Pukeko

The New Zealand Pukeko.

It's scientific name is Porphyrio Porphyrio Melanous.Meaning 'purple purple black' but it is more blue than purle.

If you ask any visitor to New Zealand what bird they remember most

will be more than sure that their answer will be 'The Pukeko'!

Defence and Behavior:

It is a tough bird and seems very capable of fighting off attacks. The predators (mammals) arrived with humans over the past few hundred years. Strangely, Pukeko have thrived in an environment where the introduced predators such as cats, rats and stoats, are present (Brunin and Jamieson, 1995). They have been known to group together and shriek loudly to successfully defend nests during attacks by harrier hawks. They can often be heard in the night protecting their nests. They do not always overcome these predators and sometimes abandon the nest site. Pukeko live in groups of 3-12 indiviuals.

Solar Energy

The word solar stems from the Roman word for the god of the sun, Sol. Therefore, the word solar refers to the Sun and “solar power” is power from the Sun.
When we say something is solar powered, we mean that the energy it uses for power came directly from solar energy or sunlight energy. The sun provides Earth with 2 major forms of energy, heat and light. Some solar powered systems utilize the heat energy for heating while others transform the light energy into electrical energy (electricity).
There are many practical applications for solar power that are in use today. Passive solar home designs utilize heat energy. By slanting windows in a house and facing them to the south you can control the heat energy that enters the house. During the winter when the Sun is low in the sky it shines into the window to warm and illuminate the house. During the summer when the Sun is high in the sky the slant of the windows keeps the sunshine out so that the house stays cooler.
There are vehicles that run on solar power. Some have PV panels as a direct power source that convert light energy into electricity to power their motors. Since those cars will not run when the sun is not available it is more practical to have a car powered by batteries that can be recharged with solar energy.
In countries and locations where traditional power sources are not available it is more economical to power a house with solar energy. To these people, solar is not an alternative energy; it is their primary energy source.

By Brenda Borg,

Yr 6 A

Paper Saver!

Our class did this activity about saving paper together with Year 4 and Year 5 classes. We were first shown a powerpoint presentation about the process of paper-making, from cutting trees to producing paper ready for use. Then a discussion followed were we gave some ideas as to how we can save paper. We suggested that we could use both sides of a page, use brown paper to cover books (brown paper being made from recycled paper), buying eco-friendly paper or recycled paper, saving unused pages from a copybook for sketching or rough work and many others. Finally we made some posters with slogans for saving paper.

Almaha: Through the eyes of a falcon

On Monday 25th February 2008, our class, together with the other Year 6 and Year 7 classes, attended an activity about the Saker Falcon of Almaha, a region in the Arabian Desert. The activity was held at St. James Cavalier in Valletta. First, we were given a very interesting talk about raptors by a Birdlife member. After the talk we watched a video called: "Almaha: through the eyes of a falcon". The video was about the reintroduction of some Saker Falcons in the desert by a Sheik. The Sheik breeds the falcons and chooses some of them to be released into the wild. This with the hope that this species of falcon starts to breed again in the wild. After a short break, we had a craft session whereas the children made models of falcons from kite paper and decorated them with colourful designs.

All in all it was a very interesting experience for the children and also for us teachers who had the opportunity to learn about falcons and the beauty of these magnificent birds.

Mr. Paul A. Rapa

Teacher

Polar Bears

The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is a bear native to the Arctic. Polar bears are the world's largest land carnivores, with most adult males weighing 300–600 kg , adult females are about half the size of males. Its fur is hollow and translucent, but usually appears as white or cream colored, thus providing the animal with effective camouflage. Its skin is actually black in color. Its thick blubber and fur insulate it against the cold. The bear has a short tail and small ears that help reduce heat loss, as well as a relatively small head and long, tapered body to streamline it for swimming.

Ernie

One Playful and Friendly GuyErnie is the member of the Bert-and-Ernie team who is full of surprises. He is friendly and happy-go-lucky and loves to joke with his buddy-ol'-pal Bert. Ernie loves to sing in the tub and play with his Rubber Duckie.


