A Rich Experience

We went to MOTAT to learn more about simple machines. Simple machine are Pulleys, Gears, Levers, Bolts and Wheels. This is the second time I went to MOTAT.

When we arrived we walked to our assembly point where we had morning tea. Soon the entire lot of children had to be organised to head to their first activity. My group first headed to the pump house and had to study it and our caregiver Mrs Pau'uvale asked us questions on the pump house. Next  we advanced  to the Sir Edmund Hillary information house. I found out that Sir Edmund Hillary equipped himself with three Harley Davidsons to travel on, on the ice. Then we walked off to the fire station and wrote more information about the history of fire engines. In The twentieth century a new model of fire engines was created. It was made with more horsepower and equipped with more storage space.

In my opinion the fire engines from the 18th to 19th century are real modern.

After that we advanced to the arcade room, at the arcade we went into the movie theatre, where we watched an asian man create a shoe that makes sure that your feet won’t stink. I felt relieved that an intelligent man has created a unique type of shoes, but unfortunately they're only sold in America and I can do with one of those.

Later on we headed down the stairs to the technology room. We had to run up the stairs and back down. Next we clip-clopped our way to the tram stop. The tram ride was very bumpy. The most exciting moment for me on the tram was when I was chosen to ring the tram bell, and wear the driver's hat. I felt special that I was chosen.

This month is Military month, that's why I saw new artefacts

outside the assembly point. There were displays of Armoured personnel carriers, (APC) Anti-aircraft guns,(AA guns) and many more fascinating military displays. The reason why they put these Military displays was because of Anzac day.

My day at MOTAT was a great experience I enjoyed the spectacularly rich experience. I wish I could go again to learn and have another rich experience. By Nathaniel

Simple Machines make life easy for people

We went to MOTAT to learn and discover more about simple machines. MOTAT stands for Museum of Transport and Technology. We had Melissa as our instructor.

At  MOTAT  we first went to the future train and had a turn each on the driver’s seat. Then we went to the Steam House. There was a man who was telling us about the history of the steam machines.

Then we all gathered up at the tram station waiting for the tram. We all sat patiently waiting to reach the other end. It was an exciting experience because all my friends were in the tram with me. We giggled and laughed and quickly reached the other end. The driver spoke about how the tram worked.

After that we went with Melissa to a class to learn about first, second and third Levers. The first lever was a plier, second was a nut cracker, and finally the last was a tong. This was new information that I learnt.

There were new exhibits at the assembly point. For the first time I saw an olden day tank and other army transport vehicles. I was fascinated to see the army vehicles which looked smaller than what we see in movies.

It was an awesome experience for me and at the same time it was fun. I learnt that simple machines makes life easier for people. I hope we can go back there again and have more time to learn about transport.

By Christian

We Cooked, we Cleaned, we Ate!

Every week on Fridays we go to Tamaki for technology. Our group did food technology and learned  how to cook culinary food.

Each week we cook one or two  dishes. We follow instructions and recipes to learn  to cook. food from different countries. Some of the foods we cooked in Term 1 were Chinese, Indian, Tongan, French and Mexican.

I have learnt to cut and chop, use a frying pan, wash the dishes, sweep the floor and really .make good French toast. I succeeded in making French toast and it wasn’t burnt it tasted pretty good.

Next term I have to improve on listening really carefully and following instructions.

By Joan

Challenging yet Fun Technology Sessions at Tamaki College

Technology is more of a Friday thing, For Technology the Year 7s attend wood tech with Mr Grundy and the Year 8s are at food tech with Miss Heka. In wood tech we get a booklet to draw our ideas in. Once we’ve had more than at least five we get a piece of timber. In our booklet we draw five things we can make with the piece of timber, then we choose what we’re going to make. Some of us decided to make trucks, keyholders, helicopters and so much more!. As soon as we finished we decided we went onto our cutting and designing.

It is quite challenging yet fun attending Technology at Tamaki College and we love it!

Gemima