and I believe I finally understand what this is meant to mean. When I first received this critique from a marked persuasion essay I wrote last year, I didn't fully understand what it was meaning to help me achieve. Thankfully, I have been able to learn for myself the purpose of the evaluation. These judgements and advice are one of the many things I have enjoyed about film study, it has helped me learn how to write essays using certain formats given to us from our teacher within the topic. It does not relate to the actual topic though, yet it was one of the most helpful learning curves for me. On the opposite topic, however, one of the things I found challenging was finding the ideas to continue with. One of the things I can be very concerned about with my writings is the length of the writing, and not having the ideas to continue made it difficult to stretch it out to the desired length. Teachers may tell us that more often than not quantity does not matter as much as quality does, however having the quantity to make up for a lack of quality that may be present. As I said before, the formats given to us by my teacher was especially helpful to assist me in planning my essay, as well as keeping myself to a standard with each paragraph I write. I believe that this is something that will definitely help me, not only English but with other subjects as well. One thing I am wondering, however, is if we are going to study Shakespeare. We have read through Macbeth earlier in the year, though unlike the other classes, we never fully studied the reading. So, will we do a study on Shakespeare?