Birthday- January 28 Favorite Song- Rubber Duckie" Best Friend-Bert Quote- "Hey, Bert ol' buddy? Are you asleep?" Likes- Playing tricks on Bert; eating Bert's pizza; taking baths with Rubber ducky Dislikes- When it's his turn to clean up; when Bert won't play
by Eric

The Blue Rock Trush ( Il-Merill)

It is also known as Blue Rock Thrush. The Blue Rock Thrush is Malta’s national bird, so it is protected by law (it cannot be shot or caught) The Blue Rock Thrush is found in areas which contain cliffs (eg. Dingli), but it has also been spotted in cities. In the past some pairs used to nest in the Valletta bastions. It is a residential bird. The cock is blue in colour, while the hens and the youngsters are greyish brown. This Thrush is 20cm long. The cock has a very melodious song. The breeding season starts in the end of February and stops at the beginning of April. The pair builds a nest of grass and twigs in a hole in a cliff. The hen lays about 5 greyish eggs, which hatch after about 2 weeks. The chicks start flying 17 days from hatching. The Blue Rock Thrush eats insects, lizards and fruit.

Helping Against Global Warming!

Ever wondered what you could do to help against Global Warming? Here are some helpful hints!

1. Using energy-saving lamps can help decrease the amount of pollution in the atmosphere. Power-stations produce large quantities of air-pollution so minimising the use and waste of electrical energy will in turn decrease the amount of pollution in the air. Remember that pollution is the main cause of global warming!

2. Recycling waste can also help in reducing air-pollution and, hence, global warming. The time and energy needed to produce a new aluminium can, for example, is far less than that used for producing a recycled aluminium can. Therefore, voila', less air-pollution!!!

So now you know! Start saving Our Planet!!!!

(Mr. P. Rapa)

Il-Pitirrossi

This is a poem in Maltese about Robins written by Janice Duca.

Il-Pitirrossi

Illum waslu l-pitirrossi;
Gew mill-boghod ilkoll flimkien.
Nizlu ghandna biex jistriehu,
Fuq is-sigra tar-rummien.

Ghandhom rashom donnha lewza,
U ghajnejhom zghar ckejknin.
Dak sidirhom ahmar ahmar
Bhal laring u l-mandolin.

Isma’ ftit xi gmiel ta’ ghanja,
Donnhom ghandhom zewg caghkiet.
Qeghdin jghidu fi triqitna,
"Ahna ltqajna ghall-Milied!"

Janice Duca
Year 6A

Robins.

The robin is probably the best- known of all migratory birds in Malta. At Christmas time, it can be seen on many greeting cards. Its red breast stands out strikingly against a white,snowy background.

It has a cheerful song, a handsome appearence and is so friendly that it will often hop on to a windowsill inside a house, to feed on nuts or even a piece of cheese, when it gets to know you.

The robin measures about 140 millimetres from beak to tail and has a wingspan of about 180 millimetres.

Robins choose many different places for their nests.As well as bushes they will choose holes in walls or trees.They have been known to choose an old rusty pan,a letterbox,a boot , an old car and even a pulpit.

Their nests are bulky and made of moss and grass and lined with hair and feathers. Both the cock and the hen help to make the nest and take turns sitting on the eggs to hatch them.They both rear their young.

Five or six eggs are laid around March and these are white,speckled with pale red.They take about two weeks to hatch.

Robins chiefly feed on insects,including spiders and fleas,but they also eat worms,berries and seeds.

air pollution

Air pollution is one of the most pervasive environmental problems because atmospheric currents can carry contaminated air to every part of the globe. Most air pollution comes from motor vehicle emissions and from power plants that burn coal and oil to produce energy for industrial and consumer use. Carbon dioxide and other harmful gases released into the air from these sources adversely affect weather patterns and the health of people, animals, and plants.

by fransianne

Help the environment

Turn off equipment like televisions , dvd,stereos nad cd players when you're not using them. That little red standby light means they're still using power - and that means a contribution to global warming.

[By Andre']

The Chameleon - Mosta, Malta.

Almost half of the world’s chameleon species live on the island of Madagascar. About 59 of these species are only found on this island.
Chameleons are known for their ability to change colour, they can be seen wearing a variety of colours, including brown, green, blue, yellow, red, black or white. Communication is an important reason behind these colour changes.
Contrary to popular belief, chameleons cannot display limitless colours and do not change colours according to their surroundings. Their skin changes in response to temperature, light, and mood. A calm chameleon may turn green, because the contracted yellow cells allow blue-reflected light to pass through. An angry chameleon may turn yellow, because the yellow cells have fully expanded, thus blocking off all blue-reflected light from below.
Chameleons have many other features. They are the only lizards with pincers on their feet. These are ideal for climbing trees. Chameleons also have an extremely long tongue which is used to snap up insects, and it can be up to twice the length of it’s body. Also distinctive are the eyes, which allow chameleons the ability to look at the world with a view of nearly 360-degree.

Here you can see a couple of photos showing a timid chameleon in Mosta, Malta who was in no hurry to escape the photographer's annoying flash!

(Mrs. R. Debono)

Turtles - A Danger of Extinction

Most adult loggerhead turtles nest every other year or every third year, laying several clutches of eggs during a nesting season. Only a small percentage of hatchlings survive to maturity! Loggerhead turtles have existed on Earth for millions of years with little serious threat to their survival - until recently. Pollution, lighted beaches, loss of nesting habitat, drowning in shrimp nets and other fishing gear have contributed to the drastic decline of these and other sea turtles.

It's Time

For us to

save the Turtles!!

By Brenda! :)

Giant pandas are black and white and loved all over

The giant panda is a national treasure in China and is therefore protected by law. This unique bear has long been revered by the Chinese and can be found in Chinese art dating back thousands of years. The Chinese call their beloved pandas "large bear-cats." People outside of China have been fascinated by giant pandas since they were first described by French Missionary Pere Armand David in 1869. Now, more than 100 years later, the worldwide love for pandas has been combined with international efforts to keep them from becoming extinct.

By Brenda! :)

pollution

The pollution is very dangerous for our lives especially when the smoke is coming out from the chimney of a hospital,powerstation and factory.Many people are cutting trees off and all the bad air goes in our breath.So let's build a teamwork and work on this thing that if we do it we are doing the best thing of our lives and we are saving others people's live too.Let's be carefull and don't do things that can make Malta more warm.One of the things that we can do is that we don't have to waste paper because papers come from trees and when we are waste them we are wastin a piece from a tree.

By mark

Gilled snails

Gilled Snails
The most common aquarium snails are gilled snails. These include the common pond snail to the left, and ramshorns and Malayan livebearing snails, below. All of these snails can get well populated in the aquarium.
Gilled snails are hermaphroditic but not all of them in the same way. Some species change sex, some fertilize their own eggs and some cross fertilize. Most of these snails lay eggs in gelatin masses attached to submerged rocks, plants and other surfaces. The Malayan livebearing snail is an exception.
A common way to rid tanks of unwanted snails is to use one of several types of Botias. These fish are commonly called loaches and include the well known clown loach. Water dogs will also clear out snails but they will also probably clear out any fish in the tank too.


BY: ISMAEL AZZOPARDI

pollution

This is a factory with very harmful smoke

coming from it.It's because it may be a powerstatoin and they have to burn a large amount of oil.

Chameleons

Chameleons are squamets that belong to one of the best-known lizard famalies.The name chameleon means (Earth lion) and it's the latinized form of the Ancient Greek (khamaileon) crawling lion , from (khamai) on the earth , on the ground.

Green Christmas!

Before Christmas, we have done several crafts using recycled materials.

In November we made Christmas cards using old Christmas cards. We also made Christmas cribs using shoe boxes. We covered them with brown paper and decorated them with cotton wool and scraps of paper. We drew the crib figures and pasted them onto cereal-box cardboard. We then put them in our cribs.

Another craft we made were Christmas crackers. We brought small toys from home and some sweets as well. We made the crackers by wrapping a toilet paper roll in old scraps of wrapping paper, filling it with the toy and sweets and tying the ends with a ribbon.

Finally we also made angels using paper doilies and cereal-box cardboard for the head and wings.

Let's do the tables !

One of the activities in Dinja Wahda is setting up a bird table. We have put the bird table in the school garden at the beginning of November and stock it every day with food for the birds. Food includes crushed biscuits, cake crumbs, halved prickly pears, seeds and others.

Our Class is Doing Dinja Wahda!

Hello! Welcome to our new blog about environmental education. This year, our school is participating in the project Dinja Wahda (One World) organised by Birdlife Malta. We are doing lots of interesting activities with the environment as our focus. We are taking care of a bird table, separating waste and we have also made Christmas cards and decorations using recycled material. In this blog we are going to keep a record of the activities we have done so far as well as other interesting information we come across. Enjoy!
For more information about Dinja Wahda log on to the website: http://www.birdlifemalta.org/